The wit and wisdom of Riggo

We begin with Riggo explaining his infamous "all-defensive" team.

TO leads PTI again today, the Tony Dungy reace stuff. Wilbon was critical of Dungy's views of things. TK discusses how more accepting of diversity in today's society, compared to a few decades ago.

Riggo wasn't sure he understood why Dungy's comments were so incendiary and then TK explained the whole "interracial" part of his quotes. Riggo thinks that not everyone sees it the same way as TK and Wilbon and understands that people would see the "mandingo" scenario. And why Dungy brought up Kobe seemed oddly out of place.

And there's the fact she was wearing a cross, which almost no one has brought up.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Like a Complete Unknown

Much more later (I had a different schedule today)

** ESPN analyst Trev Alberts, on Bob Stoops' and Steve Spurrier
** Howard Feinman, talking about the new Bush cabinet (on a sports show no less)
** Maryland Hoops Coach Gary Williams
** TK dissects (and disses) the Rolling Stone Top 500 Songs list -- TK didn't like their list, even though he loves Dylan, the Stones, the Beach Boys and the Beatles
** BION, calls from the cockroaches

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Gary Williams

How much longer will Gary Williams be at MD? Knocke says he's a young 59 and would be shocked if he didn't stay another 5 years or so. TK thought he was ready to bail a few years ago, but now, he's in great shape and has no desire to go right now. Would he coach anywhere else? Maybe an NBA job, says TK, but really doubtful. And the synergy between Fridge and Gary (contract wise) is great for him. And as TK says, neither of them are "happy people," but just might be happy with the way things have turned out.

TK's wife thinks the morning show "is too angry." And Andy thinks Angry=Good and yelling is cathartic.

And TK killed Dungy (a little) for his pious stance on the MNF/TO thing. And the whole flap is a win/win situation for ABC. Czaban wonders what if anyone even knows what the game is next week.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on the MNF flap

** MNF flap day two-- TK thinks it should have been an A1 story in the Post (it was in McPaper). As TK said yesterday afternoon, he thought it went over the line (thought Wilbon did not, when they discussed it on PTI). TK hates people who play the "what about the children?" card. TK's reason for disliking the skit has to do with sports being a "safety zone." Gary talked about the technical specs of the shoot, which had to be done with the knowledge of the Eagles and therefore, the NFL. And how about the NFL being in bed with the boner drugs? ESPN (which ABC owns) caved last year with Playmakers. And now ABC< still negotiating to renew MNF, isn't going to cause waves.
** Jason Aledxander was on Letterman last night and TK got name-dropped.
** Sam Smith from the Chicago Tribune --

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

A new view on the MNF sketch

TK has now seen the MNF opening and thinks it over the line. MNF is seen all over the country in the dinner hour and it's over the line, especially when you consider all the ramifications. TK brought up the Saving Private Ryan flap from last week. Was it clever and funny? Yes, but still over the line says TK. And ABC is going to cave, since they are still in negotiations with the NFL for their new contract. Czabe wondered where the "white stakes" are for this sketch. If she didn't drop the towel, would it be okay? and then there's the spectre of the "white woman" angle, which some people have suggested is part of the outcry. TK also took the time to slam "Sex and the City" and the horse-face toilet mouth, Sarah Jessica Parker.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Day 5 - the Whining Starts

We begin today with TK complaining about a) the bathroom situation and b) the lack of catered breakfast, both of which were part of his demands for coming back. He promises not to be back Monday unless they are addressed.

* Anna Nicole Smith is nuts. TK played clips from the AMA awards and wondered just what was she on during her air-time.
* TK's cousin Seth visits - He's the smart kid who went to Princeton.
* Cabinet Shake-up - TK talks about how he met the outgoing Agriculture Secretary at James Carville's birthday party. This segues into a discussion about how Gary won filmed some stuff with W in the White House. And back to the original discussion, where we talk about Condi Rice. Seth thinks this is a bad choice, since it will upset people around the world. TK counters by saying that it's a great political move.
* Later, phone calls about Junior and TK's trip to Jr's book party.

