Brad Cesmat
I’ve never been on the “Beat LA” train. Take care of your business, and don’t worry/care about the other side. Those who focus on the opponent take their eyes off their own set of problems. So, congratulations to the Dodgers. Great season. Great postseason run. Great drama!
Here in the candy store known as “Sports,” we are supposed to be the escape from the cares and pressures of the world. It’s a hard day at work, no problem; there’s a game on tonight. But when it comes to elections, let’s just say that the broadcast industry knows that the political ad game is a huge moneymaker. So, while trying just to escape reality and unwind, you’re beaten into a pulp every few minutes with messages that are just flat toxic and harmful. Those in the political game say they influence people’s opinions on candidates. I’ve never been swayed or reminded by seeing something on TV or a bunch of fliers left daily in my mailbox.
Moreover, I’m told that too much attention is paid to sports and not enough is given to the election. I’d call that a hearty order of B.S. October is one of the busiest times on the sports viewing calendar. I don’t want or need politics shoved down my throat to make a decision. My ballot was cast two weeks ago. It’s all good on this end. Please just make it all stop so I can watch in piece…
I love John Smoltz. If I want an analyst to dissect the game, there’s none better in any broadcast booth. Tom Brady? Troy Aikman? Reggie Miller? He’s always two steps ahead in a broadcast. Give me his voice in a big game, and I’ll lean in…
Major League owners have to look at the World Series ratings and wonder what they must do to get more of a bite from the apple out of Japan. Game Four of the Fall Classic had more Japanese viewers than the USA…
Spring Training numbers won’t be as strong in 2025. The Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will break camp early to play overseas games. I’m hearing they’ll probably be out ten days earlier than the other teams…
Dreaming is Free
Arizona State and BYU meet at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday, November 23rd. Let’s play this out. BYU keeps winning and comes into that game week at 11-0. Arizona State is bowl-eligible and has 7-8 victories. Would ESPN Gameday or FOX Big Noon Kickoff come to Tempe? Indiana plays at Ohio State the same day, but the following week, Michigan plays the Buckeyes, so would the networks go to Columbus in back-to-back weeks? Army at Notre Dame is the only other game that would have a compelling storyline. When was the last time ESPN College Game Day came to Tempe? …
No matter the outcome, Bobby Hurley and Kenny Dillingham’s speaking truths are fresh air. In a day and age where “coach speak” and “likes” matter more to some, we’re fortunate to have those two deliver the goods on their teams…
Thumbs UP
Congrats to my Sports360az teammate Eliav Gabay, who has been tabbed as the ESPN+ hoop analyst for Hurley’s opener vs. Idaho State next week. Eliav loves talking ball, though he thinks like a big man and should probably stick to the three-point arc. Braiden Bell and Gabay will be on the TV call…
I taped a Sports Media podcast with Kevin McCabe “The Dean” that will drop tomorrow. Kevin does excellent work in the high school space with his Saturday show on KTAR 98.7 from 9 to 11 a.m. and puts a lot of work into his craft. His broadcast journey and the ups and downs, including his “bottoming out,” are messages that you’ll want to hear. He’s wide open…
