So, why don't you say aloud what you mean? An issue? It's not an issue. It's a reality. CBS--a company that is clearly struggling with its own identity--has a Hall of Fame play-by-play guy paired with a seasoned analyst who in recent years has been spot-on in his analysis. Much like his career as a QB, sometimes the analysis wasn't as amazing as his best, but it still wasn't as trite and boring as most broadcasters working in the game. It's not that either of the team are in any way bad. The current criticism is based on the idea that they peaked early. Now everyone judges them against that standard. It sucks to be judged against yourself.
Are there other broadcast teams out there who can compete with Nantz and Romo at their best? Maybe. But can you find two people who can take the seats in a national game every week and do as good a job? There are lot of good candidates, but there aren't enough yet to call for the heads of two guys who bring it every weekend. As you noted, Romo's schtick is to call the play before it happens, and he nailed one this week. Nantz went out of his way to celebrate it, because that's what a good broadcast partner does.
There are a ton of great broadcast teams, and, sure, there will be a day when Nantz and Romo have to give up their seats. But until someone can point out another team that gives as much of a damn as Nantz and Romo do every week, it's just silly to spend any of the valuable time/space you (an incredibly important voice in this sport) have talking about how to replace two guys who work their asses off every week and--even at their worst--are better than most who call the game.
When I first saw this, I got sorta sad.
Joe Giron and I have been all over the world together. We have shared the happiest and hardest moments. We have celebrated. We have fought. We have lived the last couple decades like a couple of perfect stepbrothers. The industry may change. The technology may change. The thing that won't change is what Joe has given to the poker industry--talent, vision, and more than anything, an eye for the moment that can be captured in one frame, taken with the kind of frugality only a person who shot on real film can understand.
So, when I saw this post, I was prepared to eulogize my friend and/or his career. And then I realized what I probably knew all along. The MF-er ain't gonna quit until we pull the camera out of his cold, dead hands.
Love you, Joe. All the way.
Exactly 25 days ago, poker media's Terrance ("TJ" to most of us) was ending his father's life...
TODAY, he sits at the World Series of Poker Super Main Event final table, guaranteed a $1.1 million dollar payout and 7 players away from a $10,000,000 WSOP win 🏆
Don't mistake this moment for a heater or a fairy tale run. @tjreidpoker did not luck into this spot.
THIS is a result of decades on the sidelines ((I know, I was there with him)), studying the game, covering it, writing it, respecting it -- and time and time again, *sacrificing* his desire to play to put his poker media work and responsibilities first.
And now, when life has already demanded everything from him, the moment he’s spent a lifetime around finally finds him.
Let's get one for the good guys today 🙏🏽♠️✨
Going to be tough to beat this squad of @tjreidpoker, @brettiebass, and @PokerMommaa but y’all are more than welcome to try.
Winner gets a free @wsop Super Main entry!!
Link below
I have a lot of unfinished stuff in Google Docs. Most of it is a mess I might have published to a blog if I still wrote one, but some of it is more important than even I know. When I saw @ToddSnider was in trouble last week, I started writing an essay about him, and then I stopped writing the essay and started writing the first fan letter I've ever written. I didn't finish the essay. I didn't finish the letter.
I woke up this morning to the @KyleCoroneos news that Todd Snider was dead. I'm not sorry I didn't finish the essay, but I'm sorry I didn't finish the letter.
I know nothing I wrote would have changed what happened, but as a fan, I wish Todd Snider had known how his art centered me when I needed centering. More than that, I wish he knew how he connected my kids to the version me that existed 30 years ago...and how that made me a better dad.
Links below!
Many emotions today, as the @WSOP documentary I helped Exec Produce with The Story King @Dustini and the brilliant @gracesharkpark premieres on the WSOP Youtube at 2pm PST.
Many thanks to the players that opened their lives for us because they believed in us. Also, thanks to the team on the ground in the Bahamas for being so flexible. The show is terrific and I'm incredibly proud of it. Tune in!!
Link to trailer: https://t.co/yowdR312oz
Link to episode (live at 2pm PST): https://t.co/yowdR312oz