Is Zach Wilson’s story ultimately going to be more about the scoring he does off the field?
By now you probably know about this soap opera surrounding the Jets quarterback which features his ex-girlfriend, his former college teammate/roommate, his new gal-pal, and reportedly his mother’s friend.
The new version of Wilson’s Gang Green has sucked up all the other story — and oxygen — on the road from the room to training camp. It is here that when asked about the situation, Wilson would either say something funny or in a nice way that his personal life is his business and that he would love to talk about football.
The question is, will the media, including social diversity, accommodate them? Or will they be looking for more gossip to get the ball rolling? If Wilson doesn’t show up sharp at training camp, pot-stirrers will wonder out loud whether his “focus” lies elsewhere—such as on his love life.
Wilson can repeat over and over again that he is all about football. That doesn’t mean he’ll be able to convince commentators from Valley of the Stupid Gasbags, or other media complexes, that he’s truly dedicated to his work between the lines. Skeptics will be sure only if his on-field performance will clear things up, one way or another. Nonetheless, this “scandal” could actually turn out to be a good thing for Wilson.
Many, many moons ago this theory was proved by Joe Namath. His lightning adventures on and off the gridiron confirmed that Joe Wiley could be expertly successful at doing two things at once, so to speak. And the media loved him for it. He was her son. Namath also provided a distinct image and culture to the Jets; Still searching for some 2022 jets.
As things stand now, the NFL doesn’t think the Jets have the power, pizza, or quarterback to be a legal attraction. The league scheduling gnomes gave the Jets regional status at 1 p.m. in 14 of their first 15 games. That means no national performances or “love” until December 22 when the Jets head to Jacksonville on Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football.” Since all teams get a chance to play on “TNF”, there is no great achievement.
Viewed through the prism of victory, Wilson would be a formidable quarterback in the soap opera, who can handle all varieties and places of heat. A quarterback who inspires his teammates in different ways. Through the prism of losing, Wilson becomes nothing more than a sad character in another regrettable, dysfunctional sports reality show that no one cares about.
clemens deliver
The greatest achievement of ESPN’s “Kerrod Cast” is the discovery of Roger Clemens, the broadcast partner for “Sunday Night Baseball.”
The fire-bowling, PED hoax turned into his second spectacular guest spot last Sunday during the Yankees-Red Sox with Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez. Like his first appearance, Clemens was loose, thought-provoking, witty and original. And (duh) he really knows what he’s talking about. Kay/Rodriguez also deserves credit for getting the most out of Clemens.
Both Fox and ESPN, two of the three MLB “free” TV partners (Turner is the third), have shown no hesitation in hiring players who cheat the game. So, if they’ve already taken that road, Suits should consider hiring Clemens (if he wants a TV gig) as an analyst. Not only does he show potential, he can probably take a studio seat now and be better than most of the voices already yaking.
low rating
On the surface, it looked like a caller suggesting Michael K to “take over” Don La Greca’s career was reason enough to ignite DLG’s fire on Monday, giving him his second rant in the same call. But erected.
Still it’s worth considering whether the cast and crew are on edge in the continued drop in ratings for ESPN-98.7’s “The Michael K Show” and the recent beat-down in the ratings department from WFAN’s “Carton & Roberts Show”. are – disappointed – giving the DLG all the more reason to aim for a more convenient target first.
Eventually, the same artist who had achieved ratings glory (K, DLG, Peter Rosenberg) with the same style show moves to eleventh on the market with 3.3 shares (men 25-54 demo), losing to Spring Ratings. has gone. Book for the Afternoon-Drive Sports Show hosted by Craig Carton/Evan Roberts of WFAN, which recorded 6.3 shares, second on the market. This was the second straight ratings book win for Carton/Roberts who are in a groove.
Now, K Show is like a slippery player who can’t get off the skids. Do they make changes to personnel or materials? Or do they keep rolling the same dice, depending on the stuff they’ve worked on before?
Like DLG’s rant.
“Never tell me, you wouldn’t have the guts to say it to my face,” DLG yelled at the awkward caller, “Michael K has nothing to do with who I am and who I am. I am Michael I can work with K (who didn’t work in the 98.7 show last week). I can work without Michael K.”
CAN’T TAKE SCHTICK
Stephen A. Smith can’t get back to ESPN’s “First Take” fast enough.
Whenever he returns, perhaps SAS can hold off on Wednesday’s anticipated segments featuring former athletes and Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo.
In the plug-and-play “debates” the player is challenging, and casting aspirations on many of Rousseau’s “old school”. The latest mouth to rely on the blueprint was former NFL DB Dominic Foxworth. There was nothing subtle about his approach. On social media he pushed the notion that he was out to “cook” the dog.
Hey, this stuff was compelling when it was spontaneous. Like when JJ Reddick steamed up Rousseau. Now, it has become a boring shtick. It may still be funny but it is very predictable.
around the dial
Apparently confident that its new “Monday Night Football” team, Joe Buck/Troy Ekman, needs no practice, the ESPN suit has replaced its new No. 2 team, Steve Levy, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlowski and reporter Laura Rutledge. Assigned to work in two exhibitions. Games (Chicago in Seattle on August 18th and the Falcons at the Jets on August 22nd). The team will also call three regular season games. … Cody Decker did a good job with Carton last week as a late fill for Evan Roberts (out with COVID). … Frank Isola and Mina Kims were solid together on ESPN’s PTI last week. Primarily, Isola, teased Kims, for the ceremonial first pitch he threw at the Mariners’ game last month, and didn’t give him any style points. … Incredibly, Norman Julius Asiason went a week without fat-shaming Mekhi Becton. Congratulations!
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Dude of the Week: Brandon Nimmo
Always impressive when there is time in the season to give back to the major leaguers. Such was the case last week when a Mets center fielder hosted a sandlot baseball game in Flushing. A simple and effective way to reach and inspire.
Weekend: FS1
For a remote disturbance. The FS1 suite, apparently to save a few bucks, thought it would be a good idea to have AJ Pierczynski and Kevin Kugler do a worthwhile Mets-Braves job from a remote location. Pierzinski’s mic died in the second inning and the Foxies had to scramble, bringing in Dontrell Willis from his LA studio for AJP. lame.
double talk
what Brian Cashman Said: “Hope for the best [of Joey Gallo] is yet to come.”
what Brian Cashman Meant to say: “I am running out of patience.”
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