787 replies to this topic

[shawnrbu]

I realize that Meterperil takes joy in his role as the "contrarian" (compared to Sheppard), but does he really believe half the shit he spits out?

This is what I heard from Meter today:
-150 yards from Fred Taylor. 10, maybe 8.5 yards a carry.
-The Jags Front Seven will be the guys to win the game
-35-28 Jacksonville (3 offensive TDs, Pick Six of Brady and a special teams TD)

Did I miss anything else?

[Nator]

Did I miss anything else?

If you missed the Big Show with Paul Perillo and Tom Curran yesterday, it was quite possibly the most entertaining and informative discussion I have heard about the Patriots in awhile. I'd much rather have those guys on Friday and Monday that Smerlas & DeOssie.

[thurin68]

If you missed the Big Show with Paul Perillo and Tom Curran yesterday, it was quite possibly the most entertaining and informative discussion I have heard about the Patriots in awhile. I'd much rather have those guys on Friday and Monday that Smerlas & DeOssie.

You read my mind..
That was the best radio I'd heard (on EEI) in months..
I actually stopped in my car before I got out to listen to more..
I can't remember when I last did that.

[GriffinDoerr]

Not looking for pom-poms

Probably the fact that Meter annoys the hell out of me in general doesn't help.

Meter annoys the hell out of everyone. If you're NOT annoyed by Meter, something's wrong.

That said, I doubt he really believes any of the contrarian crap he spews. He's just playing a role. He probably writes up key phrases on index cards.

[Deathofthebambino]

I realize that Meterperil takes joy in his role as the "contrarian" (compared to Sheppard), but does he really believe half the shit he spits out?

No. He's the heel, and given the reaction he garners, I'd say he does it just about perfectly.

[The Four Peters]

If you missed the Big Show with Paul Perillo and Tom Curran yesterday, it was quite possibly the most entertaining and informative discussion I have heard about the Patriots in awhile. I'd much rather have those guys on Friday and Monday that Smerlas & DeOssie.

What's annoying is that Smerlas and DeOssie can intelligently discuss football, and used to on a regular basis. Unfortunately, they've become so caught up in the "pom-poms" shtick that it all gets lost now. I wish they'd cut all the joking/laughing/complaining and talk actual football. But then again, we know that's not what WEEI is about.

And WEEI needs more Aaron Schatz. He co-hosted the 10-2 show over the holidays, and was excellent. His Friday segment with D+H is also must-listen....kind of like the anti-Peter King. I know Schatz would never last on the Big Show, but i'd love to see him on from 10-2 more often.

[berstch]

Aaron Schatz has been on Simmons' podcast the last two weeks. This was the first I heard from him, and he was excellent. I think he will continue to be on the podcast throughout the playoffs.

[HomeBrew1901]

I'm so sick of hearing about Fred and Steve's steakhouse. I don't fucking care and will never eat there.

We are coming off of one of the best NFL Playoff weekends that I can remember where only one game wasn't really competitive and this is the shit I have to listen to?

[Gambler7]

WEEI's quality has gone so far downhill. I won't turn it on untill around 9-9:30 now depending on the day and then most of the time when 2 hits I shut it back off. Dale and Holley is the only show I can listen to.

[HomeBrew1901]

WEEI's quality has gone so far downhill. I won't turn it on untill around 9-9:30 now depending on the day and then most of the time when 2 hits I shut it back off. Dale and Holley is the only show I can listen to.

It wouldn't be so bad if Smerlas wasn't on all the time. I'm not a PC guy, but I keep waiting for him to go way over that line so that EEI has to take him off the air for good.

I like DeOssie, but aside from one or two comments a show, Smerlas is unlistenable.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

That Fred and Steve's Steak House schtick drove me crazy, especially in late November/early December where you couldn't go more than five minutes without hearing about that or their fucking cigar bar. I was getting so pissed off that I would often just change the radio station to either ESPN radio or Tucher and Rich (on WBCN).

I actually like DeOssie (especially when he's not paired with Smerlas), I think that he actually knows the game and can talk a bit about other sports too (he's not that great, but for EEI he's not so bad). I just can't stand Smerlas and the way he talks, what he says and how he breathes.

