Awful Announcing
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Kirk Herbstreit facing criticism for referring to Caleb Williams as ‘a bucking bronco’
During Thursday Night Football on October 23, 2026, Prime Video analyst Kirk Herbstreit likened Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to a “bucking bronco,” saying the young signal‑caller needed to be “trained” after a reckless first season. The comment sparked immediate backlash, with commentators like Jemele Hill and social‑media users calling the metaphor offensive, especially given racial sensitivities. Critics note this isn’t Herbstreit’s first controversial remark about Williams, recalling a 2024 interview where he questioned the rookie’s discipline. The article argues that analysts should critique performance without resorting to animal comparisons.
Dan Campbell got quite agitated over questions about Sam LaPorta’s contract
The Detroit Lions, sitting 3‑2 and last in a tough division, are facing off‑field tension as tight end Sam LaPorta, fifth in NFL tight‑end receiving yards and touchdowns, aired frustration over his stalled contract extension during a Pardon My Take interview. Coach Dan Campbell addressed the media on October 23, 2026, defending LaPorta’s character and performance but grew visibly agitated when pressed repeatedly about the deal, warning that the questioning was becoming a distraction. Campbell emphasized LaPorta’s readiness to play and his value to the team, while acknowledging the business side of contracts.
Trump administration reportedly forced Britt McHenry to resign after NBA game incident
Former Fox News and ESPN host Britt McHenry was ejected from the Washington Wizards’ season‑opener against the Milwaukee Bucks after a heated exchange in which she threw a drink back at a fan who had insulted her and tossed a burger. Security escorted her out of Capital One Arena, and the incident went viral. Page Six reports the fallout reached the White House: McHenry, who had just been promoted to a State Department press‑advisor role, was forced to resign less than 24 hours later.
3 reasons Troy Aikman and ESPN seem like they’re heading to a divorce
A looming split may end Troy Aikman's 15-year stint on ESPN's Monday Night Football booth. After reports of a heated clash with play‑by‑play partner Joe Buck, Aikman says he’ll become a free agent after the Super Bowl LXI broadcast in February, citing stalled contract talks. The veteran analyst, who earns $18 million annually, is pushing for a $30 million deal—a figure ESPN deems excessive given his once‑a‑week workload and the network’s broader payroll. Additionally, insiders describe Aikman as difficult to work with, fueling backstage tension. With younger talent like Greg Olsen poised to replace him, ESPN appears ready to let the iconic former Cowboys quarterback walk.
Roger Goodell identifies Tokyo as NFL’s next target for international game
Commissioner Roger Goodell tells NFL Daily that Tokyo is the league’s next international stop, following a historic slate that included games in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London and an upcoming showdown in Paris between the Steelers and Saints. Goodell stresses the importance of coordinated media, sponsorship and TV rights to drive global reach, citing the 100,000‑fan crowd in Australia as proof the model works. The NFL’s nine‑game overseas schedule continues with matchups in Madrid (Nov. 8), Munich (Nov. 15) and Mexico City (Nov. 22), setting the stage for a potential Tokyo game in the near future.
The Ringer’s Kirk Goldsberry leading Texas athletics’ new AI initiative
Texas athletics launches Bevo Lab, an AI analytics platform led by The Ringer’s NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry, who previously ran the San Antonio Spurs' analytics. Athletic director Chris Del Conte touts the initiative as "earth‑shattering," while Goldsberry acknowledges AI skepticism but predicts major advances in sports analytics and insists the tool will complement, not replace, human staff. Bevo Lab, using only UT data, helped head coach Steve Sarkisian decide on a fourth‑down play against Florida—a game Texas lost 27‑24. The rollout follows Washington State’s controversial AI partnership and includes a focus on ethical concerns.
Tiger Woods’ surprising TGL plans teased by Kevin Kisner
NBC analyst Kevin Kisner hints that Tiger Woods will soon resume a full schedule in the TGL simulator league he co‑founded, prompting Kisner’s own contract with the Jupiter Links team to be ended. After a brief TGL comeback last season and a recent DUI case, Woods has completed rehab and is reportedly prepping for the Hero World Challenge in early December, the Father/Son PNC Championship, and possibly the Masters. TGL’s new ESPN TV deal and the presence of stars like Woods and Rory McIlroy are boosting the league’s profile.
Donald Trump: NFL ‘could have probably postponed’ Paris game
Despite President Donald Trump's warning that the NFL should have postponed the International Series matchup, the league confirms the Saints‑vs‑Steelers game will proceed at Stade de France on Sunday. The decision comes amid violent student protests, widespread riots and a curfew in Paris, where over 1,500 shops were damaged and 2,400 arrests made last weekend. The Steelers have already canceled a fan event, and PSG's match was delayed, but the NFL says there is no safety concern. Trump said the situation in France is “trouble” and the league could have delayed the game.
Charles Barkley fails spectacularly on hilarious edition of ‘Who He Play For?’
In the opening week of the 2026-27 NBA season, Charles Barkley turns a comedic disaster into television gold on Inside the NBA’s “Who He Play For?” segment. After misidentifying Moe Wagner, Buddy Hield, Taurean Prince and others—going 0‑for‑5 on his first try—Barkley earns a rare redo, nails two answers, and keeps the studio in stitches. Shaq, Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith join the banter as Barkley jokes about missing games and even corrects the Pistons‑Celtics kickoff time. The crew crowns it the funniest edition yet, hinting it could be Barkley’s swan‑song on the show.
Caleb Williams pokes fun at Richard Sherman for Bears ranking: ‘I see it all’
After the Bears' 30-24 Thursday Night Football win over the Patriots, quarterback Caleb Williams jokingly ribbed former NFL star Richard Sherman about the Bears landing a Top‑5 spot on Sherman's podcast rankings. Williams, who recovered from a hamstring injury and dismissed injury rumors, praised the team's energy and said he’s “keeping an eye” on the buzz. Sherman swapped the Patriots for Chicago at No. 5 on his Top‑5 list, prompting a playful exchange on the TNF desk. The banter highlights the Bears’ rising confidence mid‑season.
Paul Finebaum recalls being with Tim Tebow after Pablo Torre’s Life Surge report
Paul Finebaum recounts a tense moment with Tim Tebow in Gainesville after Pablo Torre’s investigative report on the Life Surge Christian organization aired. Finebaum, who works with Tebow on the SEC Network and also knows Torre, says he simply offered Tebow support as the allegations—detailing Tebow’s $50‑$100 K speaking fees, low‑ticket events, and a controversial mentorship program charging up to $50 K—surfaced. Tebow, caught off guard, paused his ties with Life Surge while his team investigates. Finebaum emphasizes his trust in Tebow and notes he avoided confronting Torre directly. The episode, highlighted on the Awful Announcing podcast, sheds light on the fallout and the seriousness of the claims.
Kevin Willard calls Philadelphia Inquirer reporter ‘a bad writer’ in rant that confirms reporting on Villanova’s Big 5 exit
After a 93-71 exhibition loss to Virginia, Villanova coach Kevin Willard blasted Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff Neiburg as a “bad writer” while inadvertently confirming the reporter’s story that Villanova will leave the historic Big 5. The piece details the Big 5’s declining attendance, a failed 2023‑2026 format revamp that added Drexel, and Villanova’s push for a new schedule and Hall of Fame banquet that the other schools rejected. Willard claims the exit wasn’t Villanova’s decision and blames Temple and the other members for blocking a proposal that would have given the Wildcats a bye and home advantage based on NET rankings. The fallout caps a 70‑year city rivalry now set to continue without the Wildcats.