** El Riggo -- TO was good before, but now is seeminly unstoppable. Riggo says that Philly is just a superior right now. TK used to dislike TO, but "calls him my daddy." As for the QB changes for the week, Riggo is in favor of Eli Manning getting the Giants job over Kurt Warner. As for Patrick Ramsey, it's obvious that Gibbs didn't want to do it, but even he can't fight City Hall. And TK thinks that Gibbs has to goto Hasselbeck next before going back to Brunell.

** Trump -- TK says he's one of the few people who gets to play himself 24/7 (others include Bill Clinton and Bill Bradlee). There's an analysis of all the "billionaire reality" shows, the Cuban show (which died against LISTEN UP) and the new Richard Branson show (which has also tanked). TK played a hilarious clip of Trump TRASHING Branson's show. And we all know to TK loves people who trash their enemies.

** Junior's Book Party -- Junior was suprisingly well-dressed. TK calls Red Auerbach "a treasure" and is the greatest coach in NBA history. He retired in 1967 (at 50 years old) to concentrate at being a GM. And you could go to the China Doll today and see Red having lunch today.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

Today's show... (more later)

* Problems with Streaming - "The Dinger" is working on it
* Belittling Sports Talk radio callers - "cockroaches" to use Andy's words

** Be Careful what you wish for -- Ramsey in, Brunell out. TK says that everyone has been clamoring for it, and now you have it. TK was also amazed by the quantity and quality of the booing the Fed Ex crowd gave to Brunell in the first half. Wilbon has given up on the season. TK kills him for this, since Wilbon wants to talk about the next Skins' QB NEXT YEAR, but Wilbon hates when TK talks about the Sawks and Yankees on PTI.
** Mark Maske from the Post -- Around the NFL. Mike Martz, Ramsey/Brunell,...
** Wilbon to lead off the second hour -- TK recaps his anti-Wilbon stance earlier with MW on the phone. Wilson's response, "Drew Brees, baby." MW brings up how his sorry, no-account Bears are always on the QB carosel and now the Skins are too. TK thought the quick hook Sunday was uncharacteristic for Gibbs. Was it too quick? No, says MW. Andy called Brunell's performance Sunday "[Heath] Shuler bad." The tough question, according to TK, "Has Gibbs failed so far?" MW says that the team is less complete than it was last year, even with a Defense that will probably still be # 1 this week. MW also might be on the "Gibbs as coach, not GM" bandwagon.


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Scott Peterson and Arafat

We begin with the verdict in the Scott Peterson case. The main topic of conversation seems to be about how one of the jurors has a law degree and may have done some homework on his own about the case.

People have told TK that's been interrupting Andy Polley in the morning and that Andy should just hit Tony.

Briefly, there's mention of the Arafat funeral. TK wonders how people never seem to get killed when people fire guns in the air like that. And it seems like everyone has a gun. And wonders if any of the Palestinians are upset that it turns out that Arafat had over a billion dollars in the bank. And he may have died with some of the account codes in his head.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

How bout Linda Cohn?

The early recap... (more later)

* Everyone rips off Erik Rydholm
* Salisbury vs. Clayton
* Biggest disappointment so far in the NFL -- Skins, Pokes, Chefs or Panthers?
*Mustang Sally's anti-baseball column in the Post today
* Paul Daughtery from the Cincinnati Enquirer on the Skins/Bungles game this Sunday
* More on Ron Artest
* The Swami James Carville makes picks
-- UGA +4.5 Auburn, Boise State-32 Fresno State, Texans +9 Colts, Ole Miss +10 Arkansas

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Sports Content? No kidding.

On today's show (more later)...

