Sports Radio News
Sports Radio Colleagues Take To Twitter To Honor Mike Golic
“The kind words will keep pouring in for Golic and it is clear to see the impact that he has in the industry on and off the air.”

Published
2 years agoon
By
Ricky Keeler
For sports fans, one of the constants over the last 20 years was waking up in the morning to hear Mike Golic co-hosting either Mike & Mike or Golic and Wingo on ESPN Radio. On August 17, that will all change as the morning show will now feature Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Zubin Mehenti as the hosts.
According to Richard Deitsch from The Athletic, Golic is still under contract with ESPN, but a future role has yet to be determined.
In the last 24 hours, many current and former ESPN personalities took to Twitter to talk about their experiences working with Golic on the air. We will start with Golic and Wingo, producer Evan Wilner, and ESPN Director of Talent Production and Guest Booking Ray Necci.
I have to say @espngolic was one of the best teammates I've ever worked with. He always came at the show and staff like it was a game and we were all part of the team. And like a good teammate in sports he was always willing to share the credit and never passed the blame
— Evan Wilner (@WilnerRadio) July 8, 2020
No one has a run at ESPN without coming away with a good Golic story… very fortunate to have participated in a few. You learn a lot listening/watching/working with the true Hall of Famer. pic.twitter.com/WHSPko761U
— Ray Necci (@raymanjr) July 8, 2020
Over the years, many different people have filled on either morning show to co-host with Golic and a few of them shared their experiences. Adnan Virk, who is currently at DAZN, remembered when he first worked with Golic and Mike Hill credits Golic for getting him on the air to fill in on Mike & Mike
Always a thrill to work with @espngolic who couldn’t have been more gracious. He encouraged me to talk movies/ tell stories about my kids little league teams. He also told me after 2 shows “I’m telling the bosses you’re the guy to fill in from now on.” Can’t say thank you enough
— Adnan Virk (@adnansvirk) July 8, 2020
Just hearing about @espngolic Because of him, I had a nat’l radio show on @ESPN. We weren’t super close & only did a few NFL show together but HE is the one who suggested to execs I fill in for Greeny one morning & the rest is history. I will FOREVER be grateful.
— Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) July 8, 2020
Golic received some praise on Twitter from former colleagues Will Cain, who is now at FOX News and Doug Gottlieb (host on FOX Sports Radio). Cain and Gottlieb would both fill in on Mike & Mike from time-to-time:
Twenty-plus years, not just in the game, but at the top of the game, @espngolic should be celebrated for what he is, a titan of sports radio.
— Will Cain (@willcain) July 7, 2020
My cubicle was on the other side of where @espngolic head is in the picture. Golic is one of the most likeable people to ever work on national radio or television and that is genuine. Congrats on an amazing run Golic, I really appreciated how you treated me. You are a class act. https://t.co/cTXRwYw6BD
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) July 8, 2020
For other people, it is Golic’s kindness that helped them feel comfortable working with him, such as Jason Romano. Romano worked at ESPN for 17 years and felt more relaxed working with Golic. ESPN contributor Bobby Carpenter also explained how Golic pushed him to be with his family for the holidays rather than worry about filling in on the show.
In July of 2000, I arrived at ESPN scared to death but that was immediately put at ease on day 3 when I started working on Mike and Mike and met Mike Golic.
— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) July 8, 2020
he insisted that I fly home to surprise my kids. He said that his were grown & he and Jr could do the show. It was incredibly special & my kids were so pumped when they saw me Christmas morning.
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) July 8, 2020
I'll never forget how happy they were and its all b/c of Mr. Mike Golic. The Best
Even though Golic had the national spotlight on ESPN, he would give a helping hand to people in the business as well. Randy Scott, who now works at ESPN, met Golic in 2009 and shared his story of meeting him and giving him advice that eventually led to them being colleagues:
Oh we’re telling @espngolic stories?
— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) July 8, 2020
Well I have one..
