Johnson has even surpassed Jerry Jones. His production of “Dallas” works off a predictable script while Johnson runs a fun house with trap doors. He shocked the jock world by firing Robert Saleh on Oct. 8. Six weeks later he pushed the button on GM Joe Douglas’ ejector seat.

Now, that’s showbiz.

Yet, serendipity also sticks to the Jets owner. Stuff that fuels the chaos but is beyond his control. Like Rex Ryan, a perceived confidant of Johnson, using his ESPN platform to regularly hype his own candidacy for Gang Green head coach.

Ryan’s blatant campaigning is done at the expense of other football analysis he should be delivering. ESPN brainiacs have no problem with this blabbermouth because, in essence, Ryan is making news (totally slanted to benefit him) on a variety of ESPN platforms.

Is this Woody’s fault?

Then there is Mike Tannenbaum. Johnson hired the former Jets GM’s company to conduct his search for a new head coach and general manager. Tannenbaum also works for ESPN. So, on the Jets story he is conflicted up to his eyeballs. He can’t tell the truth because it would jeopardize his Jets consultancy. Again, ESPN doesn’t care because the situation makes them a direct “player” in the Jets reality show. The Bristol Faculty has not taken Tannenbaum off the air, right?

Moving (far) up the celebrity ladder we get to the star of Johnson’s Follies, Aaron Rodgers. Did anyone listen to what Fox’s Joe Davis and Greg Olsen had to say about Rodgers during the fourth quarter of the Jets win in the finale against Miami?

The two (emotional) voices verbally wrote the quarterback’s football obituary. If you had any doubts about whether Rodgers was playing in his last game, they were erased by the hearts-and-flowers sendoff Davis and Olsen gave him.

While the Fox broadcasters have no idea what Rodgers intends to do, they only added another storyline(s) to carry Johnson’s carnival into and through the offseason: Will Rodgers (who is still under contract to Gang Green) be a Jet in 2025?

That will be the first question asked during the new coach and GM’s introductory press conference. It will also be the question Ambassador Johnson is asked if he decides to talk to Jets reporters. So, until Rodgers makes a decision, or the Jets make it for him, the Hall of Fame bound QB is the leading man in Woody’s production.

There are also co-stars like: Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams and Sauce Gardner

They are passengers on Woody’s unpredictable caravan. It’s a tour with a twist, which has NFL pontificators howling at the moon. Johnson, whose team just finished the season 5-12, dared to applaud the Jets for winning the Miami finale.

“I don’t care about anything else, but a win at the end was good,” Johnson said. “They played well. They didn’t give up. Everybody showed up. We did some really nice things. I’m proud of the guys.”

While others — those who invented football — reacted to this with a disdainful “What?” Johnson again showed he’s familiar with some axioms of show business: Always leave them laughing.

Or in this case, crying.

NO BARKING AT MARA

If anyone doubted Giants CEO/co-owner John Mara occasionally receives preferential treatment from the media, SiriusXM’s Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo provided concrete proof during his weekly appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”

Doggie was ripping into NFL owners who preside over “dysfunctional” franchises, including Woody Johnson and Jags boss Shad Khan, who Russo characterizes as Public Enemy No. 1.

Suddenly, one of the “FT” crew, Jeff Saturday, interrupted asking why Russo did not mention Mara. Saturday accused Russo of protecting the Giants co-boss.

In a few seconds, and more than once, a sheepish Mad Dog admitted to being friends with Mara. Russo, who has verbally destroyed Khan on numerous occasions, admitted he cut Mara slack because of the friendship. He did not try to hide it.

How could he after Saturday called him out?

SOLO KAY IS SAME OLD MIKE

If anyone expected Michael Kay’s move to 1 p.m. and shifting to a solo act on 880-AM, would produce big change, think again.

After listening to two shows, at similar times, we heard Kay go on the defensive — twice — about skeptical listeners offering their theories why he is no longer with his long-time partners Don La Greca and Pete Rosenberg.

Kay’s trademark thin skin was showing. He was in full Charmin mode, lashing out at those who dared to express an opinion. Some listeners described Kay as an egomaniac who coveted a solo show.

Kay explained the move will provide him with a better quality of family life, including giving him the opportunity to spend more time with his two children.

Anyway, it was reassuring to hear that working alone in an earlier time slot won’t stop Kay from losing his mind while over-reacting to those who take issue with him.

NO MORE SIMULCAST

On his new show, Kay said the 1-3 p.m. offering won’t be simulcast on the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network.

While either the Kay show or a WFAN afternoon-drive product (“Mike and the Mad Dog,” then Mike Francesa solo) has been simulcast continuously on YES for 22 years, the two outlets could not reach an agreement on a new contract for Kay’s solo show.

Now YES, the regional sports network, will save money by not having to pay an exorbitant rights fee or production costs. The simulcast business, like the radio biz, is not exactly robust.

And that’s a kind way of putting it.

AROUND THE DIAL

If recent history is precedent, the carriage dispute between Optimum (owned by Altice) and MSG Network, home of the Knicks, Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Monica McNutt could drag on. A similar financial standoff between Comcast and MSGN, which impacts Xfinity subscribers in New Jersey and Connecticut, is in its fourth year. While some politicians are taking sides on Optimum vs. MSG, we can’t feel any concentrated heat from fans. That’s why Garden boss James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan needs his Knickerbockers to get hot and become as compelling as Jeremy Lin was in 2012 when he captured the imagination of fans and provided the impetus to settle a carriage dispute between MSG and Time Warner Cable. … MGM+ is back with Season 4 of its revealing NFL Films docuseries “NFL Icons.” Episode 1, on Jan. 17 features Kurt Warner. It never gets old revisiting his storybook journey. Zero major college scholarship offers. Undrafted by the NFL. Cut by the Packers after a 1994 tryout. Five years later, the league MVP and Super Bowl champ. … ESPN suits must believe the millions of casual fans watching the CFP know who the various voices are. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy turned in a masterpiece Thursday working Notre Dame- Penn State, but ESPN did not graphically ID them enough during the game leaving many fans wondering: “Who are those guys?”

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: DAN CAMPBELL

The manner in which he has rejuvenated the Detroit Lions’ perennially failed franchise is epic. Sunday night’s 31-9 rout of Minny was just another example. And as a bonus, the coach is a soundbite machine.

 DWEEB OF THE WEEK: REX RYAN

Publicly declaring you’re the best candidate — once — for the Jets head coaching gig is enough. Using your ESPN platform to declare it over and over again is a brilliant way to get yourself disqualified. Or is it just further confirmation that Ryan fancies himself a football genius.

DOUBLE TALK

What Joe Schoen said: “We have a plan in place that we believe in, and we’re going to stick with that.”

What Joe Schoen meant to say: “What matters is one guy — John Mara — actually trusts our failed process.”

Apparently, these few words are enough to sooth any pangs of guilt. For the voices then have no problem segueing into a case for why Giants CEO/co-owner John Mara should fire the team’s coach and the general manager.

Exhibit “A” is the Giants 2-12 record going into Sunday’s game in Atlanta.

The numbers are convincing, providing enough evidence to seal the deal for dismissal. Yet the foundation for permanent exile was being set long before the Giants arrived at 2-12. During the first month of the season questions, some directed at the coach, were being asked about whether Daboll was concerned about his own future.

Daboll said he was not.

The subject of Daboll’s job security, deemed premature by some Giants observers, not only stuck but gained momentum as the losses mounted. Now, the future of Daboll and Schoen (and planes with messages to Mara flying over the Meadowlands) is the only reason to pay any attention to the sleepy Giants. On the field, the brand is beyond boring. Off the field, Daboll regurgitates the same answers to the same questions about his future while Schoen avoids the media.

Mara? Once again, he finds himself in the NFL’s version of media purgatory. He has experience in these matters. Mara knows whatever decision he makes the organization must sell it to a frustrated Giants fan base and the media.

Selling “hope” to fans is easier than selling it to boss scribes.

A decision to bring back both the GM and coach — or just one of the two — will not be met with unanimous media approval (Nothing ever is). Neither will a decision to clean house and hire a new brain trust.

In some quarters Mara’s verdict will be met by a backlash of disgust, negativity and here-we-go-again. And the Giants media arm of in-house podcasts, TV shows and sympathetic souls will find it tough countering the critics.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the mess, no overnight solution, no savior — no one player, no one coach — on the horizon. There will be unrelenting media pressure from the get-go once the decision on the coach and GM’s future is made.

Instead of a temporary escape, the media — social and otherwise — will keep heat on the Giants through the draft and “offseason.” Then, it will be training camp, a new season, a “fresh start.”

Unfortunately for the Giants, in terms of media reaction, it’s still going to feel like 2-12.

BILL’S IN CONTROL

Could it be that along with whatever he’s being paid to appear on “The Pat McAfee Show,” UNC head football coach Bill Belichick has some editorial control over his weekly segment on the ESPN show?

The question is necessary after McAfee (on Monday’s edition) didn’t ask Belichick about published reports saying he recently called the Jets to see if the organization had any interest in talking to him about coaching The Woody Johnson & Sons Football Club (has a nice ring to it, right?).

It’s not like McAfee has not asked his guests — paid and otherwise — pointed questions. On the other hand, McAfee has always been accommodating with his special guests. It would not stun us to learn Belichick didn’t want to be in a position to reveal the contents of his alleged Jets phone call.

And “forced” to explain why he would work for an owner he can’t stand.

THE RATINGS GAME

Once again, the NBA office is in full panic mode over double-digit decline in early season TV ratings.

Adam Silver, the commissioner, made note of the ratings slide before the NBA Cup Final in Las Vegas. A variety of excuses are being made for the dip, including the style of play — like too many three-point shots.

Silver blamed it on America’s scapegoat, Cable TV.

When circumstances are beyond Silver’s control he should relax. For there is nothing the commish can do to change what days the NFL plays its games and why it’s a far more popular product — a ratings juggernaut compared to NBA hoops (or any other televised sport).

The NFL also incorporates Fantasy Football and heavy gambling into the product. The NFL’s less-is-more schedule compared to the NBA’s over-saturated sked, also hurts the NBA when it comes to “competing” with the NFL.

So, when the NFL playoffs end, and the NBA is not up against the NFL’s TV steamroller, Silver’s league will experience a ratings increase. It’s that simple.

PHISHING FOR BLUESHIRTS

Just when the Knicks organization has steadied its tremors of turmoil, James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan’s other Garden property — the Rangers — is providing the kind of media static that he once reserved for his NBA franchise.

Lost among the repetitious Yankees and Mets hot stove babble, is something icy hot. Now, along with president/GM Chris Drury trying to rearrange chairs on a sinking ship, turning the locker room into the Club High Anxiety, comes a report of about how Dolan may be getting involved.

On the “Spitting Chiclets” podcast, NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette said former Rangers winger Sean Avery flew to New York to meet with Dolan. Bissonnette said: “There is a crazy element to James Dolan that my content dream might get rid of Drury and hire Sean Avery as the next general manager of the New York Rangers.”

There has been no confirmation of Bissonnette’s report. Or was it just a dream? And the Post’s hockey writer Mollie Walker wrote: “Yes, Sean Avery is going to New York. He’s going to see the band Phish in concert at Madison Square Garden next weekend.”

HUBIE’S FINAL GAME

Something tells us Hubie Brown wasn’t thrilled when an ESPN suit told the no-nonsense coach this will be his last season behind the NBA microphone.

His final game will be Feb. 9, Philly vs. Milwaukee on Super Bowl Sunday afternoon. Brown, 91, was a fixture on NBA TV/Radio broadcasts for 35 years. When he criticized, he didn’t rip players, he lectured them.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: BILL BELICHICK

Pretty dang cool when a 72-year-old coach can parachute (figuratively) on to a college campus and almost overnight reinvent himself. Don’t bet against this guy succeeding.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: FLORIDA STATE

The football team is awful and the administration is a joke. Particularly after announcing that the school never wanted to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference despite its desperate attempts to break away.

DOUBLE TALK

What Joe Mazzulla said: “I don’t watch NBA games [on TV]. I’m just as much of a [ratings] problem as everyone else.”

What Joe Mazzulla meant to say: “My eyes are stuck on NFL games.”

Believe it or not, there are casual fans who were just made aware of Soto through the well-publicized billionaires sweepstakes conducted by his agent Scott Boras. The offer-by-offer media coverage helped Soto transcend the sport, attracting fans mesmerized by entertainers and the intrigue surrounding their staggering big moolah deals.

Thanks to the baseball media’s coverage of Soto’s financial machinations, there is going to be a new pool of casual fans who will be ripe for the taking and helpful in actually juicing MLB’s national TV ratings.

Last season, with Soto and Aaron Judge working for the Yankees, the Bombers’ appearances on Turner, ESPN, Fox and Apple TV were maximized. And yet, year after year, no matter their star situation, the Yankees national TV presence was dominant, fueled mostly by the organizations rich tradition and consistency.

Soto moving from the Bronx to Queens, trailed by a procession of armored cars filled with cash, should alter that formula, at least for the 2025 season. That may be a huge leap to take. Yet considering how high expectations will be for the Mets, a legitimate one.

And it’s a blessing for commissioner Rob Manfred. Both Judge and Shohei Ohtani, are the faces of baseball. Adding Soto’s $765 million mug to his radar-like batting eye moves him to higher ground, another level of superstar status — and pressure.

While Judge and Ohtani stir baseball’s drink, the mega contract brings a new storyline to Soto’s seven-year MLB career. He will enter the season a curiosity. The big contract will put added weight on his shoulders. His ability to deal with the pressure is now baked in to the Soto script. A script MLB’s TV partners can’t resist.

The TV suits also will load up on the Mets because they can’t help themselves. In that respect they are no different than the NFL. A couple of years ago the NFL’s TV Gnomes, with visions of Aaron Rodgers dancing in their skulls, stacked the primetime deck with Jets games. You all know how that turned out.

Locally, Soto’s move to the Mets might elevate SNY’s ratings for game telecasts, but won’t “steal” significant viewership from the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network the way Steve Cohen “stole” Soto from the Bombers.

SNY’S CLOWN SHOW

A variety of Gasbags made the Mets’ Juan Soto signing more about them than the player himself. This was no surprise.

Like (Screaming) Sal Licata. He used his role as host of SNY’s “Baseball Night in New York,” to (on the air) enter the studio wearing a crown and a cape screaming something about “King Cohen.”  He also said: “I told you so….this is the greatest day of my life!”

Apparently, SNY suits now endorse a double standard. One for their “Baseball Night in New York” host and another for its other baseball voices who are not cheerleaders and are likely allergic to clown shows.

FOULING OUT

It appears when TNT’s “Inside the NBA” moves to ESPN in the 2025-26 season, it will be more than a “licensing” agreement. The Bristol Faculty is already preparing to put its stamp on the show.

On Tuesday’s “Inside” episode, TNT agreed to stage a free-throw shooting contest Saturday, featuring ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, on “Inside” prior to the NBA Cup semi-final in Las Vegas

This only solidifies the notion SAS, and other members of ESPN’s NBA roster, will participate on “Inside” when it moves to ESPN next season.

The ESPN Faculty has experience when it comes to messing up its own NBA pregame offerings. So now its sights are set on grander “achievements:” Like wrecking TNT’s critically acclaimed “Inside the NBA.”

What a business!

DOWN ON BASEBALL

Further evidence ESPN has little-to-no use for baseball came on “Get Up” Monday, when the show relied on Rex Ryan and Shannon Sharpe to analyze the Mets out-spending the Yankees to acquire Juan Soto.

Sharpe/Ryan are football analysts, albeit ones who are well versed in a variety of sports. Nonetheless when ESPN is paying veteran baseball reporters — Buster Olney and Jeff Passan to name a couple — who are plugged into the Soto negotiations why go with football guys to analyze the deal?

This was embarrassing. Was it also another bread crumb on the road to ESPN parting company with MLB?

AROUND THE DIAL

Was looking forward to the three Gasbags (Michael Kay, Don La Greca, Pete Rosenberg) who made up the cast of 880-ESPN’s “The Michael Kay Show,” to finally cross the finish line and head to the start of their “new” programs, which debut in January 2025. Good luck to all involved. Nonetheless, finally, the self-aggrandizement, and recounting the good old days, will temporarily “end” 22 years of tantrums and thin-skins. Haven’t heard this much self-serving schmaltz since Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa embarked on his first Phony WFAN Retirement Tour. … As part of its transition to a sports-first agenda, VICE TV will present a six-part docu-series on Rick Pitino (Pitino: Red Storm Rising) and another on John Calipari (Calipari: Razor’s Edge). Calipari’s series is produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. … Despite him following Bill Belichick to North Carolina, Mike Lombardi will finish out the season making NFL picks with SXM’ s Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo on Fridays. … If Belichick decides to do the kind of media thing he did this season, his Carolina coach’s show might actually be entertaining. Don’t hold your breath. … Then again it will depend on the questions the team friendly hosts ask. … Fox’s cameras spent a lot of time focusing on Joe Schoen during Saints-Giants. Was the GM providing cover for CEO/ co-owner John Mara?

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: RICK PITINO

His fashion statement to honor and recognize former St. John’s coach Lou Carnesecca were genuine and sweet. The creativity also won’t soon be forgotten.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: GREG BYRNE

The whining by the Alabama Athletic Director when the Crimson Tide was bypassed for the CFP was epic. It was so over the top that X (aka Twitter) followers had a ball deflating his argument.

DOUBLE TALK

What Mike Francesa said: “If I left radio the way he [Aaron Rodgers] is leaving football I’d throw up.”

What Mike Francesa meant to say: “I had one fake retirement. I had one phony retirement tour. I even had a second retirement.”

The former Jets (GM) and Dolphins (vice president of football operations), who joined ESPN in 2019, is billed as the network’s “NFL Front Office Insider.” In that gig he is paid to deliver, and comment on, breaking news from a GM’s perspective. He provides added texture to ESPN’s NFL coverage.

Recently the Jets announced they had hired Tannenbaum’s Think Tank/consulting firm, “The 33rd Team” to assist Gang Green boss Woody Johnson in his search for a new general manager and coach to replace Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas.

While Tannenbaum is working for Johnson, how can he present, or analyze, on TV, any news concerning the Jets search, a search he is basically in charge of? He can’t. And yet Tannenbaum, who will never be mistaken for Kid Dynamite behind the microphone, is a master of moving his mouth and saying nothing of substance. This is the vanilla approach Derek Jeter made famous while wearing a Yankees uniform.

Evidence of this was presented recently when Tannenbaum, in his role of ESPN “NFL Front Office Insider” was interviewed on 880-ESPN Radio by Ty Butler and Jake Asman. As expected, all their questions (they were good ones) were about Tannenbaum’s role in the Jets search.

And all Tannenbaum did was give similar answers (the interview was 9 minutes 30 seconds) in different ways. For example, there was a lot of “process” talk.

Tannenbaum:

“We’re hoping to be a process-driven search.”

“We’re in very initial stages of a several month process.”

“If you run a great process, you should have a good result.”

“Like I said, we’re running a thoughtful process”

“We’re very early in the process with the candidates.”

Is this the non-informative drivel the Bristol Faculty wants coming out of the mouth of its “Front Office Insider?” On the flip side, if Woody Johnson was grading at home, Tannenbaum would have received an A+ for his mastery of Corporate Mumbo Jumbo.

When an active player joins a studio panel late in the season, or for the playoffs, there’s a built-in skepticism from the viewership. While the player may comment on a play, or how it was or was not executed, he is not going to hammer a guy he might be playing against — or with — next season.

With Tannenbaum it’s different. The expectation of him delivering “inside” insight should not go on holiday, just because he’s decided to work for Mr. Johnson. And as the season’s hourglass runs out of sand, and more coaches are shown the door, or welcomed in, there will be more questions for Tannenbaum.

And many of the inquiries will be about the Jets search and how the movement of other coaches and GM’s impact it. If Tannenbaum continues to talk in process-eeze he will satisfy Johnson, but won’t be helping viewers looking for info.

Now may be the time for ESPN suits to suggest Mr. T take a sabbatical from broadcasting until he finishes up his Jets business.

BLUESHIRT BASHING

The Rangers, one of the more functional franchises in this market, is going through some dysfunction. The D-Funk has apparently heightened the sensitivity level of MSG studio analyst Steve Valiquette.

In the first period of the Devils’ 5-1 win on Garden ice Monday, Jack Hughes, on a breakaway, slowed and attempted a one-handed shot. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin blocked it.

Between the first and second periods Valiquette, on MSG’s studio show, thought Hughes was showboating, and said: “…Hughes set out to embarrass Shesterkin with one hand and that should have sent a shockwave to everybody on the bench…And I’m sort of surprised I didn’t see a response from the team that way.”

Obviously, down 2-0, the Rangers did not hear, or simply ignored, Valiquette’s rallying cry.  Not only has losing brought Rangers dysfunction, but hockey-centric notebooks and cameras track the malaise to shortly after GM Chris Drury (like Leon Rose, he doesn’t speak to the media) sent a memo to the rest of the NHL signaling the Rangers’ store is open and he’s ready to wheel, deal and listen to offers, including for some of their veteran stars.

Considering the season has many miles to go, it’s kind of early to panic, right? Early for Valiquette to challenge the Rangers from the studio too. Not if heat is being directed from the top down.

NHL Network’s E.J. Hradek, in a recent FAN interview with Joe Benigno, said he could “only speculate” that Garden boss James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan is getting impatient early and putting “pressure” on his GM.

And does anyone else think Dolan was feeling just like Valiquette when he saw Hughes putting that backhand move on Shesterkin?

Could it be Dolan was playing the role of Valiquette’s ventriloquist?

GOLDEN TALKING POINT

Since MLB’s free agency period began on Nov. 4, it has mostly moved at a glacial pace, which at best meant hearing the same crumbs of Juan Soto “news” presented by a conga line of baseball “insiders” day-after-day.

It did nothing to quell the NFL’s strangle hold on sports media. Then along came Rob Manfred whispering about this Golden At-Bat gimmick. Suddenly that whisper turned into a scream.

Anyone with a tongue, teeth and a set of vocal cords, is talking about an “idea” where a team can bring any player up to bat one time, anytime, in a game. Suddenly, the whole world appeared to be squawking.

The fate of the Golden At-Bat doesn’t matter. Manfred has won already. He’s got Gasbags talking baseball rather than being, as usual, drowned out by the NFL.

AROUND THE DIAL

The speculation over which teams will be selected for the expanded college football playoff has made game telecasts sound more like studio shows. Like Tennessee-Vanderbilt last  Saturday. The Vols had to win to secure a playoff bid and got off to a slow start against a squad that defeated Alabama earlier in the season and lost to Texas by three points. Yet analyst Dusty Dvoracek and play-by-play voice Dave Pasch, throughout the game, spent far too much time discussing what might need to happen for a variety of teams to make the tournament. They should have focused more on what was happening in front of them on the field. … Among the International Boxing Hall of Fame class of 2025 will be Ross Greenburg who, for 33 years, helped make HBO Sports the place to be for boxing on TV. For 12 years Greenburg served as president of HBO Sports and prior to that gig was the executive producer. He enters the Hall in the “observer” category. Also being enshrined is Randy Gordon, the TV boxing analyst who also served as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission. The induction will take place June 5-8 at the Hall in Canastota, N.Y. … When the Valley of the Stupid reviews the Golden At-Bat debates the “confrontation” featuring Howie Rose and Michael Kay will be near the top of the list. If only because they managed to turn the festivities into a self-serving exercise. Very impressive. … Judging by how it was glorified by football analysts the flag planting “ceremonies” are bound to expand to “meaningless” games. … Just wondering why Gasbags who despise Aaron Rodgers can’t stop talking about him?

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: DEBBIE ANTONELLI

Does not get much sweeter than last Wednesday when the versatile ESPN college hoops analyst got to work a Louisville-Indiana game in which her son, Patrick, played for the Cardinals.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: DEMECO RYANS

For blaming the victim. At his Monday media session, the Texans coach placed the blame for linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s vicious forearm to the head of a defenseless Trevor Lawrence on the Jacksonville QB. “We stand behind Azeez and everything that came from that,” Ryans said.  He added Lawrence tried taking “advantage” of the rule by sliding late and trying “to get an extra yard.”

DOUBLE TALK

What Brian Daboll said: “We thought that Drew [Lock] did some good things in Dallas.”

What Brian Daboll meant to say: “I’m not ready to say Drew gives us the best chance to win.”

Since ESPN’s “Countdown” began in 2002, stability has not been its hallmark. Far from it. “NBA Countdown,” aka, NBA Shootaround, aka, NBA Hangtime, aka, NBA Game Time, aka NBA Nation, aka NBA Sunday, has more aliases than a crook on the run.

ESPN’s “Countdown” has been a work-in-progress for over two decades.

“They [ESPN producers and suits] never give anybody a chance to get any chemistry,” Charles Barkley, a member of the “Inside the NBA” panel said on a recent Paul George podcast. “They all kind of throw stuff at the wall and they’re like ‘It didn’t work well.’ Well, you didn’t give it a chance to work.”

Realizing an exercise in futility when we see it, we stopped counting all the names who entered the “Countdown” studio, that, to keep the assembly line moving, should have included a well-oiled ejector seat.

A conga-line of NBA mouths passed through, including: Tim Hardaway, Bill Laimbeer, Greg Anthony, Tom Tolbert, Bill Walton, Magic Johnson, John Saunders, Dan Patrick, Paul Pierce, Stephen A. Smith, Sage Steele, Kevin Frazier, George Karl, Tim Legler, Michelle Beadle, Malika Andrews, Fred Hickman, Bill Simmons, Jalen Rose, Richard Jefferson, Adrian Wojnarowski and many, many, more.

And despite the transient nature of the show, the Bristol professors responsible for the NBA product, always had a galvanizing force, an example to emulate and try to eventually surpass — TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” which debuted in 1989.

By 2011, when Shaquille O’Neal joined, the show, the TNT “permanent” cast, Ernie Johnson (joined in 1990), Kenny Smith (1998) and Charles Barkley (2000), was in place.

When one ESPN studio combination failed to meet the suits expectations, and couldn’t make a dent in “Inside the NBA” ratings or the show’s level of creativity, they would try another. And even when ESPN formed their recent “Countdown” alignment of studio talent to work a news-driven show, The Faculty still was looking to make another change.

For when ESPN executives recently reached an agreement to license TNT’s “Inside the NBA” from Warner Bros. Discovery (it resulted as part of a recent settlement in WBD’s lawsuit against the NBA) they should have also waved a white flag of surrender in the direction of TNT Sports’ Atlanta studio.

Instead of continuing to compete and finally find stability in a show that was singularly appealing to NBA eyeballs, the ESPN faculty quit on its stool. They cut a deal behind closed doors to license the iconic TNT show, which will debut on ESPN in 2025.

Perhaps this is all part of a two-tier system being used by ESPN. When it couldn’t develop a “Monday Night Football” booth with a big-event-sound, the suits paid the price for big ticket items Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.

When ESPN execs believed Pat McAfee, and his Asylum Choir, was the next big thing, ESPN suits licensed his daily show and gave him a prominent role on its College GameDay program.

And now, with one deal, ESPN rids itself of the feared competition, ushering its former foes — Johnson, O’Neal, Smith, and Barkley — through the revolving door.

What a business.

MORE NBA STUDIO TALK

While “NBA Countdown” won’t be hyped like “Inside the NBA” on ESPN, it will not be going away. The same holds true for “NBA Today.”

As for “Inside the NBA,” it is scheduled to air the first week of the 2025-26 season, Christmas Day, all ABC Saturday/Sunday games after Jan. 1, the final week of the season, conference finals, Finals and other marquee events.

CHILL WITH RODGERS’ REHAB

The bad timing continues for Aaron Rodgers.

With the discombobulated Jets on the border of irrelevance, a Netflix docuseries on the quarterback (Aaron Rodgers: Enigma) is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 17.

The three-part series focuses on Rodgers’ rehab process after he ruptured his Achilles during Gang Gone’s 2023 opener.

Considering the predicament the Jets and Rodgers find themselves in, and how its frustrated fans, don’t expect the doc to provide much inspiration.

DOG BITES HYPE MACHINE

Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo must be suffering from temporary amnesia.

During his recent “Mad” segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Russo ripped CBS Sports for over-hyping its Chiefs-Bills telecast. Doggie pooh-poohed it as no more than a regular season matchup that viewers have experienced before. He did everything but call it meaningless.

Russo also took CBS to task, for having its studio cast on site outside the Bills stadium. It was so loud, with fans surrounding their set, it was impossible to hear what the brainiacs were saying.

Nonetheless, did Doggie forget that his employer, ESPN, is the home office for excessive hype? And last we looked ESPN’s Saturday morning College football studio is on the road, surrounded by students, making it often hard for viewers to hear what the panel is saying.

Yep, Dog must have forgot all that stuff. Maybe he will remember that 31.2 million fans must have swallowed CBS’s hype.

AROUND THE DIAL

Rex Ryan recently dropped some major juice on 880 AM’s Alan Hahn and Bart Scott. Rexie, the current ESPN analyst and former Jets/Bills coach, openly campaigned for Woody Johnson to make him the new Jets head coach. “Nobody has seen a team that is going to play as hard as this team’s going to play in the future, trust me,” Ryan said. “If I’m the guy, trust me.” Hahn/Scott did the right thing: They didn’t try to interrogate Ryan, they just let him roll. … On the flip side, 880AM drive-time mouth Michael Kay was down on Ryan. Kay claimed Ryan “embarrassed himself” by “begging” for the Jets job on the radio. Hey, no one expects Ryan to suddenly clam up when the opportunity to lobby for the gig presents itself. He’s an out-front kind of guy. Now there’s a revelation. … And we should not forget that Thursday morning Ryan was also on 880 AM with Rick DiPietro/Dave Rothenberg saying the current Jets would probably be undefeated if he was coaching them.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: EVAN COHEN

The morning host on ESPN Radio has also frequently been filling for Mike Greenberg on his mid-day “Greeny” radio program. The extra work has not diminished Cohen’s energy or appetite for engaging talk radio.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: NETFLIX

The live stream of Paul vs. Tyson was filled with audio issues, frozen TV screens and buffering problems. And the pacing of the show was a train wreck.

DOUBLE TALK

What Daniel Jones said: “I know there is a lot of good football in front of me.”

What Daniel Jones meant to say: “I HOPE there is a lot good football in front of me.”

With the two locals (Jets 3-7, Giants 2-8) destined for a race to the bottom, the league has gotten both teams prime time appearances out of the way.

With a combined 14 games left to play, only the Giants have one nationally televised tilt on their sked — a Thanksgiving Day (4:30 p.m.) matchup with the bumbling Dallas Cowboys. The rest of the regionally televised games are scheduled for Sundays at 1 p.m. And unless the Jets miraculously get off the canvas and go on a run, their Jan. 5 “TBD” game with Miami will be a 1 p.m. affair too.

The bleak picture may as well be illuminated by a toy flashlight. Unless you have masochistic tendencies there’s really no reason to see clearly. On Oct. 27 Steve Gelbs, the host of SNY’s Jets pre and postgame shows, declared Gang Green’s season over. His decision to turn off the lights is now hard to question. Since then, the Jets performance has provided little reason to watch Gang Green games on the networks or their SNY studio shows.

Nonetheless if both teams continue headed in the same direction — and anyone still cares — which has the more compelling TV product? That would be the Jets. The reason? Aaron Rodgers.

The Hall of Fame bound quarterback is still a polarizing figure, which is a good thing when the mission is attracting eyeballs or putting backsides in seats. As many Jets fans will tune-in to see if Rodgers can live up to his contract and find a way pull the Jets out of quicksand, there will also be a combination of hardcore and casual fans who want to see him fail. In today’s climate, they might even bet on him failing. How shocking!

And you don’t need a degree in Shrinkology to know the sport of rubbernecking is alive and well. Especially for those who enjoy seeing Rodgers’ feeble attempts to move around inside the pocket while trying to escape pressure.

The flip side of the image of a 40-year-old fading legend, is one of Rodgers suddenly getting it together (assuming the Jets defense can ever stop the run) and leading Gang Green down a comeback road into the playoffs. Some fans still want to watch a heroic quarterback succeed despite the dysfunctional mess Woody (The Ambassador) Johnson presides over.

The Giants have no such attractive hooks. While their 2-8 record includes its share of “competitive” games, they don’t play an entertaining style of football. The Giants brand is a singular one, producing frustration (years and years of it).  That’s hard to sell. It says a lot when the most entertaining part of gameday is Brian Daboll’s stick-and-move postgame press conferences.

Unfortunately, those sessions don’t even generate Emergency Broadcast System TV ratings. Nor do they sell tickets. As the Giants play out the season, a pseudo quarterback controversy is all that’s left to sell. And it’s hard buying any notion that one of the three quarterbacks, Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, is suddenly going to be transformed into an overnight TV ratings magnet.

Nov. 14, 2024: But why?

NFL’S PODCAST ERA

Professional athletes have been encouraged to plan their “next” career while they are still active players.

Judging by some media members recent comments concerning Micah Parsons throwing Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy under the bus, the linebacker’s post-career prep has gone too far.

ESPN’s NFL reporter Adam Schefter, on Pat McAfee’s show, said it was “weird” hearing Parsons hyping his “The Edge with Micah Parsons Podcast” if “you want to hear what he meant to say about his coach Mike McCarthy.”

Yet Parson’s hyping his podcast is nothing new to the business. ESPN has its hype machine in over-drive 24/7 for most of its productions and much of its talent, including Schefter. Maybe Schefter found it strange because Parsons, on this occasion, was positioned as a competitor.

On “Get Up!” Damien Woody was upset (he launched into a riveting, passionate soliloquy) lamenting how there used to be “a little decorum in the locker room, because at the end of the day it was about ‘we.’” And Parsons violated that “decorum” by disparaging McCarthy.

“See, that’s what’s going on with these podcast boys out here in the locker room spouting this type stuff,” Woody said.

The NFL’s laissez faire attitude toward players in the podcast business, and also using social media immediately after games, indicates Roger Goodell and Co. have no problems with the controversy this brand of communication can create.

And as for Schefter being scooped by Parsons, well, maybe the “Insider” should just get used to it.

WELCOME BACK, DAVE

After 18 seasons doing TV play-by-play for the Seattle Mariners, Dave Sims, the pride of Philadelphia, has landed in the Yankees radio booth, replacing John (Pa Pinstripe) Sterling who “retired” (sort of) last April.

Sims, 71, specialty has been baseball but he’s a versatile multi-sport play-by-play guy (basketball, football, track and field) who started his career as a sports scribe for the New York Daily News.

While he is also remembered for his WFAN mid-day show with Ed Coleman, Sims was a Gasbag pioneer in sports talk radio.

From 1986-88, Sims hosted “SportsNight,” a 5-hour evening show on WNBC Radio. His producer? Mike Breen, who went on to make his own mark as ESPN/ABCs voice of the NBA and lead Knicks voice on MSG.

During the “SportsNight” sessions, Breen would bring out a book for Sims’ guests to sign. If only that book could talk. Anyway, just wondering where the book ended up?

GRUDEN GOSSIP

Jeff Ulbrich, and other NFL coaches on hot seats, can’t be surprised when media types (some, former players) start talking about possible replacements before these thin-ice coaches have been fired.

A few Gasbags, including FAN morning mouths Norman Julius Esiason and Gregg Giannotti, started pushing exiled former coach Jon Gruden for gigs that may or may not eventually be open. Gio specifically mentioned the Jets job.

Esiason said after speaking to “people” he was convinced Gruden, who last week signed a deal to join Barstool Sports, “definitely wants to come back. One hundred percent.”

Gruden resigned as Raiders head coach in 2021 after the New York Times reported he used misogynistic, anti-gay language, in emails. He also directed vulgar language at Roger Goodell.

Yep, the not-so-steady-rocking Gruden is just the guy you want to bring in to run the Jets, a team that resides on the brink of chaos.

AROUND THE DIAL

After being banished by NBC Sports following a season (2021) doing Notre Dame football and Sunday Night Football studio, Drew Brees was back on TV last week, joining ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown crew. While this was not an audition, you can expect Brees will be looking for a seat on that football analyst carousel once it starts rolling again. … It’s always inspiring watching Mike Wilbon, on PTI, shred the entire College Football Playoff process. ESPN faculty and the money-grubbing collegiate suits certainly must enjoy Wilbon’s soliloquies. … While his Soap Opera acting chops have already been validated, Stephen A. Smith rolled out his Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo (full-body) imitation on “First Take” during the What Makes Dog Mad segment. SAS had Russo’s gyrations down, especially Dog’s hands on hips prancing maneuver. … Enjoying the thorough coverage of the Juan Soto sweepstakes. Especially when scribes document what stars might be travelling to the coast with Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman or Steve Cohen and David Sterns to convince Soto to take their millions.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: FOX NFL PREGAME CREW

Every year, none of the NFL’s TV partners celebrate Veterans Day quite like Fox’s NFL studio show with a day-long tribute and stirring remote broadcast. And this Sunday there is no need to recount the Michael Strahan anthem “controversy.” The non-story doesn’t deserve any added oxygen.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: DANIEL JONES

His inability to deliver the ball to open receivers is glaring. So much so it had NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner almost ready to unretire on the spot last Sunday in Munich.

DOUBLE TALK

What Hal Steinbrenner said: “In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right thing for the community…”

What Hal Steinbrenner meant to say: “I can provide the Rays with a temporary home but even I can’t stop the rain.”

Yet it’s worth pointing out that 10 million+ people view the Mona Lisa on a yearly basis at its home inside the Louvre in Paris. In its Yankee Stadium home in the Bronx — with Soto — just over 3 million fans watched the Bombers play in 2024. Without Soto, the 2023 Yankees also drew just over 3 million.

Mona Lisa —1

Boras — 0

Hours are spent by Gasbags, desperate to fill time, reciting Soto’s baseball statistics while attempting to figure out how owners like Hal Steinbrenner, Steve Cohen, and others, will reach in their pockets to win The Soto Sweepstakes.

Not much effort is spent trying to quantify Soto’s value as an entertainer, especially when Boras compares the outfielder to the “priceless” Mona Lisa. Yet if ever put up for sale, this masterpiece could be worth anywhere between $850 million-$1.01 billion, which unless one owner loses his mind, numbers Soto won’t fetch. The “ceiling” for a multi-year Soto deal is reportedly $700 million, likely Boras’ dream scenario.

For that kind of dough, Soto should be a must-see-TV attraction. How did the Yankees do on the TV side before the outfielder joined the team compared to 2024? Viewership on the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network Bombers telecasts this season averaged 171,000 viewers per game, down slightly from the (without Soto) 172,000 viewers per game average in the 2023 season. Combined minutes of Yankees games watched on YES and the YES app were 6.6 billion with Soto in 2024, up from the 6.4 billion minutes in 2023.

For the Yankees, the sky, in terms of TV ratings and attendance, was already high before Soto came to the Bronx. With Aaron Judge one of the faces of the game, the Yankees already had a legitimate — literally larger than life — superstar who also appeals to the casual fan with his must-see-TV at-bats.

For all his brilliance, Soto is not a spectacular outfielder. Yet his at-bats, which produce eye-popping offense, are almost theatrical in nature. They often feature him looking out at the pitcher and changing expressions depending on the result of each pitch.

Unfortunately, while these grinding at-bats are unusual, they appeal more to the hardcore fans who appreciate Soto’s patience and ability to foul off, aka, spoil pitches. Unfortunately, they slow the action for casual fans who would rather be serenaded by long balls and bat flips. Soto did wallop 41 home runs this season.

Nonetheless, when it comes to Soto, Boras has plenty to sell. And while comparing Soto to the Mona Lisa is more than a reach, it still, in terms of great moments in public negotiating, was a thing of beauty.

COULD REX FIRE UP JETS?

The Jets are leaderless.

General manager Joe Douglas came out of hiding Wednesday finally facing notebooks and cameras. He looked like he wanted to catch the first thing smoking out of Jersey. Jeff Ulbrich was looking skyward waiting for the next ax to fall.

Woody Johnson was spending his days staring at his phone waiting for a call — and next assignment — from president-elect Donald Trump. And Aaron Rodgers was waiting to see how the Jets do in Arizona Sunday before he decides to slip into darkness, aka, the Injured List.

That’s why in the midst of all the Jets jumble and jive, it was “reassuring” to hear Rex Ryan say he’s interested in again coaching the team if the job opens up. Adding to this welcome proclamation was its endorsement by the self-anointed Jets martyr, Joe Benigno and excitable (Screaming) Sal Licata.

If nothing else, Ryan is fearless. Under his leadership the Jets have a better chance of restoring their heart beat. At least it’s a start.

STEPHEN A. VS. KD

Anyone else lost track of the on-again feud between Stephen A. Smith and Kevin Durant?

This time the back and forth included Durant calling SAS “a clown” last Saturday and Smith going on First Take, Monday, to say how much he respects Durant before eventually ripping the well-travelled player. Smith appears on so many different shows but we think he used his own podcast to eventually trash KD.

Anyway, these “conflicts” have happened so often it’s reasonable to suggest both the player and the commentator, think the controversy, manufactured or otherwise, is good for both of them in terms of views, clicks, other eyeball metrics and their overall brand.

Unfortunately, the rip-and-repeat between SAS and Durant has also become a predictable production.

AROUND THE DIAL

At this point in the NFL season, Bill Belichick is the most compelling watch among the new talent arriving on the league’s TV scene. Whether it be on The Breakdown with Peyton Manning, or the Pat McAfee Show, or MNF with the Manning brothers, the coach-in-waiting may not answer every question with sincerity (sometimes he’s in avoidance mode) but he leaves viewers with something to think about. And he is actually likeable. … All new national outlets involved in the NBA TV biz should put an immediate halt in their search for the next Charles Barkley. No such person exists. … Anyone else believe someday, someway Craig Carton (now with FS1 in the morning) is going to return to WFAN — and not just in a cameo role? … Phil Simms added some much needed juice to the Giants sleepy radio (WFAN) pregame show prior to Commanders matchup. … Simms radio appearance did not impress Shaun O’Hara. On the Giants MSG postgame show, a replay aired of Simms, an honorary captain, walking to midfield for the coin toss. O’Hara: “Phil looks lost. Is he looking for directions?” … NFL Network’s Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner will work Giants-Panthers from Munich. Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma will be in the Fox booth for Jets-Cardinals.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: GREG SANKEY

The powerful SEC commissioner took care of business with one memo when he told the football schools in his league to “stop the feigned injury nonsense.” Or else.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: JASON KELCE

And you thought Stephen A. was overexposed? Far too much visibility for a former player in Year 1 of retirement. Please pace yourself or suffer the consequences.

DOUBLE TALK

What Joe Douglas said: “I come in here every day. I just want to do whatever I can to help this team reach its goals and get to its destination, and whatever happens, happens.”

What Joe Douglas meant to say: “Working for Woody, and Aaron, is no picnic.”

Don’t see why not.

After all, a large swath of media (social and otherwise) treated the nationally televised caper more like a comedic moment perpetrated by Yankee season ticket holders, than the criminal act of two suddenly famous fools who belonged in jail Tuesday night for forcefully separating the Dodgers right fielder from the baseball and the glove it was lodged in.

Fox Sports’ Joe Davis and John Smoltz, the network’s top baseball voices, set the tone. They were first to project a laissez-faire vibe to the millions of eyeballs watching the broadcast. Perhaps they are already conditioned to the flock of inebriated “adults,” who turn stadiums into massive saloons where you also have the opportunity to watch professional baseball being played.

Davis did play-by-play of the unfortunate first inning, Game 4 incident. Then, with the replay airing, expectations were for either Davis or Smoltz to express an opinion about the fans antics mugging Betts, which resulted in Gleyber Torres being called out because of for fan interference.

“Betts has that ball in his glove and that fan literally tries to take his glove off,” Davis said. “[He] pries the ball out of there [the glove]. ‘A’ for effort.”

Davis’ ambiguous ‘A’ (or was it sarcastic) for effort message was confusing. It left the perception he was not shocked by the ball snatching interference. Or maybe he’s not in the business of delivering hot takes on a World Series telecast. Yet during Game 5, Davis called the Betts interference an “unfortunate” incident while reporting how MLB/Yankees had given the banished fans tickets to a pediatric cancer patient and his family.

Then there was “The Pat McAfee Show,” the home office for the altered state of mind. McAfee, who wasn’t really convincing, told his ESPN audience and guest, baseball columnist Jeff Passan: “… We are not on the intoxicated Yankee fan’s side here.”

Ty Schmit, one of McAfee’s cast members, gave viewers a reason to believe their fearless leader was not being totally truthful. Schmit: “Fans don’t do that [interfere] … [but] if you are in that situation and you D-Up your area, then do what you got to do and live with the consequences.” Which could include, as Schmit pointed out, “a heroes sendoff.”

Passan tried pushing back. The analytics indicated he was not preaching to the choir. He said the offending Yankee fans “deserve every bit of criticism and they got kicked out of the game.”

And considering how some in the media portrayed them as lovable losers, their antics might be replayed in that World Series highlight video. If only to chronicle another sign of the times we live in.

NOT DEAD YET

Guess the Mets riveting comeback on the way to the NL East title didn’t provide any lessons for Steve Gelbs, SNY’s Mets reporter.

In his other role hosting the network’s Jets pre and postgame shows, Gelbs opened the postgame, following Gang Green’s 25-22 loss to New England last Sunday, saying: “The Jets season that began with Super Bowl expectations is over on October 27.”

Like some of his colleagues who had the Mets season over in May, Gelbs fearlessly buried the Jets long before mathematical elimination.

While Jets brass may not like his take, Gelbs need not worry. If he should turn out wrong, no one will hold him accountable. They will probably forget Gelbs held the Jets funeral with nine games left. Thursday night/Friday morning, his tone was anything but funereal  after the Jets beat Houston 21-13.

“They did it,” Gelbs said on the postgame show. “The Jets break a five-game losing streak.” Did he forget about putting the nail in their coffin less than a week ago?

By the way, if the Jets season is already over, why even bother watching SNY’s Jets pre or postgame shows?

BEHIND THE SCENES? YES

Aaron Boone and his players were so overcome with emotion and grief, the manager didn’t arrive at the interview room until 12:41 a.m.

The YES Game 5 postgame show had been underway, while the Dodgers were still celebrating outside on Yankee Stadium turf and inside the visitors’ clubhouse. All the noise seemed to stop when Boone, looking down, covering his eyes and pausing, finally said:

“The end is cruel. I’m heartbroken.”

For the Yankees, it was the emotional moment of the season. It gave viewers a clear-eyed picture of what a distraught Boone was experiencing — the closest of looks.

That’s not the only way YES used its World Series crew to bring late night/early morning viewers inside the games.

Like Saturday, after Carlos Rodon gave up three home runs and couldn’t get through the fourth inning of Game 2, John Flaherty presented a possible cause of the pitcher’s problems.

While watching the Fox telecast, Flaherty saw Rodon constantly looking at his fingers. Flaherty reasoned Rodon was being bothered by blisters.

MANAGING AN OPINION

When it comes to accusing Aaron Boone of being a player’s manager, Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo has plenty of company.

“Boone is too cozy with his players,” Dog said during his Tuesday SiriusXM show.

Yet it appears those who agree with Dog’s take on Boone forget the Yankees high command wanted a “softer” manager to replace the clenched fist personality of Joe Girardi.

BAD NEWS ABOUT BOB

According to published reports (first reported by The Athletic), Bob (Rapping Roberto) Costas has decided to retire from doing baseball play-by-play. There is no way to spin this bad news.

Only in the dysfunctional world of sports TV or sports entertainment, could a multi-decade talent who still is 1) An historian of the game 2) Fearless, opinionated and engaging, 3) An entertaining stylist and 4) A conscience of the game, “decide” to walk away.

Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

AROUND THE DIAL

Derek Jeter came up big on Fox’s World Series pre and postgame shows. The captain’s dry sense of humor combined with his story telling ability makes him a compelling watch. And Jeter doesn’t feel compelled to ramble on. … Fox resisted the temptation of adding a third voice, likely a high profile current player or manager, to its World Series booth. In the past, the Foxies would add a voice for its marquee value. The results were mixed. … Working the World Series on Fox, Joe Davis and John Smoltz didn’t suck. They were solid but on the vanilla side. That they had no strong reaction to the fans who assaulted Betts suggests they may need a gut check. … ESPN Radio got excellent results using a three person (Jessica Mendoza, Jon Sciambi, Eduardo Perez) World Series booth. The three have worked together before. Calling Yankees-Dodgers they were mechanically efficient and entertaining. And they never forgot they were working a radiocast. … During a visit to Mad Dog Russo’s SXM soiree, commissioner Rob Manfred was asked what he thinks of playoff games airing on the ratings-challenged FS1? “No rap on FS1, but I, in all candor, I don’t think there is a commissioner in professional sports that wouldn’t admit to you that given the choice you’d always rather have the reach of a broadcast network,” Manfred said. Hey, if the commish will dump on FS1 publicly, imagine what Manfred says behind closed doors about the Foxies sticking his product in the boonies of TV? … If his health is good, don’t discount the possibility of “the retired” John (Pa Pinstripe) Sterling returning to the Yankees radio booth in some form or fashion. Or maybe he does some sports talk radio dates.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: JEFF VINIK

For taking care of business. The outgoing owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning took part of his profit and handed out $60,000 bonuses to team employees for a job well done.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: TYRIQUE STEVENSON

For messing up priorities. What a blunder by the Bears defensive back on the game ending play at Washington, spending time taunting the fans during live game action.

DOUBLE TALK

What Aaron Boone said: “It [a Juan Soro at-bat] is a combination of the battle that ensues, but with a theatrical element to it.”

What Aaron Boone meant to say: “I hope we can ‘afford’ many more of those at-bats.”

No matter what evidence they present, they will claim their case is air-tight if only because since 2016 Mr. Davis has been a Dodgers TV play-by-play voice. That being the case, it must automatically translate to Davis schlepping his bias into Fox’s World Series booth, right?

And if you want to extend this familiar theory/accusation, you can charge analyst John Smoltz “guilty” for sitting in close proximity to Davis during Yankees-Dodgers.

This whole “favoritism” thing leads to numerous parties (including some baseball broadcasters looking for a path to the Fall Classic) offering “solutions” to the definition of making a mountain out of a mole hill — an exercise in stupidity.

One “idea” is about having a local voice from each participating team join the Fox national duo for a few innings. This “solution,” which was actually used many moons ago during Series telecasts, is usually framed by someone explaining how “our” local broadcasters know much more about “our” team than a national network’s broadcast team.

The cosmetic nature of this “solution” may have some merit. Nonetheless it’s often the case where a national broadcast team comes into a World Series knowing as much — or more — than a local crew. Stylistically, the presentation is different but the national mouths are often better prepared than the local voices.

And from a business perspective, the Foxies are not paying billions for World Series TV rights to share their booth with broadcasters who have nothing to do with Fox’s baseball brand. For many moons that brand WAS defined by Joe Buck and the late Tim McCarver. Fox is still trying to reach that recognition level with Davis and Smoltz; not Davis, Smoltz and a Local Announcer to be Named Later.

The other idea is Fox offering “alternative” World Series broadcasts featuring the participating teams regular season voices. While this would be a utopia for local broadcasters (think of it Yankee fans could have their own “alternative” telecast featuring Michael Kay and a YES analyst du jour) it makes no sense for Fox.

A multi-game series of alternative telecasts won’t work as well as one-and-done affairs, like the College Football Championship Game. And when you are already investing goo-gobs of cash in a World Series production, why would you spend more to create two “alternative” Series telecasts over a possible seven nights just to satisfy a niche audience?

Fox would also put itself in a position of having to encourage viewership to leave its main channel to go to alternative sites like FS1 and FS2.

So, for those who will inevitably continue to complain about Fox messing up your Yankees World Series experience there’s no way out.

So, cool it. Just learn to “embrace” Davis and Smoltz.

YES’ SERIES LINEUP

For those who do want a local presence, there’s always Suzyn (Ma Pinstripe) Waldman and John (Pa Pinstripe) Sterling on the radio.

In case anyone forgot, Sterling big footed his way into the postseason radio booth, replacing the voices who replaced him when he “retired” in April.

Meanwhile, here’s how YES president of production and programming John J. Filippelli will deploy his Series postgame show operatives.

When the Yankees are in Los Angeles:

Bob Lorenz, Jack Curry, John Flaherty and Michael Kay in YES’ Stamford, Conn., studio. No flying for these fellows.

Meredith Marakovits and Joe Girardi at Chavez Ravine. They get to mingle with the Hollywood types.

And in the Bronx:

Lorenz, Curry, Flaherty in Stamford studio. They’re hoping YES bean counters approved a budget for snacks.

Marakovits, Kay, Paul O’Neill at Yankee Stadium. They get to mingle with the Bleacher Creatures.

BANKS ALL, CARL?

It sounded so familiar. Anyone listening thought Carl Banks had once offered a similar late game soliloquy before. This particular off-the-cuff critique came near the end of the Giants’ 28-3 loss to Philly last Sunday. This is what happens to a radio analyst working for a team that’s been so bad for so long.

Banks used a number of ear catching adjectives, that when mixed together can be rolled into three words: stink, unlistenable, unwatchable. Banks never used those words. Instead, he used the word “unacceptable” multiple times.

And he never alluded to the Giants coach or GM. Perhaps Banks had an inkling that four days later, co-owner John Mara would issue a vote of confidence for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen.

The way things are going down with the Giants, Banks better find some more negative words to weave into his vocab. A suggestion: Maybe he should consult with the Human Thesaurus, Walt (Clyde) Frazier.

BILL KEEPS WINNING

As a multi-media maven, Bill Belichick is just doing his job.

Yet some of the very “observers” who said he would have “nothing” to say, and predicted he would project his press conference stoicism on TV, are now criticizing the coach-in-waiting for hammering some NFL types, including Jerod Mayo, Nick Sirianni and Woody Johnson.

Belichick can’t win. If he played the mummy role, he 1) Would not have lasted in the TV gigs 2) Would have been criticized for withholding his opinions, aka, stealing money.

All that said, Belichick is turning out to be the most entertaining new analyst of the 2024 season.