* some suits from Binghamton hit up TK for an endowment
* John Riggins on the NFL Films special he did with Steve Sabol
* Bill Livingston from the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Maurice Clarett and OSU
* USA Today's David Dupree on Ron Artest ("he's not well"), the Lakers ("Kobe is the most hated player in the league") and brief movie talk
* Who does Andy hate worse - "contest pigs" or "cockroach callers"?
* discussing "King George" Michael and 20 years of the Sports Machine
* The radio version of the Kevin Bacon Game
* Old Guy Radio today -- Beach Boys "Don't Worry Baby" (TK's favorite song)


Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

THE BIG DAY IS FINALLY HERE

The recap is coming. I was away all day. Sorry.

Some highlights:

Wilbon, Junior and Bos talking about the stadium deal in DC.

Also, phone calls, emails and the return of Gary 'Big Time' Braun.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Pre-Launch Update

Here's some news, fresh off the phone from Mr. Tony himself, asking your questions (well, my questions, as asked by emailers):

1. Will there be phone calls? -- maybe, probably at some point.

2. Will there be emails? -- Oh sure. The address (something involving "this show stinks") is yet TBA. Once we get it, you'll get it.

3. Email jingle? -- Yes. In fact, Gary "Big Time" Braun may be on the first show tomorrow.

4. Old regulars? -- Many of the old familiar faces (and Wilbon). Mel will likely be picking games this week on the show. Look for most of the friends of the show (Ryan, Sam Smith, ...). And, of course, there's Wilbon.

5. Movie reviews? -- Yes. Stephen Hunter is working on his next book, so either Stephen or Joe Barber will be on the show on Fridays. And Lisa De Moreas will be on the show, talking TV.

There's your primer. Remember, 9 AM at Sportstalk 980. Be there, you dope.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Tony at a game?

As TK told us in his column today, he was at the Wizards game on Saturday.

TK is already fretting about his show (STARTING TOMORROW). And Czabe is happy as some of TK's demands have led to more bathroom opportunities. Although if someone is in there when TK has to go, he's getting his privacy. Similarly, TK has "his own" bathroom at home, which is on the top floor of Chez Kornheiser.

As for the DC baseball situation, TK wonders who the mystery stadium builder is (cough Dan Snyder cough) that got the stadium vote delayed today in City Council. And Linda Cropp, TK thinks, doesn't understand what happened when you tinker with sports issues, things that everyone cares about. Who else could it be? Uncle Abe Pollin? Bobcat Johnson? Would baseball greenlight the sale of the team to whomever builds the stadium? It's a thought.

TK doesn't mind the city paying for the infrastructure if someone privately funds the stadium. And people in DC may have been jaded because Jack Kent Cooke and Uncle Abe bought paid for stadia themselves.

Big News: Junior will be returning. TK joked that he already doesn't like his rate.

REMEMBER -- 9 AM to 11 AM and 11 AM to 1 PM. TOMORROW

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More Brunell Bashing

So what if there was a win? Skins fans still want to complain about the putrid performance of QB Mark Brunell.

TK fell on the side that said "Gibbs isn't going to change, so why bother?"

Also, TK got miffed at Andy for throwing Fred Smoot quotes his way. This was during the time when some of the Skins were comparing themselves to the Super Bowl Ravens teams (all D, no O). It is to laugh.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on TK's return

Of course, the big news today was the return of Tony's show. It will be 9-11 and then repeated from 12-1. (TAKE A SEAT, COWHERD, YOU NO-TALENT!)

(Thanks for the plug, Tony)

Everyone at 980 was there (except Czaban) to welcome Tony back to the station when he came in this morning. TK said he was very moved and the salespeople were probably happy they had someone to tell.

Yes, Andy will be back, in the Norton role he loves so much.

As for other news, there's a brief discussion about the new DC stadium proposal, one that would call for a new stadium next to RFK and not down by the river. TK didn't see the need to put a stadium elsewhere and now, if he were MLB, he wouldn't bring the team to DC now. This woman (Linda Cropp) was a big cheerleader when the announcement was made and now she wants a different deal. And the mayor must feel like Caesar right now. He said basically what TK said, this new deal will mean no team.

And if the DC council does this, baseball will NEVER come to DC proper. Czaban briefly tried to tout the NVA site (ha ha).

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

The News We've All Been Waiting For.. TK RETURNS!

