Tuesday, April 1, 2008

The End of an Era

An absolute bombshell from the Miami Herald last night:

Color commentator Ray Hudson has left GolTV with immediate effect after the network reached an agreement with ESPN to buy out the remainder of his contract. It is understood he will be featuring in ESPN2's coverage of the 2008 Major League Lacrosse season. GolTV producer Helberth Ariza said "It is hard for the smaller sports networks like us to compete with the big boys like ESPN. Some transfer of talent is inevitable. They did offer us Tommy Smyth in part-exchange but we made it clear that would be a deal-breaker."

Mr. Hudson arrived yesterday in Bristol, Connecticut, and has already started reviewing ESPN's library of MLL action. ESPN spokesperson Avril Sciocco said "As the worldwide leader in sports, naturally we had received thousands of emails from soccer fans bringing our attention to this talented and exciting individual. However, with no positions open in our Major League Soccer and UEFA Champions League coverage, Ray Hudson will be bringing his unique style to another fast-growing sport. This will build on the success ESPN has had with announcers crossing-over from other sports, such as Dave O'Brien and Dawn Staley."

Anyone who heard baseball announcer O'Brien's dismal performances during the World Cup, or WNBA star Staley's (possibly drunken) outbursts during Bass Saturday may disagree. Personally, as a soccer fan this is obviously terrible news, but to be honest I am a little glad that I'll be able to take a break from blogging until the Rochester Rattlers meet the Long Island Lizards on May 17th.

Update (from reader Alton) - I of all people should have known that Dawn Staley's TV career would have at least one fan.

Another update - email from fusion77:
i drive past the gol tv offices every day. this morning i actually stopped by to see if anything was happening. there were a couple of people hanging around outside who i think were reporters. i couldn't stay long but i did see one large man arrive. he wouldn't answer any of their questions but i did hear him sobbing quietly in a familiar baritone.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fuck no! Horrible news!

Anonymous said...

Well done, sir. Bass Saturday... Brilliant.

Anonymous said...

Can you put up a link to the story in the Miami Herald?

Anonymous said...

Good god, even though I was on the lookout for April Fools jokes, this one nearly gave me a heart attack!!

ESPN ranking lacrosse coverage over soccer -- nice dig. ;)

Anonymous said...

I forwarded this to 3 people who all bought it. Happy April Fool's.

Anonymous said...

Ms. Sciocco made herself sound like a fool by mentioning O'Brien and Staley as successes. They suck. This must be her first day on the job.

Anonymous said...

Add me to the "hook in mouth" list...My freaking jaw hit the floor!
I`m ok now but that wasn`t funny for a while there bud!

Anonymous said...

Very good, very good...

Lenny said...

So this really isn't happening? Please say this was April fools!

Edward Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Edward Lee said...

D'oh. I have been had.

Unknown said...

Man, you have to say April Fools at the end. Don't leave us hanging!

Anonymous said...

Geez, at least give us a Lirpa Loof or something. Geez! Heart attack!

Anonymous said...

That was beyond cruel. Really, it's not funny.

Anonymous said...

You just stroll around languid like, like smoke off a cigarette, you know. And then you jump out and just draw my blood.

(stands, clapping--walks out of building, still clapping)

Major League Lacrosse. Well done sir!

Anonymous said...

That was a great April Fools Joke!!! I was thinking who was going to replace Ray to go along with Phil Schoen when i watch Barca!

Derek said...

This would have been disasterous. What really got me was that ESPN was going to stick him in MLL because there were no UEFA or MLS slots available. Comical and painful to read because I believed it.

Brad Meehan said...

You suck.

It's April 3rd so I forgot all about fool's day. Maybe it should be call "Fool's Month". You got me good.

canyonfairy said...

Wow! You totally had me going! I almost hit the panic button!

Anonymous said...

Wow I told everyone I know. This was a great joke but I was actually really sad. Ray is the best and his commentary only works with the beatiful game not shitty lacrosse...thank the footballing gods.

Anonymous said...

geez, i'd already put the gun in my mouth when i read the date. good joke

Anonymous said...

I had a heart attack - I love this guy - he makes the game - that much more worth watching.

Gil - a die hard real fan