Sage Steele reportedly continuing relationship with Life Surge despite scam allegations
After Tim Tebow and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stepped back from Life Surge amid Pablo Torre’s fraud allegations, ESPN veteran Sage Steele remains a spokesperson for the Christian group. A new PTFO episode shows Steele speaking at a Charlotte event on Oct. 10, warning that “cancellation is real” after her own fallout with ESPN. Torre’s earlier report detailed Life Surge’s pricey courses—up to $50,000—and aggressive financing tactics that have drawn criticism as a scam. While Life Surge denies deceptive practices, Steele has not answered Torre’s inquiries, keeping her ties to the organization under scrutiny.
Matt Friend turns ‘Thursday Night Football’ political in ‘The Friend Zone’ debut
Comedian Matt Friend launches his new post‑game segment “The Friend Zone” during Thursday Night Football’s Bears‑Patriots matchup at Soldier Field. After Chicago’s 31‑24 win, Friend delivered a rapid‑fire mix of celebrity impressions—including Obama, Trump, and King Charles—and politically‑tinged jokes about the NFL, the Bears’ possible move to Indiana, and a range of sports figures. The segment, described as a late‑night‑style sketch, marks Friend’s debut on the TNF Nightcap and underscores the network’s shift away from the cancelled “Late Hits with Nikki Glaser” experiment.
Ron Darling non-committal on SNY future despite two years remaining on deal
Ron Darling remains vague about his SNY future despite having two contract years left. In a recent interview, the 66‑year‑old former Mets pitcher, who also calls games for TBS, says he evaluates his role year‑by‑year, even though the network offers long‑term deals. The conversation touches on the Mets’ trade of Freddy Peralta, his 5‑9 record with New York, and subsequent resurgence with Tampa Bay, where he earned AL Pitcher of the Month and ALCS MVP honors. Darling’s chemistry with Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez keeps SNY’s Mets booth ranked third in local broadcaster polls, but his candor about the team’s struggles continues to spark debate.
Dak Prescott addresses ‘comical’ hot takes about the Cowboys
Quarterback Dak Prescott laughs off the relentless hot‑take frenzy surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, calling much of the media chatter “comical.” In a Front Office Sports interview, Prescott credits owner Jerry Jones for keeping the franchise constantly in the spotlight, noting that any attention—good or bad—drives viewership. He acknowledges the team’s 2‑4 start yet insists the Cowboys’ brand power outweighs the noise, and he tries to ignore pundits like Stephen A. Smith. Prescott says the Cowboys’ fame is a double‑edged sword, but the on‑field performance remains the only thing that truly matters as they face the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Nick Wright calls out media for unfair Angel Reese coverage
On FS1’s First Things First, Nick Wright slams sports media for ignoring Angel Reese’s on‑court brilliance in the WNBA Finals. He highlights Reese’s record‑breaking 2026 season—shattering the single‑season rebound mark, earning Defensive Player of the Year, and steering the Atlanta Dream to a 2‑1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries. Wright urges broadcasters to cover the actual basketball instead of cultural‑war spin, noting the Dream’s chance at a first championship and a potential Finals MVP for Reese. Analyst Chris Broussard concurs, saying Reese’s performance deserves the spotlight that Caitlin Clark once received. The segment calls out the hypocrisy surrounding WNBA coverage.
WNBA’s Houston Comets find local broadcasting homes for returning season
The revived Houston Comets will air games locally this season after sealing a multi‑year deal with Tegna. Free‑to‑air broadcasts land on KTBU Channel 55 and select games on CBS affiliate KHOU 11, while the Space City Home Network and its streaming service SCHN+ carry the full slate on cable, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. KHOU also promises year‑round exclusive Comets content across its news programs and digital platforms. The franchise, a founding WNBA team that won the league’s first four titles before folding in 2008, returns under the Fertitta family, who moved the Connecticut Sun to Houston and added former ESPN NBA reporter Kevin Pelton to the front office.
Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi on how he paints the World Series for ESPN Radio ahead of his fourth Fall Classic
Jon “Boog” Sciambi gears up for his fourth consecutive World Series on ESPN Radio, joining analysts Eduardo Pérez, Jessica Mendoza and reporter Buster Olney as the Brewers host the Rays in Game 1 at American Family Field. He reflects on following broadcasting legends like Vin Scully, explains his meticulous technique—timing cues, pauses, and vivid descriptors—to paint the action for listeners, and celebrates radio’s unique drama. Sciambi says the World Series is his favorite assignment, emphasizing the importance of each pitch and the craft behind turning sound into a visual experience.
Former Maryland coach Mike Locksley eyeing move to TV commentary, possibly with BTN
Mike Locksley parts ways with Maryland after a 2-5 start and a 38-49 record over eight seasons. While a $9.75 million buyout guarantees him a hefty payout, the former Terrapins head coach says his coaching days may be over and he is eyeing TV work, potentially with the Big Ten Network, to gain experience. Locksley also remains open to assistant roles in the NFL or at a top college program. He earned $6.4 million this year, and Maryland must pay the full buyout regardless of his next job.
Hearst CEO has ‘no interest’ in selling ESPN minority stake
Hearst Communications' CEO Steven Swartz tells Axios he has "no interest" in selling the company's ESPN minority stake. Hearst bought a 20% share for about $170 million in 1990; the holding now sits at 18% after the NFL grabbed a 10% stake earlier this year, valuing ESPN at roughly $30 billion. Swartz praises ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro, Disney, and the NFL as top sports‑entertainment partners and says the business remains “great” despite cord‑cutting pressures. While the stake could fetch over $5 billion if sold, Hearst plans to keep it, betting on future upside.
TV and streaming viewing picks for October 23, 2026: How to watch World Series Game 1
Awful Announcing lists every TV and streaming option for October 23, 2026, highlighting how to catch World Series Game 1 on the East Coast. The opening game streams live on ESPN+, while the national broadcast airs on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, rebroadcast on ESPN2 later in the night. The guide also details other major events—from AFL women’s matches on Fox One to Bundesliga, CFL, college football, NBA, F1 practice sessions, and PGA Tour golf—complete with channel line‑ups and announcer rosters, helping fans plan a full day of sports viewing.
Marshall Faulk publicly discloses Parkinson’s diagnosis: ‘I’m in a good place’
Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, 53, publicly reveals his early‑onset Parkinson’s diagnosis on the podcast “The Caring Neurologist.” After noticing hand rigidity while golfing, a routine physical prompted further testing and the diagnosis. Faulk joins fellow former NFL players Ahman Green and Chris Johnson, who recently disclosed Parkinson’s and ALS, respectively. He emphasizes early detection, aims to raise awareness, and continues mentoring young athletes as Southern University’s head coach. Faulk says he feels “in a good place” and focuses on living well with the condition.
NBC and Peacock’s 2026 NBA Tip-Off most-watched opening night ever
NBC and Peacock smash NBA opening‑night records on Oct. 22, 2026. The Philadelphia 76ers‑New York Knicks game draws a primetime high of 7.71 million average viewers (peaking at 9.1 million), the most‑watched debut ever, while the Oklahoma City Thunder‑San Antonio Spurs doubleheader brings the overall tip‑off night to 6.41 million viewers, surpassing the 5.7 million record set in 2010. The surge is credited to James’s Philadelphia debut and the Knicks’ first championship celebration since 1973, with the afternoon Celtics‑Pistons game adding 2.5 million viewers.
Mark Sanchez’s change-of-plea hearing rescheduled to 2027, case reassigned to new judge
Mark Sanchez’s change‑of‑plea hearing moves from Nov. 9, 2026 to Jan. 25, 2027, and the case shifts to Judge Angela Dow Davis after Judge Helen W. Marchal recuses herself. Sanchez, who pleaded guilty last month to undisclosed charges arising from a violent Indianapolis incident that left both him and 69‑year‑old truck driver Perry Tole hospitalized, will now appear before the new judge. The altercation, tied to his intoxicated on‑site call for a Colts game on Oct. 5, 2025, led to his suspension and eventual firing by Fox Sports. A pending civil suit is set to be dismissed by Jan. 8, 2027.
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