Georgia Southern Takes Radio In-House

((HT: WMAZ-TV Macon))

Georgia Southern University is taking their radio broadcasting in-house for the foreseeable future because of an outstanding payment of $52,000 from the previous rights holder...

Georgia Eagle Media and their boss, Georgia state Senator Cecil Staton, wanted a year's extension so he could find a revenue-based way to pay the school the outstanding debt, but Southern isn't buying what Georgia Eagle is selling at present.

FOSG Lorra Lynch-Jones tells the tale...


Here are the documents detailing the debt and the paper trail, thanks again to WMAZ-TV

Paul Belfi's Wrestling Passion Bucket Overflows...

((HT: Deadspin, Hickey/SportsTalkNetwork.com))

The HQ admits that there are a lot of problems with modern-day wrestling...

That's why we don't watch anymore unless old-schoolers are involved...
With good writing...

Pro Wrestling This Week's Paul Belfi goes ape-nuts bonkers*** about the first issue- bad wrestling and bad writing... but Belfi himself is the second issue...

And a microcosm of what's 'rong with 'rassling...
It's a rant for the ages... but Belfi really needs decaf...

Dye And Stallings Double-Team Finebaum

And, yes, we always ask at the HQ...

"Who the hell is Paul Finebaum...?"

One of the most influential members of the SEC media was taken to the woodshed today on his nationally-aired program by coaches Pat Dye and Gene Stallings...

The two coaches are, normally, on the air to discuss football with the man, but the discussion deteriorated into a 2-on-1 where Finebaum backtracked and could not defend a position he took in an interview with CBS-CSTV's Mike Leach.

To set this stuff up...

Leach was on Finebaum's program a week previous, and in the length of the discussion disclosed that he was "never fired for an NCAA violation."

Finebaum could have taken this soundbite two separate ways: 1) That Leach was talking about himself and slamming Texas Tech's administration for his dismissal, or 2) That Leach, because he was talking to an SEC host, made a thinly-veiled reference about Coaches Dye and Stallings and intimated that they had.

Stallings wasted no time in chasing after Finebaum...
((HT: Paul Finebaum Radio Network))

"It was also reported to me that you said that you knew... without a doubt that I was asked to resign. And that's not right at all... I just want to make sure that your listeners know what's true and what's not true."

Leach had said that they (meaning Dye and Stallings) were fired, too "based on the success they had so I guess I'm in pretty good company. Although, sufficed it to say I wasn't fired for violating NCAA rules."

Dye admitted in the exchange that he wasn't fired, either. Finebaum asserted that he knew that Stallings was asked to resign, and tried to determine that both coaches had their "panties in a wad" over the argument.

The main issue with both coaches toward the host that he did not defend their cases when Leach was on Finebaum's show, and when Finebaum was pressed, he went to commercial.

Part Two of the exchange had Dye so upset, at one point, he wondered aloud if the sponsor of the segment would still sponsor it if Leach was swapped out for the former Auburn coach.

"... if you want to have Mike Leach take my place, then call David up and see if he'll sponsor Mike Leach on the program..."

It was confrontational radio, and the HQ has to side with the coaches in this one...
Stallings admitted his feelings were hurt by Finebaum's lack of a defense of two of the most storied coaches in the SEC.

We also wonder if the relationship is now forever strained among these three...

For those not familiar with F-Baum's work, here's a story that CSTV did on him almost three seasons ago...
((HT: CBS))


Interestingly enough the day CSTV showed up, Coach Dye would be the topic...

Goodell: Roethlisberger Violated Policy

((HT: DanPatrick.com))

Not that this is a surprise or anything...

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined Dan Patrick this morning on his nationally-syndicated talk show to discuss a lot of topics- and, naturally, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Roethlisberger was one of them.

YahooSports! is reporting that the commimssioner is going to announce a penalty this week: "There may be plenty of reports. I make the decision when I"m prepared to do so," Goodell said.

