The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae

Buzz Bissinger Calms Down a Bit, But Sticks to His Guns

Buzz Bissinger, the brilliant and talented writer who appeared on Costas Now earlier this week, where he took the opportunity to attack Deadspin's Will Leitch (and essentially every blog of any kind), was a guest of Philadelphia 950 ESPN's Mike Missanelli Friday afternoon. Missanelli and Bissinger have both worked in the Philadelphia print media biz, but have moved on to other genres since that time.

In the interview, which can be found after the jump, Bissinger begins by expressing regret at the way he behaved toward Leitch. This was probably a wise (and somewhat respectable) choice considering the absurdity of all the accusations he had made toward Leitch and literally all blogs, which he called "profane," while cursing like a sailor on national television (this is not to say all sailors curse; I wouldn't want to paint with too wide a brush). However, he did not regret the message of his invective, which he elaborated on in the interview.

Our Interview With Mike Missanelli

Last month, both of the sports talk radio stations in Philly announced some major changes to their daily lineups. One of the biggest moves was the return of Mike Missanelli, formerly of 610 WIP, to Philadelphia, only he'd be heard a few clicks down the dial at 950 WPEN, which became an ESPN station. As most sports talk fans in Philly know, Missanelli's tenure at WIP didn't end very amicably, but he says the past is the past and he's moved on. However, Missanelli's show took over the afternoon drive time, opposite Howard Eskin, and so far, neither man has been shy about stoking the flames of competition in the time slot (thankfully). Being regular sports talk radio listeners, we thought we'd ask Mike if he'd be interested in answering a few questions about his time in New York, his on-air style, his dismissal at WIP, Stephen A. Smith, and more. 

You're back in Philly after a few years in the Big Apple. What major differences have you noticed in your years of fielding calls from the fan bases in these two cities?

The New York audience is much more subdued in their analysis and commentary of their sports. That's probably because their attention is so much more diluted by the presence of so many more teams and activities there, or it could be because we just naturally live sports so much more on a daily basis. Sports is much more an escape for us here in Philly.

How would you describe your co-host during your time in New York, one Mr. Stephen A. Smith?

I enjoyed it immensely. Steve is a really a good guy and we had a good bob and weave to the issues. Obviously, he is a major black media voice. One of the things I always admired about Stephen A, even when he was just a columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, is that he wasn't afraid to say something that was on his mind, without regard to how people would react. That's the way I've always tried to conduct my sports talk radio life. Even though I didn't agree with everything Steve had to say, I admired that he would say it. And the fact that I disagreed with him on issues made for a better radio show. Now, I will also say that Steve is a very verbose guy, and I had to make sure that the 20 words I got in each day counted.

Henson on 950 Shakeup: I Sooo Called This and Deserve All the Credit

News of the lineup and schedule changes at 950 WPEN/ESPN have been met with mixed reviews so far, which is about as good as anyone can hope for when it comes to the sports talk radio business. One person who's never shy about voicing his opinion is Gregg Henson, 950's former former morning show host and PD. In a recent blog post, Henson states that he'd suggested these changes when he was with the station, and that they may even be why he was canned. (Having only experienced Triple-G on the airwaves, we have a different opinion, but that's neither here nor there.)

This week WPEN picked up ESPN, moved Jody MacDonald to Midday and hired a Philly sports talk veteran, Mike Missnelli to host afternoon drive. Odd, these were exactly the changes I outlined and fought for while I was the PD and in the end it cost me my job.  When I went to my bosses with this exact plan, I was seen as a malcontent who wasn't willing to work with the staff I had inherited.  I was told to shut up and give the current station a "positive spin."

After the jump, Henson takes aim at his former bosses, throwing gasoline and lit cigs all over any bridge that might have been in place.

Jay Wright: College Basketball Is a Religion in Philly

With Villanova headed to the Sweet 16 and Temple and St. Joe's looking toward next year, the local spotlight is squarely on Jay Wright and the Wildcats. And what better regional and national representative for a program is there than Wright? He says all the um... correct things, he coaches with intensity, and his team has won at least two games in the NCAA tournament three times in his seven seasons as Nova's head coach.