AROUND THE DIAL

Hard to make any concrete judgments off his first regular season Knicks radio call on MSG. The best we can say about Tyler Murray is he didn’t mess up. And he maintained his enthusiasm calling the most one-sided of Celtics blowouts while working the Knicks NBA opener with analyst Monica McNutt. The problem both voices had was the audio in the Boston Garden. The crowd sounds were cranked so loud, listeners had problems hearing the Knicks radiocasters. Moving forward sound should be a priority. After all it’s still radio. … Is there a motive involved? Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo recently suggested that considering the direction the Jets wind is blowing, Pat McAfee should put an immediate halt to Aaron Rodgers Tuesday appearances on “TPMS.” Doggie must not realize the value of the train wreck quality Rodgers brings to “TPMS,” win or lose. Then again, maybe this is about Doggie trying to push Rodgers out so he can get the Tuesday spot on the show. Woof-Woof.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: JUAN SOTO

It’s not easy overachieving when you are already labeled one of the game’s superstars. Nonetheless, the performance by Soto in Game 5 of the ALCS was fit for a future legend.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: EMMANUEL CLASE

After faltering in ALCS Game 4 the Guardians closer went on Instagram to post all of his baseball accomplishments. Mr. Clase, we all already understood. Nobody is perfect.

DOUBLE TALK

What Juan Soto said: “It’s been one of the most fun years I’ve ever played.”

What Juan Soto meant to say: “It’s always fun when no matter what happens, you are guaranteed more than a few pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

This just in: Those new Brady Rules are nothing more than a smoke screen.

The regulations only cloud Roger Goodell’s mistake. The commissioner should have forced the former quarterback, who Fox Sports signed in May 2022 to a 10-year, $375 million contract, to make a decision: Chose one. Either TV or team-ownership.

Anything less results in a conflict of interest for Brady (the network’s No. 1 NFL analyst), Fox and the NFL.

Brady, yakking into a Fox microphone while whispering into Raiders managing general partner Mark Davis’ ear is not exactly Kosher. It leaves a suspicious perception. This has been lost in the media feeding frenzy over the “rules” Brady must adhere to.

Despite the “rules,” when fans tune in an NFL game on Fox and see Brady behind the microphone, they should wonder if his priority is working for the network, and providing a high-quality broadcast, or pursuing a Raiders-based agenda, especially when he’s working a Raiders game on Fox.

Nonetheless, the NFL’s failure to make Brady chose between TV or a minority stake in the Raiders, not only created a conflict of interest but “rules” impairing Brady’s ability to produce quality, original analysis.

The GOAT is being prohibited from giving milk.

The “rules” say:1) Brady can’t watch another team’s practice. 2) He also can’t attend production meetings with coaches and players.3) He can’t go into another team’s headquarters. 4) He can’t criticize game officials. 5) He can’t criticize other teams. 6) Nor can he speak to members of other teams.

These “rules” hinder Brady from properly preparing for an upcoming game while also preventing him from making new contacts around the league. Fox Sports suits silence suggests they did not have a problem with what the NFL imposed on Brady.

For even with the rules, the Foxies still get Brady’s marquee presence in their booth. And Brady will continue getting paid by Fox while also hoping to get a healthy return on his Raiders investment.

And you, the football viewer, get the highest paid analyst in the business. Albeit one who can’t prepare properly because he owns a piece of the Raiders.

Not to worry, if Brady cannot hack it after two seasons, he can simply use the “rules” as an excuse. Brady can say he never felt comfortable because the NFL regulations hindered his ability to do his job.

So, he will be saying “goodbye” to TV — and his conflict of interest — to concentrate on his other business ventures. And whenever this occasion arises, Brady will have run out of storybook endings but not excuses.

BURKHARDT GETS IT RIGHT

While Tom Brady is sucking all the air out of Fox’s No. 1 NFL booth, Kevin Burkhardt can’t be overlooked. Especially the way he handled the horrible Aiden Hutchinson third quarter injury in Dallas.

As soon as he could, Burkhardt said the Fox crew “made the right decision not to replay” Hutchinson’s “gruesome” leg injury. In between commercials, Burkhardt didn’t say much. He let the concern on Cowboys/Lions’ faces tell the story.

Shortly after play resumed, Burkhardt asked Brady the crucial question: “How do you get back and play after what we just saw?”

TOO LOUD FOR HOWIE

Howie Rose, on the radio, is getting into the Mets-Dodgers NLCS. Maybe getting into it a bit too much.

When the NLCS opened in Hollywood, Rose had a problem with Dodger Stadium PA’s volume.

“Well, I hope you can hear us [Rose and Keith Raad] because we have to compete against the ridiculously high level PA system here,” Rose said on the air.

Let’s just say Rose will never be known as Mr. Whispers. And when it comes to complaining about your broadcasting problems during a game, well, nobody wants to hear them.

So, there.

WE KNOW, BUCK

After the Jets lost to Buffalo 23-20 in the Meadowlands on “Monday Night Football,” ESPN’s Joe Buck thought it was a good time for a state of Gang Green Address, aka a Dysfunction Alert.

Buck (minus sad, but hopeful background music): “The Jets now have lost three in a row. And they are gonna talk about it’s a long season and it is. But after all these changes it’s kind of the same frustrating result for the New York Jets.”

Swell, but tell us something we don’t know. Then again, when it comes to the Jets there isn’t much the unwashed masses have not already seen or heard.

AROUND THE DIAL

The ESPN Faculty is taking time finding a third voice for their No. 1 NBA broadcast team. Or maybe they are just trying to decide if a third wheel to join Mike Breen and Doris Burke is even necessary. Anyway, with a number of possible candidates on their roster, it looks like the first part of the season will include live auditions during game telecasts. And that process won’t exactly be viewer friendly. … ESPN’s current roster of NBA analysts includes: Richard Jefferson, Hubie Brown, Bob Myers, Tim Legler and Jay Bilas. … Just wondering how the guys (Justin Shackil, Emmanuel Berbari, Rickie Ricardo) who replaced the “retired” John (Pa Pinstripe) Sterling all season long, only to be exiled by the returning Sterling for the playoffs, would have handled all the drama down the stretch on ALCS Game 3 in Cleveland Thursday night? Would have been a lasting memory. Unfortunately, they didn’t get the chance to make it. … YES gets an ‘A’ for its postgame coverage following Game 3. The analysts (John Flaherty, Jack Curry, Michael Kay) spared viewers emotional soliloquies concerning how the frantic finish made them feel, instead sticking to insight and analysis of how it all was able to go down. As usual, and unlike other postgame productions, YES got to the manager’s press conference quickly. Highlight of that session was when Aaron Boone bristled after being asked if “you thought you had it in the bag” following Aaron Judge/Giancarlo Stanton’s back-to-back home runs. … During his recent “Mad About” segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo ripped into the broadcast stylings of Tony Romo and Bill Belichick. Interestingly (or was it purposely) no ESPN voices got ripped. Seems like Doggie is avoiding biting one of the hands that feeds him. … The on-air benefits Pat McAfee is getting from his decision to make Aaron Rodgers a paid weekly regular on his show continue to pay dividends. Latest coup came Tuesday when new Jet Davante Adams did a cameo with Rodgers. This brand of exclusive, compelling content cannot be found on what now passes for local New York sports-talk radio.

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DUDE OF THE WEEK: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

While hosting the Buccaneers on Sunday, the Saints organized a donation drive for Tampa Bay area residents recovering from Hurricane Milton. That was a winning move.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: NICK SIRIANNI

For an experienced Philly coach to be squabbling on the sidelines with fans in the stands is one of two things: dumb or incredibly thin-skinned. Could it be Sirianni was just auditioning for a sports radio Gasbag gig?

DOUBLE TALK

What Davante Adams said: “I turned to him [Aaron Rodgers] and just said, ‘Man, how crazy is this.’”

What Davante Adams meant to say: “Man how crazy is this, they gave us exactly what we wanted.”