But Goodell did acknowledge a violation of the conduct policy...

From Andrew Perloff's posting:

"Yes, there has been a violation of that," Goodell said. "The issue here is respect to a pattern of behavior ... bad judgments."

Goodell said he needed time to review all the facts. "Obviously there is a dispute about the facts that occurred that night," Goodell said.

Listen to the segment here...

Odds are if there isn't an announcement before the NFL Draft on Thursday, there won't be one until next week.

Never Lose A Bet To McLovin'

((HT: DirectTV/The 101))

Sometimes, revenge is a dish best served with balls...

GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!

From the Monday "Dan Patrick Show," show producer Paul Pabst and show-blogger Andrew "McLovin' " Perloff had a bet over the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.

McLovin' got the win so that meant Paulie had to take Dodgeballs and soccer balls from the free throw line...

Hilarity ensues...



Now, if those of us at OSG HQ could get a studio space like that, we'd be in business...

Gary Miller Probably won't call Soccer Games

Admittedly, we are not huge soccer fans here at OSG World HQ, but we respect the game and realize that it has a humongous fanbase internationally and occasionally here in the U.S. That being said, we feel an obligation to pass on this clip from the Dan Patrick Radio show...in the clip, Gary Miller tries...in vain to read Soccer Highlights from I guess the day before...and let's just say, he had some trouble with the names.

Enjoy the read, the video isn't much to look at though: Courtesy of the You Tube

Sports Talk Goes Head-To-Head With Christine Brennan

Christine Brennan has raised a few eyebrows in the last days over her comments on the Erin Andrews situation...

Here was Round One on her Facebook and Twitter elements...

On the Erin Andrews situation, a quick thought for those who have asked: There are hundreds of women covering sports in this country who haven't had this happen to them. I wish it didn't happen to Erin, but I also would suggest to her if she asked (and she hasn't) that she rely on her talent and brains and not succumb to the lowest common denominator in sports media by playing to the frat house.

Seeing this, and remembering their tete-a-tetes from the past, "Steak" Shapiro and co-host Chris DiMino hads Brennan as a guest on the "Mayhem in the AM" program Thursday morning on WQXI-AM/790 The Zone.

What the two hosts, seemingly, ignored were her follow-up comments to her original post...

When I said "play to the frat house," it was not meant to be pointed specifically at Erin, and I'm sorry if it was taken that way. It's a comment I use often in speeches and while talking to younger women to guide myself and all of us on how to live our lives as women in sports journalism.

I don't want us playing to the frat house; I want us talking to the 12-year-old girl on the couch watching sports with her Mom or Dad. As the hundreds of women who work in sports media know, we often still have to be twice as good to get half the credit. It's not fair, but it's the way it is. I have fought for years for opportunities for women in sports journalism, and will continue to do so. ...

and the last part... For those who think I am against Erin, nothing could be further from the truth. What happened to her is terrible, and she will always have my full support. That's all she wrote...thanks! :)

Here's their dust-up for all to listen to...

At the 4:30 and 12:30 marks of this are the major head-butting elements in the segment...

Those of us at OSG HQ think the act itself was wholly deplorable and completely "frat-house" like in its execution. This should happen to no one- ever...

Personally, we think the person or persons responsible should be executed...

But that's just us...

So, Mad Dog Was Sirius...Um, Serious

((HT: Deadspin))

When we posted the Mad Dog rant on his show about his own staff a few weeks ago, some of us here at OSG HQ thought it was a work...

Remember it well, here...



Guess his search for passion starts at Monster.com ((???))

We still think it's a work... but submit away...

Mad Dog Russo Has His "Scanners" Moment

((HT: Deadspin))

He has, officially, exploded...
Apparently, in the new satellite radio ratings, he claims to have finished 123rd in a 122-channel universe.

This caused him to call out every member of his staff and admit that they all just plain suck...
((HT: Mad Dog Radio/Sirius XM Satellite Radio))


But that's not all, thanks to "Dave In The City"... Russo went off on his own staff after the rant and the subsequent commercial break... If you listen closely, a lot of what he says has merit about where the industry has gone, but it's "Classic Russo"

No word on whether or not he was carried away in a straight jacket after the program.
Unless, of course, this was a work just to get attention for the network.

Carry on...

Effing Hired: Des Moines Duo Paired In D-League

Tom Witosky of the Des Moines Register lets us in on the silver lining for Marty Tirrell, Larry Cotlar, and Geoff Conn after their firing.

Iowa Energy officials decided today to keep Marty Tirrell and Geoff Conn on their game-day staff, and add Larry Cotlar to the team’s radio color commentary — beginning Saturday ((pictured, thanks WHO-TV)).

The surprise move came after all three men were fired Wednesday from KXNO Radio as a result of a profane, on-air argument last week between Tirrell and Cotlar during which Tirrell used the “f-word” at least a dozen times.

Cotlar, who engaged Tirrell in the argument, was co-host of “Cotlar and Company” – a morning drive sports talk show. Conn was Cotlar’s co-host and assistant program manager at KXNO.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, the Energy has invited Geoff Conn to continue as the public address announcer. Marty Tirrell will continue to do play-by-play and Larry Cotlar will be hired as the color commentator for all remaining home games and the playoffs,” the team said in a statement issued this afternoon.

The club also said that neither Tirrell nor Cotlar would have any comment on the incident until the Energy’s game Saturday night against Fort Wayne when “both will be given a chance to address the fans.”

At the same time, the team’s statement said that their decision was based on the fact that the men had apologized to each other as well as listeners and individuals mentioned in the argument for their behavior.

“This acceptance of responsibility and accountability was not only key to retaining the affiliation with the Iowa Energy, but also necessary in order to move the local sports community beyond this unfortunate incident,” the statement says. Team officials said that their decision shouldn’t be interpreted as condoning the incident.

“Regardless of whether Tirrell and Cotlar believed that they were having a private conversation, the content and tone of the conversation were completely unacceptable,” the statement says.

Energy officials also said that any future conflicts would not be tolerated.

But let's go ahead and revisit the conflict in question, anyway...

UPDATE: Cotlar changed his mind...

From WHO-TV...

Channel 13's Keith Murphy learned that Cotlar has since changed his mind and will not be broadcasting for the Iowa Energy.

Cotlar released this statement to Murphy: "I want to thank the Iowa Energy for offering the opportunity to be color commentator for the remainder of the season. However, I must respectfully decline their offer. Since I accepted that offer, circumstances have changed. I am now considering other career opportunities, and I choose to look forward. I sincerely regret any inconvenience I may have caused the Energy and wish them continued success good luck with their season."

The Iowa Energy says former Hawkeye standout and NBA player Bobby Hansen will do color commentary at Saturday's game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Effing Fired: The End In Des Moines

((HT: WHO-TV))

Three employees of a Des Moines sports radio station have been fired. KXNO has let go Larry Cotlar, Marty Tirrell and Geoff Conn ((pictured, WHO-TV)).

The firings relate to an incident at the station Friday morning. Hear the incident here...

A profanity-laced argument between Cotlar and Tirrell accidentally made it on the air. The argument happened during a commercial break when the men thought the studio microphone was not going out live on the air. The argument could be heard in the background of the commercials. Conn was reportedly running the audio board during the commercial break.

KXNO suspended Cotlar, Conn and Tirrell earlier this week.

They have not been on air since Friday.

Tirrell released a statement to the media on his termination. In part, it reads: "I have remained quiet for the past few days so Clear Channel could make their decision. That said, I have been eager to publicly apologize. Specifically, I would like to apologize to Larry Cotlar for the way I treated him. He deserved better, I would also like to apologize to anyone who heard the comments on the radio, to Bud Legg and the IHSAA and to Clear Channel for the embarrassment I have caused them."