At the beginning of the football the producers weren't pairing Smerlas and DeOssie that much (Smerlas was on Thursday, DeOssie on Friday) but for some reason they brought them back together. As much as I love watching the Pats play, I'm usually pretty happy that football season is over and Smerlas has to go back to retain his kingship in the land of idiots.

[Phenom]

I'm thinking way, way outside the box here, but maybe EEI could put on two pairings of co-hosts for "The Big Show" during football season, on the Monday and Friday shows.

From 2-4, Paul Perrillo and Tom Curran could co-host, and provide actual analysis. And from 4-6, Fred and Steve could come on, laugh, and plug their steakhouse.

It will never happen, but it's just a thought.

[thurin68]

I'm thinking way, way outside the box here, but maybe EEI could put on two pairings of co-hosts for "The Big Show" during football season, on the Monday and Friday shows.

From 2-4, Paul Perrillo and Tom Curran could co-host, and provide actual analysis. And from 4-6, Fred and Steve could come on, laugh, and plug their steakhouse.

It will never happen, but it's just a thought.

I'd give my right testicle for that to happen..
Smerlas is a buffoon and he drags DeOssie down with him.

[alskor]

Smerlas is a moron. I cant stand to even hear his voice. He's so ignorant. The guy must have brain damage. He never lets a caller finish a question or make a point. He is in NO WAY entertaining. Smerlas voice grates on me. It sounds like he has a half eaten italian grinder falling out of his mouth when he talks.

Please, take this buffoon off the air already.

Thank god its only four weeks to baseball season and that fat idiot will be limited to a few phone calls a day making fun of Sean McAdam - who god forbid, actually knows what he's talking about.

[cleanfloor]

Aaron Schatz has been on Simmons' podcast the last two weeks. This was the first I heard from him, and he was excellent. I think he will continue to be on the podcast throughout the playoffs.

He's on today in place of Holley.... look's like jason wolfe reads sosh :-)

[Vinho Tinto]

Smerlas is a moron. I cant stand to even hear his voice. He's so ignorant. The guy must have brain damage. He never lets a caller finish a question or make a point. He is in NO WAY entertaining.

Fred Smerlas is very annoying. However, when surrounded by the right people he can still give good analysis of a game that goes beyond "PATZ ROOLZ!1!1!". It's easy to forget that he was an outstanding d-lineman.

[HomeBrew1901]

Fuck me, Smerlas and Tom E Curran.

Switching to FM.

[dcmissle]

Fuck me, Smerlas and Tom E Curran.

Switching to FM.

The fanboy Kool Aid spigot has been turned down for the first time all year.
Smerlas/DeOsse/Glen/Pete anticipate a tough game.

[The Four Peters]

The fanboy Kool Aid spigot has been turned down for the first time all year.
Smerlas/DeOsse/Glen/Pete anticipate a tough game.

Think the fact that DeOssie's kid is on the NYG has something to do with it? I honestly don't know, but it might.

And to be fair, Fred is the only one who goes over the top fanboy-ish, and that's b/c of his shtick. DeOssie is usually pretty straight on when he's being serious, and for all crap Pete gets, he's usually on target in the pre-game analysis (his rationalizing AFTER a game is a different story). He's toned down his act as Fred has amped his up.

FWIW, I thought it was really funny during the coffee with the coach yesterday when DeOssie asked a question about their gameplan heading into SD, and Belichick responded jokingly "Shouldn't you excuse yourself from the discussion? Already talking about gameplans, huh? I see where this was going" (paraphrasing). Now it was a light-hearted moment, but it does bring up an interesting dichotomy of how appropriate it is for Belichick to be as forthcoming with his friend DeOssie knowing his son is the opponent. They handled it pretty well after the initial joke, it was just an interesting moment, and one indicative of how Belichick treats this forum (WEEI on Patriots Mondays) vs. press conferences.

Coffee with the the Coach is easily the best thing that ever happens between 2-6 on WEEI. It never fails to disappoint.

[WalletTrack]

And to be fair, Fred is the only one who goes over the top fanboy-ish, and that's b/c of his shtick. DeOssie is usually pretty straight on when he's being serious, and for all crap Pete gets, he's usually on target in the pre-game analysis (his rationalizing AFTER a game is a different story). He's toned down his act as Fred has amped his up.