Super Bowl week, 2009, Tampa.
I’m “underemployed,” working weekends at @winknews in Fort Myers.
Living in Tampa. Commuting 2 hours each way.
ESPN’s Super Bowl set is across the channel from my apartment near downtown. (1/?) https://t.co/PU0MnKymIl
Danny Kanell, who used to work with Golic at ESPN (now at CBS Sports and Sirius XM), tweeted about what made Golic different compared to others currently in the industry. So too did Paul Pabst, Dan Patrick’s producer. Also weighing in was Barstool’s PFT Commenter, who acknowledged being a longtime morning listener and fan of Golic’s work.
Wanted to chime in on @espngolic because every bit of praise is deserved. In a very territorial business Golic was anything but- Always encouraging, welcoming, and a blast to work with. He is not only a hall of fame broadcaster but truly a hall of fame guy.
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) July 8, 2020
Sincere PFT post: Gona miss @espngolic on the radio. He was a big constant part of morning routines over here for about 15 years. He got me in a good mood through thousands of hours of thousands of commutes to jobs I hated. Thats a big deal to me
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) July 8, 2020
Last, but not least, Golic’s wife Christine, one of his sons, Mike Jr., and his daughter Sydney thanked the people on Twitter for their kind words and support. Golic Jr. will be in the new national ESPN Radio lineup co-hosting with Chiney Ogwumike from 4-7 p.m ET.
Crying on the plane back from Indiana reading the comments. Know that the Golics loved you right back gang. ❤️ https://t.co/2tIboYOTQG
— christine golic (@NDmom) July 8, 2020
the best man ❤️ https://t.co/jhx0q7GXgQ
— Sydney Golic (@SydGolic) July 8, 2020
reading everyone’s notes and stories on here about him has been a really nice part of a very strange day. he deserves it all and more.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) July 8, 2020
The kind words will keep pouring in for Golic and it is clear to see the impact that he has in the industry on and off the air. There are many memorable moments to look back on from Golic over the last two decades and it will feel different when the new ESPN Radio lineup launches.
Ricky Keeler
Ricky Keeler is a reporter for BSM with a primary focus on sports media podcasts and national personalities. He is also an active podcaster with an interest in pursuing a career in sports media. You can find him on Twitter @Rickinator555 or reach him by email at RickJKeeler@gmail.com.
Sports Radio News
Damon Amendolara: Why Does Tom Brady Want To Call Games?
“I was just always convinced Tom Brady had bigger fish to fry than calling Cowboys, Commanders on Thanksgiving.”
Published
13 mins agoon
May 10, 2022By
BSM Staff
Tom Brady is headed to FOX. According to Damon Amendolara, there is no question who is getting the better end of that deal.
The network’s interest in Brady has been well-known for months. Still, CBS Sports Radio’s morning man cannot believe it is actually happening. He said Tuesday morning that he can’t understand why Brady would want to pursue a media career after his playign days end.
“I was just always convinced Tom Brady had bigger fish to fry than calling Cowboys, Commanders on Thanksgiving,” Amendolara said. “I just always felt like Brady’s post-playing career was going to be pushing nutrition, pushing TB12 brand, pushing his apparel brand and doing kind of elite media work.”
A media career for Tom Brady is something Amendolara said he assumed would happen off-camera. He pointed to the Religion of Sport production studio Brady co-owns as an example of what he would expect Brady to want to be involved in.
Why does Brady want to call games? (@DAonCBS) pic.twitter.com/i0vsSzUiGm
— CBS Sports Radio (@CBSSportsRadio) May 10, 2022
Broadcasters work more Sundays during the NFL season than players do. No matter how good the games are, Damon Amendolara said that it is a grind he could not believe Tom Brady was willing to sign up for.
“They’ll get the number one games, but you still gotta do 17 or 18 of them before you get to the playoffs and not every one of them is a sizzler.”
