Chip Shots: Quickshots: Image Takes Down Phillips, But What About Bob?

A Sports Blog

Quickshots: Image Takes Down Phillips, But What About Bob?

As you no doubt have heard by now, Steve Phillips has been canned by ESPN, not for having sex with a co-worker but because "his ability to be an effective representative for ESPN has been significantly and irreparably damaged." Translation: "He's a national punchline, an embarrassment to our company and his continued presence on our air could affect our bottom line." Since ESPN made it clear that Phillips was asked to leave rather than given the option, there is the possibility of a lawsuit. One thing remains clear though: Phillips will probably never have a high profile baseball job again. I do have two lingering thoughts: Why is Brooke Hundley still employed at ESPN if she is as guilty as she is (which she is) and second if Ms. Hundley had not been an ESPN employee, would we even be having this conversation?
If ESPN fired Phillips for tapping the company well, what do they do with Bob Griese? Saturday, Griese made a politically incorrect statement about a NASCAR driver. Most likely, the WWL will gage the outrage from NASCAR and Hispanic groups before making a decision. Griese is a long time ABC-ESPN employee. I wonder if they still consider him an "effective representative." Then, there is Lee Corso who used the phrase "shot their wad." I have no problem with that phrase, but somewhere, somebody's seven year-old was watching and that person has fired off at least one e-mail and is organizing a group for protests even as we speak. (Can't Stop The Bleeding)
Angels manager Mike Scioscia is furious over baseball's post season schedule and we agree. Playing games in late October in New York is silly, even more silly when there are no day games because of TV and there are delays and delays. The World Series, which will be played in outdoor venues in New York and Philly, may extend to the second week of November. Baseball needs to fix this. I think a lot of the lack of interest in the World Series comes because the season is way too long.
The Cubs are thinking of moving to Florida for spring training. Given their popularity, it would make Florida a key destination. The Grapefruit League has had several defections over the past few years and is lagging behind the Cactus League. The Cubs could change all that. Historically, the Cubs have never trained on the east coast. I wonder if they have goats there.
It appears Tony The Useless will re-up for at least one more year in St. Louis and will install Mark McGwire as his new hitting coach. "Coach, how do I hit a curveball?" "Here, take this. . ."
Meet the new Dewayne Wise.
Your wasted tax dollars at work for you. Honestly, Senator Hatch, isn't there a more productive use of your time than whining about college football? Besides, after the ass kicking TCU put on BYU, there really is no reason for you to complain.
If you read between the lines, you realize White Sox GM Kenny Williams is going to have to be at his creative best in putting together a 2010 roster.
The wife of former Titans GM Floyd Reese calls our old buddy George Plaster in Nashville and rips Jeff Fisher a new one. Floyd is a good man. Jeff is a good man. Neither deserved what they got during this conversation. BTW George, letting her keep going was a GOOD thing and it was best that you did instead of cut her off. Not that you need help in the ratings or anything.
If you know coach speak, you too could be an NFL head coach. (The Big Lead)
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford may be ready for the NFL, but he is what they call "refurbished." In other words, he'll have to take a much lower draft slot and play for incentives rather than get a big signing bonus no matter how much he will claim his soon to be surgically repaired shoulder has responded. He'll have to go to all of the combines instead of offer just private workouts. (Sports Frog)