Right after the "Tuck Rule Game" got in a heated discussion with a Raiders fan. Between the usual grunts, snorts and colorful displays of aggression he called me a homer. I thought about it and and said "Yeah I'm homer. If you can't be homer now..when?"
That shut him up for some reason.

The 'EEI guys are going to have a dream week in AZ. Who ever goes from 'EEI will be the "Darlings" of radio row. Folks will be fighting to get on the shows. Can you imagined getting Shula and a couple of '72 Fish on the Big Show with the Pom Pom Twins or D and C?
Considering the season, the record, and the NE vs. NY aspect of the game if Fred can't be a fan-boyish yahoo now...when?
DeOssie's in a win-win. His son is in the Super Bowl with his old team against the team he paid to analyze. He get some national pump for that. Super Bowl week should be a very good week for all of them. Could it be "Marconi time"?

[dcmissle]

DeOsse said he's pulling for the Giants b/c of his son but expects the Pats to win. The general tenor of yesterday's show was that you have to respect what the NYG have done on the road against the 'Boys and Pack and that they will be a formidable opponent. How formidable in their view? We'll see. But it's a definite change in tone, for example, from their absolute gutting of callers who suggested that the Jaguars and Chargers had a respectable chance.

[doctormoist]

D&C had Izzo on this morning and were asking him stuff like "when did you know or when were you told you were never going to be a linebacker?" and "does every player on the team wish they were Tom Brady?". He sounded like he was getting annoyed.

[shawnrbu]

D&C had Izzo on this morning and were asking him stuff like "when did you know or when were you told you were never going to be a linebacker?" and "does every player on the team wish they were Tom Brady?". He sounded like he was getting annoyed.

I listened to the last few minutes of that interview and it was the most awkward radio I have heard in awhile. Izzo sounds totally spaced out. Does he always sound like that? It feels very un-Patriot like to be talking about what you're going to do with your 4th ring (wear all four on one hand like brass knux or go 2x2). Maybe Izzo and D&C are actually chummy and this is the weird, far-out rapport that they have with each other.

By contrast, the interview with John Hannah in the second half of the 8 AM hour was very good mainly because Dennis didn't ask his inane questions, they actually let Hannah speak and Hannah had some interesting things to talk about.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

I forgot to post this over the weekend, but I was listening to the Big Show on Friday afternoon and my worst fears were confirmed: Fred and Steve are going to be on every Big Show from today until next fucking Tuesday. So get ready for tales of homoerotic motorcycle riding in the desert, plugs for a steak house, stories about cigars and overall idiocy.

Looks like I'm listening to Felger.

[Phenom]

I forgot to post this over the weekend, but I was listening to the Big Show on Friday afternoon and my worst fears were confirmed: Fred and Steve are going to be on every Big Show from today until next fucking Tuesday. So get ready for tales of homoerotic motorcycle riding in the desert, plugs for a steak house, stories about cigars and overall idiocy.

Looks like I'm listening to Felger.

Looks like the only broadcasts from "Radio Row" I'm listening to are, "Mike and Mike" (Mostly because of their top notch guests), and I'll see about "Dale and Holley."

[Sparky Lyle]

I forgot to post this over the weekend, but I was listening to the Big Show on Friday afternoon and my worst fears were confirmed: Fred and Steve are going to be on every Big Show from today until next fucking Tuesday. So get ready for tales of homoerotic motorcycle riding in the desert, plugs for a steak house, stories about cigars and overall idiocy.

Looks like I'm listening to Felger.

When I heard Ordway talk about this weeks line-up last week I was so dejected that I wanted to end it all right then and there. I can listen to Fred and Steve for the first half hour or so on Mondays after a Pats game because when those two break down a game it's great to listen to. They know an awful lot of football. After that, the show is unlistenable. Now, we have over a week of them. What a shame. And they are more homophobic than homoerotic in my opinion. I can't believe that 'EEI has information at their disposal that makes them think we want a weeks worth of those eejits. Alas, they must though.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Spark, I agree that these two guys are more homophobic than homoerotic, but Fred says some really weird shit sometimes that, while probably isn't indicative of the way he swings, are slips of the Freudian variety.

[weeba]

I can't believe that 'EEI has information at their disposal that makes them think we want a weeks worth of those eejits. Alas, they must though.

Cost wise though, it's more cost efficient for the Big Show to have 1 set of guests for the entire week (since the Big Show is there M-F), then have a different set each day as they usually do. I don't think Ordway and Sheppard can't carry a show themselves a whole week without the rotating guests.

Granted, they could line up some other guests that are already there, but with the Globe embargo, I'm not sure how many New England based writers are available M-T (assuming the Friday show is still Fred/Steve)

[HomeBrew1901]

I can't believe that 'EEI has information at their disposal that makes them think we want a weeks worth of those eejits. Alas, they must though.

I could be wrong but I think Ordway is the 800 pound gorilla (no pun intended) that management just doesn't want to deal with. If he says he wants his buddies Fred and Steve on the air, he gets it, and all he has to do is point to ratings (which are flawed since they are really the only game in town) and Wolfe doesn't fight him.

I'm surprised though, because there are a lot of other regular guests that are there for the Herald. But that would probably be frowned upon by them. I don't know.

edit: I've said in the past, Smerlas keeps getting closer and closer to the line and we can only hope that he says something that is so out there and so offensive, that even Ordway can't justify keeping him.

Edited by HomeBrew1901, 28 January 2008 - 12:27 PM.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Granted, they could line up some other guests that are already there, but with the Globe embargo, I'm not sure how many New England based writers are available M-T (assuming the Friday show is still Fred/Steve)

I am sure that Paul Perillo (spell?) and Tom E. Curran are at the Super Bowl. You could have both of them on one day, or Fred with one and Steve with the other on the other days. And this is the Super Bowl, you mean to tell me you couldn't find 12 guests for the 12 segments of a four hour show? That is so easy to book, it just would be tough on Ordway and Pete to do some homework.

edit: I've said in the past, Smerlas keeps getting closer and closer to the line and we can only hope that he says something that is so out there and so offensive, that even Ordway can't justify keeping him.

See, I think it's the opposite. I think that if Fred said something so incredibly stupid, he wouldn't go anywhere. I think that the reasoning would be "He's like your crazy uncle who says something off color at Christmas dinner. He's an Un-PC guy in a PC world. He's a conservative in a world of soccer moms and everyone loves him." Pick your cliche.

[Phenom]

There are enough celeberties, current & former athletes, media personalities, etc at the Super Bowl to fill up a week's worth of guests. Ordway and Sheppard could be the main hosts, and everyday, they would have 3-4 different people drop by. I actually think that would increase ratings, as it's refreshing to hear somebody new, especially when that new somebody is (insert famous NFL QB here).

But on the same token, maybe Wolfe feels that Smerlas and DeOssie give Ordway and Sheppard credibility with former players, and therefore guys like Phil Simms would be more inclined to speak to two former NFL players than simply two talking heads.

[Carmine Hose]

I love how these guys keep crowing about their ratings and NOT ONCE crediting the success of the Sox and Pats for it. They seem to credit themselves and their greatness for the success of WEEI. I wonder what they're ratings will be when teams have a down slide. I can't believe these stations give them ratings bonuses as though the hosts have much to do with it at all.

[dcmissle]

I love how these guys keep crowing about their ratings and NOT ONCE crediting the success of the Sox and Pats for it. They seem to credit themselves and their greatness for the success of WEEI. I wonder what they're ratings will be when teams have a down slide. I can't believe these stations give them ratings bonuses as though the hosts have much to do with it at all.

These guys chap my ass as much as anyone else's, but in fairness this needs to be pointed out. In the past, Glen has vehemently rejected complaints from listeners that the station profits from negativity when things are going badly for the local teams. He points out that the ratings are highest when the teams are faring well.

[WalletTrack]

I think Fred has great value during a week like this. Taking on guests from the various "All Time Greatest Teams"(Dolphins, Steelers, Bears, Cowboys and 49ers whatever) should be informative and entertaining. Provided of course that Smerlas doesn't turtle.
Loss opportunity for Fred if it's just assless chaps and beef talk. Waltham's best and brightest will raise to the occasion no doubt.

Good point about a potential down slide (heaven forbid) on their ratings. It's all candy bars and milkshakes when the teams the station covers are crazy successful.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

I think Fred has great value during a week like this.