Channel 13 has also confirmed Tirrell will no longer participate as a commentator on KCCI in the "Mouth of the Midwest" segment. Conn spoke with Channel 13's Keith Murphy and says he was fired for "violation of Clear Channel policy."

In a statement sent Wednesday afternoon, Conn wrote: "I am very sorry for what happened on the air Friday, I apologize to KXNO listeners. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work at Clear Channel Radio the past 14 years. Thank you to all my friends, colleagues and listeners who have been so supportive on this very tough day."

In a statement from Larry Cotlar, he apologized to KXNO listeners and also wrote: "I am saddened and deeply disappointed with Clear Channel's decision to terminate my employment after all my years of service over an unfortunate incident which I did not initiate nor had any knowledge was being broadcast over the airwaves."

Clear Channel senior VP Joel McCrea has confirmed the firings to Channel 13.Cotlar was host of Cotlar & Company, which Geoff Conn often contributed to. Conn was also the assistant director of programming at KXNO. Marty Tirrell was a co-host on Marty & Miller.

Suspensions Handed Down In Des Moines

Three KNXO radio employees were suspended indefinitely after Friday's outburst by on-air host Marty Tirrell- aimed at fellow on-air host Larry Cotlar ((pictured, thanks WHO-TV)).

Tirrell dropped 12 effing bombs in, about, a 75-second span during a commercial break when he thought his microphone was off.

It was not... It really was not...

((We know the linked changed yesterday from WHO-TV, but we fixed it...))

The fallout from the tantrum is as follows...from Tom Witosky and the Des Moines Register...

National sports talk shows replaced two regularly scheduled local programs Monday on KXNO radio as station officials dealt with a profane on-air incident Friday involving broadcasters Marty Tirrell and Larry Cotlar.

The pre-empted shows on AM-1460 took place as an executive for Clear Channel Radio Corp. confirmed that three employees at the station had been suspended until further notice.

Sanda Coyle, vice president of marketing for Clear Channel, confirmed that three KXNO employees had been suspended. She declined to name the individuals in an e-mail response to a listener — later confirmed by Coyle to The Des Moines Register.

Listeners of the sports station heard a profane argument Friday morning between Tirrell and Cotlar that included Tirrell’s use of the “f-word” at least a dozen times.

Joel McCrea, senior vice president of WHO/Clear Channel, issued an apology to listeners later Monday.

“A private conversation between two KXNO employees inadvertently found its way on the air,” McCrea said in the statement. “KXNO Radio apologizes to anyone who was offended by the content aired during this accidental broadcast.”

McCrea said the incident remains under review by KXNO officials, but that company policy forbids additional comment about the employees involved.

“Cotlar and Company,” Cotlar’s morning drive-time show, did not air Monday. The show was replaced by a Fox Sports Radio feed, along with Dan Patrick’s syndicated show. In addition, Geoff Conn, a co-host and producer of the Cotlar show, was not on the air, either.

On Monday afternoon, KXNO’s only local program was the “Jon Miller Show.” The regularly scheduled afternoon program, “Marty and Miller” — co-hosted by Tirrell and Ken Miller, — was replaced by a Fox Sports Radio show. When contacted Monday by the Register, McCrea declined to say how long the two local shows would remain on hiatus. Cotlar referred all questions to McCrea.

Tirrell also has declined comment on the incident.

McCrea said he had not been notified of the filing of an FCC complaint.

Jerry Crawford, an owner of the Iowa Energy men’s basketball team, said Tirrell would remain as the team’s play-by-play announcer.

“Marty Tirrell has been a model employee of the Iowa Energy and we believe he is the best play by play announcer in the league,” Crawford said. “If Tirrell had known he was on the air when he had the conversation with Larry Cotlar, we would terminate him. But as we understand the facts, he had no way to know he was on the air, and had the right to assume he was in a private conversation.”

The future of Tirrell’s weekly “Mouth of the Midwest” segment on KCCI-TV in Des Moines, meanwhile, remains uncertain.

