Chris Berman wins Pro Football Hall of Fame's Rozelle Award

[Steak Snabler]

Release the hounds ...

ESPN anchor Chris Berman is heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the second straight year -- this time as an honoree.

The Hall of Fame announced Monday that it will honor Berman with its Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award at this year's enshrinement ceremonies. The award recognizes "long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football."

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/07/pro-football-hall-of-fame-will-honor-espns-chris-berman-with-pete-rozelle-award/1

 

[MileHigh]

Thank you for keeping this off the Journalism board.

 

[old_tony]

Yeah, we're all tired of his schtick now. But the guy has been National Sportscaster of the Year six times and he's been the face of the NFL on ESPN for nearly three decades.

I do not have a problem with this selection.

As I told a friend who's heavily into college hoopes, he's basically to the NFL what **** Vitale is to college hoops. And no one would have a problem with **** Vitale getting a college hoops hall of fame media citation.

 

[Ben_Hecht]

**** Vitale has the sense to largely restrict his commentary to college
basketball (I know, there have been VERY isolated exceptions, but very, very few).

The other guy? Not so much.

I don't hate CB like the vast majority of this board, but the guy has overplayed his hand, and it's hurt his legacy.

 

[BTExpress]

The selection will cause the usual amoung of teeth gnashing around here. But it's deserved. Impossible to argue otherwise.

 

[LongTimeListener]

You're with me, Leather Helmet.

 

[SportsDude]

Berman deserves his spot, despite the fact he's become a parody of the parody that used to be himself.

 

[slappy4428]

I think the kneecap fund is about $500.....

 

[CR19]

Yeah, we're all tired of his schtick now. But the guy has been National Sportscaster of the Year six times and he's been the face of the NFL on ESPN for nearly three decades.

I do not have a problem with this selection.

As I told a friend who's heavily into college hoopes, he's basically to the NFL what **** Vitale is to college hoops. And no one would have a problem with **** Vitale getting a college hoops hall of fame media citation.

Vitale has only commented on college hoops, except for a baseball game or two. Chris Berman, on the other hand, "Back, back, back, back, gone!" He is one of the more annoying commentators at ESPN. I'd rather see a John Clayton, Adam Schefter, or Chris Mortensen get this award.

 

[MileHigh]

Never mind his atrocious U.S. Open "commentary."

 

[Steak Snabler]

Yeah, we're all tired of his schtick now. But the guy has been National Sportscaster of the Year six times and he's been the face of the NFL on ESPN for nearly three decades.

I do not have a problem with this selection.

As I told a friend who's heavily into college hoopes, he's basically to the NFL what **** Vitale is to college hoops. And no one would have a problem with **** Vitale getting a college hoops hall of fame media citation.

Vitale has only commented on college hoops, except for a baseball game or two. Chris Berman, on the other hand, "Back, back, back, back, gone!" He is one of the more annoying commentators at ESPN. I'd rather see a John Clayton, Adam Schefter, or Chris Mortensen get this award.

Pretty sure Clayton has already won it.

Clarification: Clayton won the **** McCann Award, which goes to writers. Peter King and Len Pasquarelli have also won the McCann award.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

The only way I'll defend Berman at all is that early in his career he was great. He was such a breath of fresh air compared to other broadcasters and back when I was in college, I would have definitely claimed him as my favorite broadcaster.

Granted, back then I would have said Rick Reilly was the best print journalist out there by several miles.

Right now, that seems like a long, long time ago.

 

[Liut]

So who introduces him, Ralph, Eddie or Carmen?

 

[Liut]

Oops. Polian?

 

[Deeper_Background]

"Leather, you're coming with me."

 

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

Boomer shouldn't be anywhere near this award. Ever!
This is akin to Stu Scott being recognized for broadcast excellence or Scoop Jackson or Bill Simmons for best columnists.
Snappy (outdated nicknames) and retreaded phrases (rumbling, bumbling stumbling) do NOT make someone a quality broadcaster. I have not watched the Sunday pregame train wreck in years, so maybe it's better.
And wtf does he broadcast? He does Primtime, once a good show - largely because of Tom Jackson. Now it's nothing more than a schtick machine. Does he do any football games?

I'd pick a half-dozen guys over him any day. He's pathetic.

Rant over.

 

[CR19]

The first time I saw this story was on this board. Did I miss the one-hour special to announce the award?

 

[Azrael]

Is "Primtime" the one where they dress like pilgrims?

 

[Liut]

Howard Cosell is deserving of this award. Suffers from a Modell-like bias.

Jack Fleming (yeah, I know Myron's in), Bill King, Rick Weaver and Jim Irwin are radiomen deserving.

 

[Steak Snabler]

Is "Primtime" the one where they dress like pilgrims?

Or like 1940s Cubs pitcher Ray Prim: