We talk a lot about soccer today. The latest FIFA World Rankings came out today and the US is ranked 18th. At the Sporting Blog, I write about how this can be a good thing for the USMNT. Nick and I discuss that, and the expectations of a team that is lower in the rankings, compared to what the USMNT had to face going into the 2006 World Cup with a top-five ranking. This team is better than that, so has the world gotten better? Likely, the ranking is low because of the mediocre play of the B and C squads, but will the lowered ranking hurt the interest in America? Will it maybe give a little boost if the team does well? Or does it matter at all?
We also talk about the report from BigSoccer.com that has JP Dellacamera out of the booth for ESPN and headed to radio in lieu of a slew of European imports, most notably Martin Tyler. Some at Big Soccer are upset, suggesting if ESPN wants to prove they take soccer in America seriously, they should have an American in the booth. But wouldn’t you rather have Marv Albert calling a game than, say, Kevin Harlan? And isn’t Tyler the soccer equivalent of Albert? Besides, doesn’t everything just sound better with a British accent?
COURT REPORT:
Allen Iverson is officially done with the Sixers, and for now, the NBA. But he was seen around North Carolina at a charity event and out for dinner when he was reportedly at his daughter’s bedside this whole time. Is that kosher? Do we know anything about this…and could it be related to his child’s situation? Why would he have scheduled a charity appearance during the NBA season otherwise…right? We discuss if it’s any of our business what he does off the court, even if it’s not the same reason he gave for not being on the court.
CULTURE POP:
Jay Leno is a terrible interviewer. We discuss. Oh, and we also talk about how his ratings will likely beat Letterman, and how he’s smart to become the de facto comedian of the Right to get higher ratings. And even if he wins the ratings…like American Idol…that doesn’t mean it’s any good.
NBC Curling announcer Andrew Catalon on tomorrow’s show! Thanks for listening.
