MNF on ESPN

[tidbit]

As many of you know, this is the last year that Monday Night Football will be seen on the American Broadcasting Network.  After 30 years, ABC is turning the show over to ESPN.  Next year, MNF will be on ESPN, and games will start a little bit earlier, like at 8:20 EST instead of 9:00.

I didn't like the idea at first, the traditionalist that I am, but the idea is starting to grow on me for several reasons--

1.  Games will start earlier and will be over earlier.

2.  Nightline will come on at the standard time if the game is dull or there is an interesting current event to follow.

3.  Last, but not least, ESPN should keep the focus on sports and not on entertainment.  HOPEFULLY, we won't have to deal with Disney's shameless self-promotion, or stars from Desparate Housewives or the like to show up in the booth during the game.  Likewise, no Jimmy Kimmel promos at halftime.  We also won't have to deal with ABC's silly gimmicks, like having that C&W singer make a highlight video each week.  Let me watch football, puleaze!  During halftime, give me NFL news, games highlights or, if all else fails, other sports news.

Anyway, rant over.  What do you guys think?

[spurly]

ABC and ESPN are sister companies.  Those things you mentioned will probably still be a part of MNF.

[rick6886]

Yep there are always ABC promotions on ESPN (the way overhyped "Commander In Chief" comes to mind).

I will be intersted to see if Al Michaels will still call the games since Madden is defecting to NBC or if ESPN's current Sunday Night Team will take over Monday duties since NBC picked up the Sunday Night Games. I am rooting for Michaels, Mike Patrick is ok but Paul McGuire and Joe Theisman are the essence of annoying...