Fred Smerlas has zero value during any week, especially Super Bowl week. I understand that sports radio is not meant to be taken seriously and the guys there are "just shooting the bull", but Smerlas has morphed into such a cartoon character that during the last two or three years he has said less than nothing on the radio. He is nothing more than a hairy idiot who spouts non sequitors and shills for his piece of crap steak house.

DeOssie brings something to the table in that he can talk about what it's like to play professional football. Ordway brings something to the table in that he can at least be a good enough traffic cop to not allow his show not to turn into chaos. Pete brings something to the table in that he's the voice of the fan. To paraphrase Bill Simmons, Smerlas brings nothing to the table, in fact he's stealing silver ware and stocking his restaurant with it. He's not articulate enough to talk about his playing days, whenever he speaks the show grinds to a halt and Ordway has to spend a few minutes to completely right the ship and there's already one Pete Sheppard on the show, do you really need two?

Smerlas is a c-hair away from being Larry Johnson. No one is worse than Larry Johnson, but Fred Smerlas is awfully close.

[Sparky Lyle]

Smerlas is a c-hair away from being Larry Johnson. No one is worse than Larry Johnson, but Fred Smerlas is awfully close.

This is so true. I'm listening to the show now, Andre Tippett is being interviewed, and Smerlas is so bad and annoying. My good friend, Dalton Jones, hates and has always hated Smerlas. I used to attribute his hatred of him to Dalton's Holy Cross pedigree and Smerlas's BC history. No, I now know it's because Freddie is a boring, uncouth dummie.

[dirtynine]

The worst thing about Larry Johnson, I finally realized, is this stupid tic he has.

Ordway: "OK, let's go to Bob in the car - "
Johnson [in that beat of empty space]: BOB!!!

He does it the most when he's on the Big Show, like an over-anxious puppy trying to play cool with the big kids.

Edited by dirtynine, 28 January 2008 - 03:43 PM.

[WalletTrack]

Fred Smerlas has zero value during any week, especially Super Bowl week. I understand that sports radio is not meant to be taken seriously and the guys there are "just shooting the bull", but Smerlas has morphed into such a cartoon character that during the last two or three years he has said less than nothing on the radio. He is nothing more than a hairy idiot who spouts non sequitors and shills for his piece of crap steak house.

DeOssie brings something to the table in that he can talk about what it's like to play professional football. Ordway brings something to the table in that he can at least be a good enough traffic cop to not allow his show not to turn into chaos. Pete brings something to the table in that he's the voice of the fan. To paraphrase Bill Simmons, Smerlas brings nothing to the table, in fact he's stealing ....

I'm guilty of using it as anyone but the bold phrase needs to be retired like "thrown under the bus" and "it is what it is".

It's painful just typing the name...but he's been waving the Patriots are the greatest banner long and high this season
so his value comes in confronting the naysayers(and there's a couple), or not, parading through radio row this week.
Everything else noted is right on the mark JMOH. He is a bit like the pig on "Drawn Together".

Edited by WalletTrack, 28 January 2008 - 06:26 PM.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

But does he really confront the nay-sayers? I listen to the Big Show on my commute home, so I don't really get a chance to hear anything earlier than 5:00. I think that the only time they've had a nay-sayer on in the last three months is Mercury Morris. And didn't Mercury Morris slam DeOssie and Smerlas by asking them point-blank if they ever played football? I mean, if you're getting tooled on by Morris, is this really someone you want in your corner?

In my experience, whenever Smerlas comes back from a commercial following an interview, he always talks tough, but during those interviews he doesn't say shit.

[WalletTrack]

Just a heads up...Mercury Morris is going to be on the Big Show on EEI with Smerlas, Deossie and Ordway this afternoon. Should be must listen radio...

Must. Does Fred do a terrapin station?

Morris is like a guy at a party who's had about five drinks too many, goes into bathroom and pukes, then comes out reeking with chunks on his shirt and continues to try to hit on chicks out of his league.

Wish I could hold that against the guy but... just can't.
That's just about every other dude on the planet.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Again, I was listening on the way home and the Big Show guys were ragging on Fred for turtling to Michael Irvin. Anyone hear it?

[cleanfloor]

Again, I was listening on the way home and the Big Show guys were ragging on Fred for turtling to Michael Irvin. Anyone hear it?