Sports Radio News
Ike Reese: ‘It’s Up To Us To Let Ray Didinger Stay Retired’
“I would imagine he’ll still watch a game still jotting down notes. There’s no way he’s gonna watch a game without doing his Ray Diddy thing.”
Published
2 hours agoon
May 10, 2022By
BSM Staff
Ray Didinger is feeling a lot of love from his WIP colleagues after announcing his retirement on Sunday. He will still be on the station through the end of the month, but on Monday, nearly the entire full-time air staff of the radio station was paying tribute to him.
Jon Marks and Ike Reese took time out of their afternoon drive show on Monday to replay Didinger’s announcement. Marks said that it was “as thoughtful as everything that he does.” He doesn’t doubt that Didinger is at peace with the decision.
Reese joked that it was good to hear PD Rod Lakin was not responsible for this. He also said that he was happy to hear that this was not a health-related retirement. According to the former Eagles linebacker though, that means it would be really easy for Didinger to want to abandon his plans if given the chance.
“We obviously know how much Ray Didinger means to us. And this WIP family, just like the Comcast Sports family I’m sure, is important to him,” Ike Reese said. “I’d imagine he would have a tough time saying no. That is why you leave it up to us to don’t bother him. Don’t put him in that position. Let him enjoy retirement.”
He knows that it will be hard for Didinger to not stay ready for a media appearance diuring the football season.
“I would imagine he’ll still watch a game still jotting down notes. There’s no way he’s gonna watch a game without doing his Ray Diddy thing.”
Both Marks and Reese said they hope that they would not hear from Didinger until at least the 2023 Eagles season and that Ray and his wife use that time to fully enjoy their new freedom.
Jon Marks reminded everyone that Ray Didinger is still an author with products to sell. If they really miss him, they can always go to a book signing.
Sports Radio News
Mat Smith and Nate Jackson: ESPN Anger Over Nikola Jokic MVP ‘Is Garbage’
“He’s not as sexy as these other guys. But he does deserve the MVP, and shame on these guys to make it about them and their choices and their votes.”

Published
6 hours agoon
May 10, 2022
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has won the NBA MVP award for the second consecutive season. Jokic secured the award ahead of Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid.
ESPN NBA analysts Brian Windhorst and Tim Legler got the attention of Mat Smith and Nate Jackson on 104.3 The Fan in Denver Monday. Both Legler and Windhorst felt like Embiid was the MVP and sounded downright offended that he was not named the winner.
Legler said Embiid carried the Sixers and had a firm grip on the award from early February through the end of the regular season.
But Smith, who was filling in for Chad Brown on Monday, argued that the same things could be said for Jokic, adding that Jokic did more with less star power on the Nuggets roster. He didn’t understand how Embiid was Legler’s clear choice over Jokic.
“There’s so many different reasons why that specifically is garbage from Legler,” Smith said.
Jackson said Jokic is the Rodney Dangerfield of NBA players and made the point that it’s a continuation of a trend. For what ever reason, the national media overlooks the 27-year-old Serbian superstar.
“They don’t pay attention to it, they’re quick to write off this guy because they don’t appreciate his style of play,” he said. “He’s not as sexy as these other guys. But he does deserve the MVP, and shame on these guys to make it about them and their choices and their votes.”
Windhorst explained he went with Embiid based on what advanced statistics were saying. Smith said Windhorst basically laid out why Jokic was most deserving of MVP.
“He just gave every reason why Jokic should win and said, ‘Well I voted for Embiid, and I’m not taking it back,'” Smith said. He added that it was puzzling why so many voters were against Jokic. “These guys don’t like Joker. He’s not likable nationally, and why that is I’m not sure.”
Jordan Bondurant
Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett News Media. He also works for ABC8 News and Newsradio WRVA and 910 The Fan in Richmond, Virginia. His prior experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly and iHeartradio Richmond. He can be reached by email at Jordan.E.Bondurant@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @J__Bondurant.