Rooting for another Big 5 team can be tricky business for the countless alums of Philly schools living in the area. Some treat it as a never-ending war and refuse to support anyone but their alma mater. Others drop the face paint once their team is out and support the guys left standing because they're Philly sports fans no matter what. However, although Villanova and St. Joe's have passionate fanbases, but they also seem to draw the ire of opposing teams' supporters more than the other local programs. There are a few reasons for this, but for Villanova, the most significant may that under the previous regime, they backed out of Big 5 play for a while in the hopes of avoiding the inevitable loss or two that comes along with intense rivalries. As kids, many of us became 'Nova fans when they stunned the nation in 1985, but some of that support gradually diminished when Steve Lappas was in town.

Wright brought a lot of local fans back into 'Nova Nation when he rekindled the local series and in a short time took the program back to national prominence. He showed loyalty to the program and the city when he turned down offers offers for more "prominent" coaching jobs, like Kentucky, to stay in Philly. After the jump, there's some great audio of Wright on yesterday's 950 morning show talking about the Big 5 and the passion this city has for basketball.

It's Official: Mike Missanelli Returning to Philly

We'd been speculating it might happen, but we've gotten word that it's official: Mike Missanelli is returning to the airwaves in Philly. As part of the big shake-up at 950 WPEN, Mike Missanelli will be taking over the afternoon drive time slot, with Jody MacDonald moving to 9am to 1pm and Mike Tirico's show on from 1pm to 3pm. We're big Jody Mac fans during the drive home, so Mike Miss has some considerable shoes to fill, but from what we know of him, that's the role he likes to be in. Missanelli will love being opposite Howard Eskin, and Jody Mac should bring some respectability to 950's mid-day programming, to say the least.

Andre Miller sounds thrilled to be a Sixer

Sixers PG Andre Miller was a guest on the Jody Mac show this evening on 950 WPEN.  A couple of minutes into the interview, I was debating with myself whether or not he was THEE worst interview of all-time, or just Top 5.  Then, outta nowhere, he became interesting.

After an introduction and the requisite basketball talk, Jody MacDonald started asking a subdued, sidetracked Andre (his hotel phone kept ringing) about his contract situation, his desire to stay with the team and feelings on Philadelphia.  He didn't sound too enthusiastic...

Jody Mac:  Have you or your agent talked to the Sixers at all about doing a possible contract extension?

Andre Miller:  No.

JM: Do you want to?

AM:  I don't know, it's too early to worry about that stuff right now.

JM:  If it were me, I'd at least start thinking about it.

Do you enjoy it here in Philly?  Do you like it here in Philly?  Do you wanna stay here in Philly?

AM: Well, you know I'm a west coast boy so.. ya know.. I mean, Philly's alright, ya know, as long as I got a job, I'm happy.

JM: (laughing) As long as the check shows up on the 15th & 30th, right?

AM: Exactly.

A wise man once said, "As long as somebody 'CTC,' at the end of the day I'm with them."   Still, you'd like to see a player be a tad more excited about playing in Philly than, "It's alright."

Hear it for yourself, after the jump.

WATN: Jim Thome Hits 499th Home Run

It seems like it was just yesterday when I watched Jim Thome hit his 400th career home run as a Phillie on a rainy night at Citizens Bank Park.  The reality is it was years ago.

Last night, Big Jim notched his 499th home run to help his Chicago White Sox top the Cleveland Indians.

A tip of our hat to Thome.  He's always going to be among the select former Philadelphia athletes who will always have a fond place in all of our hearts.

>>Thome crushes 499 against Indians [MLB]

Note: that MLB article was written by Scott Merkin.  I can hear Gregg Henson laughing like a giddy little school girl all the way down in Texas.

Dawkins Tackles Radio

It looks like Brian Dawkins (as well as Reggie Brown, Omar Gathier & Chris Gocong) will be taking over the radio duties that were handled for years by the now-Buccaneer, Jeremiah Trotter.  According to my favorite Daily News gossip junkie, Dan Gross:

B-Dawk is coming to Sports Radio 950. The Brian Dawkins Show will broadcast live Monday nights from 7 to 8 from Finnigan's Wake (3rd & Spring Garden). The Iggles safety joins Harry Mayes and Brian Seltzer, and will also appear Monday mornings with Michael Bradley and Glenn Foley on their Sports Radio 950 morning show.

Also, Reggie Brown will broadcast live on ESPN 920 from 8 to 9 Monday nights from Chickie's and Pete's in Bordentown. Omar Gaither and Chris Gocong will broadcast Monday nights on ESPN 1450 at the Chickie's & Pete's in Egg Harbor. Gaither's co-host was supposed to be Jeremy Bloom, but after he was cut, he was replaced with Gocong, says Craig Kaplan of All Star Promotion. Because of the "Monday Night Football" game on Sept. 17, these shows will air Sept. 18.

