Rick Iovine – Google

The program that had me tuning into ESPN was Mike & Mike, and, since I was already hanging around I watched subsequent shows until I had my fill of sports for the day. It was not to get the scores and game summaries. That is easy to obtain on Google, and MLB-type apps. I tuned in to get the reactions of 2 men that I came to consider “friends”. Greenie and Golic had great chemistry, and they both played their roles to perfection. Greenie was not the skinny weakling, and Golic was not the dumb jock, but we all played along. I always had a laugh, and felt better watching them. So many of their exchanges were so very entertaining. That is why I watched. I love sports, and I love entertainment. If all you have are 2 guys (or 2 and a half men, like Get Up) talking it is boring. The most entertaining aspect was when a Mike was in his role while the other attacked. Greenie says something effeminate, and Golic is all over it. Golic misuses the English language and Greenie exposes him. This is mostly improvised, but they always seemed to know when they were in a great bit. They were always “buddies”. Former athletes, and sport fans (the guys, anyway) love this relationship because we all have buddies that we give and take ribbing from. Get Up, and Golic&Wingo cannot reproduce this. I could not make it through 15 minutes of Get Up, and have only watched a little of Golic&Wingo. I do not watch any ESPN anymore, and cancelled cable. There is no answer to salvaging the Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic personalities. The brains of ESPN have ruined them for good. When I sensed that there was tension between them I could not enjoy the show any longer. ESPN will have to find another pair of Buddies. (You only need 2 hosts. You can supplement 2 hosts with guests without the visual becoming crowded. And, without a host struggling to find a way into the conversation.)