From today's Radio and Records:

Tony Kornheiser Returns To WTEM/Washington

R&R has confirmed that Kornheiser, who gave up his WTEM-based ESPN Radio show earlier this year, will return to "The Team" on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to host a new live and local radio show from 9-11am, Monday-Friday. Kornheiser will also continue as co-host of ESPN's weekday show Pardon the Interruption, along with fellow Washington Post sportswriter Michael Wilbon.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

More on TO

We begin with the TO/Ray Ray thing again. And TK is still amazed that TO dropped the "double murder" angle with his quotes. And also thinks that TO has a persecution complex. On the field, Ray is praised and TO is villified.

El Riggo agrees that it's amazing that Ray has become the poster child for the league after being connected to a murder trial. Riggo just sees TO as a funloving guy (albeit misguided) and Ray is a dark and moody figure and would be an anti-hero archetype.

And if the Eagles win the Super Bowl, TO would get plenty of attention and endorsements (although not as much as Donovan F McNabb). And even Andy Reid doesn't think TO is a bad guy off the field.

TK got annoyed with Andy, who compares to TO to classic Muhammed Ali.

There was a brief conversation about TK's column from the other day (TK flip flopping on the Sean Taylor situation). Riggo thought that Gibbs may have done it to protect Taylor from the press.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Post-election blues

We begin by TK asking who that woman was on the show yesterday (that would be Carol Maloney from Comcast Sportsnet). TK had no problem with her, just no one had told him there was going to be any other guests. Czabe quickly tried to blame Galdi, but TK said it's like Ashlee Simpson blaming her band.

On to the election. TK watched a variety of channels last night (except Fox) and found ABC too technological for him. TK liked how Rather appeared to be disgusted with everything. NBC didn't call the whole thing until the Today Show did this morning and he thought Brokaw was disappointed that nothing big happened last night. (Czaban points out that NBC could have called it if they wanted, but they would have had to call it for W.)

Wally Backman - Andy doesn't think he should be hired, due to the domestic abuse allegations uncovered by the NY Times. Is it worse than O'Leary's transgretions at Notre Dame? TK thinks the ND thing is worse, since it's an academic institution. TK said he would be stunned if the D'Backs didn't actually know about this. Andy thinks it sends a bad message, since they are trying to sell tickets to women and children.

Terrell Owens continues to take shots at Ray Lewis, bringing up the double murder charges and wondering why people hate him and not Lewis. TK had a good chuckle about this.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Today's TK column

TK's column today features both discussions of Sean Taylor and Chimiqua Holdsclaw.

Before discussing it, TK talks about the process of writing it and talk about how sports columnists have to write about things in a shorter turn around than other columinsts in the paper.

And, with a couple days reflection on said topics, TK mentioned that his opinions Taylor and Gibbs had flip-flopped since the stories broke last week.

This segued into a discussion of male and female mindsets regarding teammates. It seems to TK that female players are more accepting of atypical behavior than men would, for example, how teammates did toward Barrett Robbins and Ricky Williams.

Conveniently, there's a woman in the studio (Comcast's Carol Maloney) to actually represent the distaff perspective.

We briefly discuss Jim Bowden's hiring as interim GM of Les Expos, which TK likens to winning "Dream Jobs." It's a job that will be gone as soon as the new owners find their own man. The #1 player for the job is Cal Ripken. Czabe fears an MJ situation.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine

Brunell thru thick and thin

We begin again with Brunell talk. What else. Gibbs won't be changing QBs, so why discuss it anymore.

And the Skins have gotten thru "the easy part" of their schedule, with Philly and Pittsburgh coming in the next month.

TK thought that Mike Wise's column today was off-base, but it was written by "an outsider." The fans won't turn on Gibbs, no matter how bad it gets. They'll just go after The Danny again.

New coaches and new players every year don't help matters.

As for Wilbon's column, same old same old: Defense good, offense bad. And quoted Darren Sharper (one of the NFL's smartest players) about Brunell not being what he once was.

Mark Coale
Odessa Steps Magazine