“Obviously, we want to see how this plays out,” said Paul Fredericksen, KCCI president and general manager. “At this time, I’m not certain what the end result will be.”

Asked if the segment will air in its Thursday slot, Fredericksen said: “We’ll wait and see. It all depends what information comes out. If he said what we heard that he said, then those are pretty bad words as far as radio and the FCC is concerned.”

What's a Few Effing Words Among Friends...?

Not much, unless your mics are still hot...

From the Des Moines Register and WHO-TV... those of us in the business get a refresher course in "Radio 101."

First lesson- Make sure your mic isn't hot when you want to go on an effing tirade...

Friday morning, KNXO radio co-shost Marty Tirrell went off on a fellow talk host about media credentials to a high school basketball event...
Listeners tracked down at least a dozen effing references toward Larry Cotlar in 75 seconds...

Neat...
Here's the tirade in question... and in demand...from WHO-TV...



Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit the use of profane language in broadcasts between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Profane language is defined by the FCC as "so highly offensive that their mere utterance in the context presented may, in legal terms, amount to a nuisance."

In addition, FCC officials have warned broadcasters in the past that, depending on the context, it would consider the "F-word" and those that are as highly offensive to be profane language.

FCC rules also say that the base fine for any violation of the profanity restrictions is $7,000 per violation, but that the commission may charge as much as $32,500 per violation based on a variety of factors, including the nature and circumstance of the violation.

Enforcement of FCC rules can only begin after a complaint is filed with the commission.

And, apparently, it's not the first time Tirrell has been called to the carpet...

Last year...Tirrell was suspended for one day from broadcasting on KXNO (1460 AM) after he named an individual and that person's occupation in a derogatory way related to events on a trip to the U.S. Open golf tournament. Tirrell apologized for the incident, but never provided specific details of the incident.

All this does is remind us of the scene in "Smokey and The Bandit" where Bandit is fueling up the Trans-Am and he's talking to Sheriff Justice on the CB radio.

Justice asks: "Where are you, you sum'bitch...?"
Bandit replies: "Don't you cuss on this-here radio..."

"My apologies to anyone list'nin..."

Getting More Than 100-Percent For Your Effort...

((HT: NW Florida Daily News))

Tom McLaughlin from the Daily News was present when the verdict was given to regional sports-talk show host Charles "Scott" McKinney ((pictured, thanks Devon Ravine/NW Florida Daily News)).

The judge was not a happy man...

Okaloosa County ((FL)) Circuit Judge Thomas Remington was not moved by the "voluminous letters" he said he'd received from McKinney's supporters. He gave McKinney the stiffest penalty possible under a plea agreement reached January 2- five years in prison.

McKinney was charged with 11 counts of fraud and grand theft. Under terms of the plea, he could receive no less than a year in prison and no more than five years. In addition to the sentence, Remington also ordered McKinney to serve 50 years' probation following his prison term and to pay restitution of $188,508.

McKinney hosted two programs from his Florida base, but he is more known regionally for his "Southern Sports Tonight" program that ran evenings in southeastern markets.

McKinney was arrested in March after six men who had invested in his "Southern Sports Tonight" show claimed he stole nearly $140,000 from them. Authorities said he sold shares in Southern Sports Tonight LLC to investors by claiming he was about to send his show into national syndication.

The shares he sold - some of them for 49 percent ownership each - far exceeded 100 percent stock in the company. McKinney originally was charged with 16 offenses, but by Tuesday's sentencing that number had been cut to 11. The charges brought included felony investment fraud and grand theft.

The prosecutor in the case also had records that showed McKinney had spent the investor's money on his own lifestyle and gambling.

As of Wednesday, the "Southern Sports Tonight" website has been taken down and we all now wonder what will be the future of McKinney's sidekick- Ballpark Frank.

But you can still listen to what's left of the show on 98.1 FM's website...

If you like...