No, but Mercury Morris is coming on soon. This should be pretty good

[Vinho Tinto]

No, but Mercury Morris is coming on soon. This should be pretty good

I'm hearing him for the first time and he sounds very lucid, not the wacko that he's characterized as. He has a very good sense of history of not just his '72 team, but the other teams prior and post '72 that have come close.

They are not giving him much of a hard time.

[Judge Mental13]

I just heard the tail end of it, but I was disappointed that the boys let Mercury go on about running up the score without at least a modicum of ridicule. Once Morris realized he was wrong and that Brady did come out in the fourth quarter more than once and that running another play on 4th down in the red zone instead of kicking a FG was the only way to give the defense a chance to stop them from scoring he resorted to "well that's your opinion and I disagree" and the fatboys let him off the hook. Can anyone summarize what was said in the beginning?

[cleanfloor]

I just heard the tail end of it, but I was disappointed that the boys let Mercury go on about running up the score without at least a modicum of ridicule. Once Morris realized he was wrong and that Brady did come out in the fourth quarter more than once and that running another play on 4th down in the red zone instead of kicking a FG was the only way to give the defense a chance to stop them from scoring he resorted to "well that's your opinion and I disagree" and the fatboys let him off the hook. Can anyone summarize what was said in the beginning?

Mostly how the pats and the 72 dolphins were equal because they both have a 1000% winning percentage. Yes he said "1000%" a couple times. He's ranted and raved in the past, but he was actually fairly calm in this interview.

[WalletTrack]

Again, I was listening on the way home and the Big Show guys were ragging on Fred for turtling to Michael Irvin. Anyone hear it?

I did not. But from listening to the tailend of the show it sounded like a rehash of lousy hotel jokes, old audio drop ins("let me put myself in your"...yes, of course..), sub-par Whiner line, and pattycake with the guests. And what's with Fred losing/stolen 400 bucks(in ones and fives, right). That was the program manager trying to recoup the airfare from sending Smerlas's lame repetitive butt out to AZ.
Apparently the Pom-Poms can only find their berries railing against the likes of Hillary, D and C, Mustard, Tony Mazz, and Burton etc...

Mostly how the pats and the 72 dolphins were equal because they both have a 1000% winning percentage. Yes he said "1000%" a couple times. He's ranted and raved in the past, but he was actually fairly calm in this interview.

Also Last Call was a goodbye Tina Cervasio and the Ernie Adams article both interesting enough stories to warrant a segment during the show.
Big history making week and the number one sports station is laying an egg.
Neither informative nor entertaining. Would that be unfair?

[OBP>SLG]

Mostly how the pats and the 72 dolphins were equal because they both have a 1000% winning percentage. Yes he said "1000%" a couple times. He's ranted and raved in the past, but he was actually fairly calm in this interview.

And how winning two extra games means nothing. Therefore, 19-0=17-0.

[LTF]

I am sure that Paul Perillo (spell?) and Tom E. Curran are at the Super Bowl. You could have both of them on one day, or Fred with one and Steve with the other on the other days. And this is the Super Bowl, you mean to tell me you couldn't find 12 guests for the 12 segments of a four hour show? That is so easy to book, it just would be tough on Ordway and Pete to do some homework.

Or they could interview David Lee Roth for four hours.

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Or they could interview David Lee Roth for four hours.

Or maybe they could play the "Best of Candlebox" for four hours. You never get tired of hearing "the best band of the 90s".

[YTF]

Big history making week and the number one sports station is laying an egg.
Neither informative nor entertaining. Would that be unfair?

I'm from the western part of the state and I must say that whenever I'm in range I listen to EEI. Especially in the summer as I'm always interested in listening to as much Sox talk as I can. Though I'm not able to listen to EEI on a regular basis, I can't say that I'm surprised by the section of WalletTrack's post that I've quoted here. Often (actually mostly during the afternoon) what I hear sounds like a bunch of semi-informed sports fans (not referencing the callers here) sitting around in someones basement, spouting beer fueled opinion amidst sophomoric humor and general stupidity. That's OK to some degree. Mix in a poker game and that's how I'll be spending Super Bowl Sunday, but I expect a little more from guys that are paid to talk sports for a living.

Neither informative nor entertaining is unfortunately the way I feel most of the time about "the number one sports station".