ESPN Takes the Broads out of Monday Night Football Broadcasts
Monday February 11, 2008
Is it Monday Night Football, or the He-Man Woman Hater's Club? I ask because two women who were part of ESPN's MNF broadcast have lost their jobs. Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber are history, although ESPN says that "precise roles are currently being determined" for the two former sideline reporters.
As interesting as this story is, it's the readers' posts over at AOL's FanHouse that give meaning to the term 'color commentary.' Some say the women are knowledgeable and informed, while others complain they're inexperienced and don't belong on the field or in the locker room.
The appreciation and understanding of football isn't a gender-specific trait. Let's hope that the firing of these two sportscasters had nothing to do with their being female, and that Monday Night Football won't return to an old boys club where no girls are allowed.
Comments
According to USA Today, both Tafoya and Kolber will still be on the telecasts, but not necessarily as “sideline reporters,” doing pre and post-game interviews and occassional breaking news.
I have an aunt who’s loved football, particularly the Dallas Cowboys, for as long as I can remember. Try telling HER that football isn’t for women!
Andy Rooney will be relieved.
They were just on the sidelines looking pretty all dolled up, but were not sportcasting.
The Ladies were fine, the announcers are the ones who SUCK, especially TONY. What happened to just doing the game and not all the story telling and arguing!!
Anyone is better than the 3 Stooges that are broadcasting on Monday Night Football……we have to mute the sound as they NEVER shut up!
Amen…!!!ESPN should worry about the 3 morons(The head moron being the OBNOXIOUS TONY) in the booth before they worry about who is on the sidelines. I’d rather Michelle & Suzy do the commentary…ANYONE could do a better job. I also watch MNF on mute. I too am a women but I know the signals & rules so don’t need the 3 idiots to tell me what’s going on. I don’t think women should be allowed in the locker room; (they were fine ion the sidelines), but it matters little who ESPN has on the sidelines as long as they keep Tony in the booth. Are there no more Dandy Dons, Framk Giffords or Hoeward Cosells left in the world? I watch SNF over on NBC more than I do MNF unless it’s a really good game …and then on mute only.