Poor Jeremy Bloom.  Back to the moguls for you, buddy.

>> Dan Gross | Tyra Banks:  I'm boring (2nd Item) [Daily News]

 

Gregg Henson Makes a Funny

Matt has touched on the fact that Gregg Henson has fallen through the cracks and ended up in Texas.  People there don't seem to like Henson's brand of... well, whatever it is he does on the radio.

Now, via Deadspin and Mister Irrelevant comes news that Gregg has interviewed the Internet Phenom and reporter for YouTube Sports, Kige Ramsey.  It's actually good stuff.

Go take a listen.

And also, Gregg is a Michigan fan.  Poor guy.  In case you were ever wondering how to pronounce 'Appalachian.'  The answer is right here.

>>Previously: Gregg Henson Messes With Bull, Gets Horns [The 700 Level]

Gregg Henson Messes With Bull, Gets Horns

It was a joyous moment back in April when the news came down that Gregg Henson was leaving 950's morning show.  His annoying laugh, his above-the-world pomposity, his berating of anyone who disagreed with his unfounded and subjective points, and his overall lack of actual sports knowledge, both in Philly and on the national level, made 950 a non-option during the morning drive. (I might also point out that the nationally syndicated show they used to run in that slot was great, and I still wish they'd go back to it, although the Michael Bradley incarnation of the 950 morning show is an improvement.)

Apparently Henson didn't last long back in Detroit, and he's now returned to Texas to work the drive home on the Longhorns' flagship station, 1300 AM. And as you might imagine, the Longhorn fans are already trying to hook him, as commenter Joseph from Austin alerted us yesterday. Henson himself thinks the show is taking off, but oddly, he "can't believe there are that many people out there who want to talk sports." Um, then why base your entire career on that "phenomenon"? Henson also shares that he was recently the victim of credit card fraud.

Everything's coming up Henson!

>>The Longhorns aren't happy

Tolly's Corner With David Montgomery

Phillies president, David Montgomery, spoke with 950 WPEN's Don Tollefson yesterday between games at McFaddens.  Get the full MP3 here.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

What to read as you row your way to work.

• You're a nobody until somebody YouTubes about you.  I have finally arrived.  How 'bout them Cowboys fans! [YouTube]
• Proof that Delco people have attitudes. [Fanhouse]
• Poor, poor Billy Wagner. [Statesmen]
• As many expected, Michael Bradley will be joining the WPEN morning team. [Inquirer]
• I like this fan photo. [Flickr]
• Sopranos was a much better episode.  It combined the classic Sopranos humor with a nice bit of build up.  Paulie answering the phone and Johnny Sacs lighting up moments after he talked to his wife were classic.  Thumbs up.  Entourage was alright but the Drama/Turtle story went nowhere.
• Forcast for tonight isn't very good.  If the game is played, it could keep away those pesky Mets fans.  Okay, who am  I kidding, this weather would keep away anyone. [Weather]
• FOLLOW THE TURTLES! at www.greatturtlerace.com. [NYTimes]

Gregg Henson Out at 950 WPEN

If Gregg Henson leaves WPEN 950's morning show and nobody is listening, does it make a sound?

Well, apparently he is no longer on the show and has left for greener.. er.. Detroit.

A reader tipped us off to Henson's blog in which he notes:

This morning I left my position at Sports Radio 950 in Philadelphia.  Nicole and I have decided to return to Detroit to operate our own business.  Greater Media in Philadelphia is a phenomenal company and it is very sad to leave the great people at WPEN.  They have been nothing but great as I mulled my decision to return home.

Stop With the McNabb Hate

If someone says, "I'm not rooting for this team while Donovan McNabb is their quarterback," can they still be an Eagles fan?  Plus, topless Wing Bowl people. [Fanhouse]

Andy Reid Battles Pat Gillick

That's what makes this city so great.  They're passionate about football.  When it's all said and done, there is nobody more loyal than than Philadelphia people.

                   -Andy Reid on Philadelphia fans

Yesterday evening's drive time radio was full of big name interviews.  610 WIP and 950 WPEN battled it out with interviews of Andy Reid and Pat Gillick both happening at the same time.  Who did you choose?  Well, it doesn't matter because they're both archived for your listening pleasure.  Eskin must have made 37 jokes about Reid's weight.  I don't think I laughed once.  Perhaps the highlight of the Reid interview was when Reid gets in a jab about the Burger King mascot.  Jody Mac's interview style is not surprisingly much more professional.

Some highlights below.   I even typed out some quotes because I wanted to make Gregg and Glenn's job easier.

Andy Reid on 610 WIP with Howard Eskin
Andy and Eskin's interview is fairly predictable and goes exactly how any regular Eskin listeners would think.  They spend too much time on the 4th and 15 call, but Reid gives some perspective that makes pretty good sense.

Andy on the 3rd and 1 play, "when Marty called the play, I was on board with it... They did a good job and got outside pressure on us."

Turns out Brian Dawkins was sick for the game on Saturday, "I didn't see that being a factor."

Eskin: do you think your defensive line needs improvement? Reid: "No. What I think we need to do is, Bunk needs to be a year older, Patterson will be a year older, Cole will be a year older, get Kearse back, maybe add somebody in there."  No mention of Juqua Thomas in this portion.  Telling?

On Donovan, "He's working like crazy right now...  He came out today and ran in the pool for the first time and didn't have a limp when he ran in there.  Those are all positive things.  He's focused in right now, he's working his tail off right now."

Andy admits to being wrong a couple times with his first round draft picks, talks about Donte Stallworth and Jeff Garcia's future, and touches on Jabar Gaffney's success in New England.  I'm okay with keeping Avant and Baskett over Gaffney.  The Reid interview is well over a half hour, so put on your headphones and go to town -- if you can stand Eskin that long.

Phillies GM Pat Gillick on Sports Talk 950 with Jody MacDonald
Gillick mentions if Chris Coste were to make the roster, he would have to play a more versatile role than simply catching and being a bat off the bench, "Unless something goes south, Barajas and Ruiz will probably be the two catchers right now."  I hope Coste finds a way to make this team.  I really do.

Gillick on Ryan Howard's contract, "Right now we're concentrating on the players we have to get done: Utley, Geary, and Myers... like you said, Ryan isn't even arbitration eligible at this point.  We'll start talking to Ryan sometime in February."

Gillick also tries to dress up Pat Burrell's numbers, notes that the back end of the bullpen is one of the bigger concerns, and says that if any pitcher has a chance to come out of spring training to make the roster in the pen it'd be Joe Bisenius.

Pat Gillick talking roster spots with Jody Mac will surely get you excited for the 2007 Phillies.  I'm ready to talk more baseball and less Eagles for the next couple of months.

>>Pat Gillick interview with Jody MacDonald [950 WPEN]
>>Andy Reid interview with Howard Eskin [610 WIP]

An Open Letter to Glenn Foley

Dear Glenn,

Being a fellow Boston College grad, it was nice to hear a fellow Eagle on Philly sports talk radio when I first flipped on 950 back when you guys started at WPEN a few months ago.  Then I listened to 15 minutes of you and Gregg Henson speaking.  It's a sad state of sports talk when listening to a morning show on 950 makes you yearn for the ego-maniacal, chauvinistic sounds of Angelo Cataldi.  I might not be able to stand listening to Angelo but I do believe he is very good at what he does.  Morning radio in this city is pathetic for someone interested in hearing about actual sporting news.  What does it take to hear some intelligent sports conversation between 6 and 9 am?  If I wanted to listen to fat men eating, I'd drive down to Tony Luke's.  If I wanted to listen to strippers talk about their talents, I'd get Sirius and listen to Howard Stern.  Why is it so hard to find a Philly guy on a Philly talk radio show?  Gargano is fun, Mike Kearn makes me want to listen to Michael Smerconish -- at least he has Sal Pal on sometimes.  Philly born people don't know how to talk on the radio or something? To be honest, if I'm listening to sports talk radio in the car in the morning I typically flip back and forth between WIP and WPEN when one goes to a commercial.

For the record, I'm a fan of 950, specifically Jody MacDonald's show from 3-7.  Jody is one of the few sports talk personalities I thoroughly enjoy listening to (Macnow, Ray Diddy).  The reason I'm writing this is because of your Folstradamus "character."  Glenn, for the love of God and your own self respect, please never ever do that bit again.  It's quite possibly the worst thing my ears have ever heard.  For those unfamiliar with the bit, 950 makes them available online for a brief period of time.  You can download Folstradamus' 1/12/07 picks for this past weekend over at their site here.

So Glenn, do everyone a favor and keep your quatrains to yourself.  Just talk more sports, please.

Sincerely,
The 700 Level and The City of Philadelphia's Ears

PS: What do you think of the new guy Jags up in Chestnut Hill?