Best part of ESPN’s Masters coverage: No Chris Berman; Augusta National doesn’t want him

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Did you notice what you didn’t hear on ESPN’s Masters coverage yesterday? No promos for upcoming shows (won’t miss hearing the endless plugs for Two Broke Girls on CBS this weekend); obviously limited commercials; and drum roll please, no Chris Berman.

Each year, ESPN commits a major golf crime by allowing Berman to be part of its early-round U.S. Open coverage. His schtick is completely out of place at such a huge event.

You know Berman only is there because he tells ESPN he wants to be there. He enjoys golf and this is his chance to have his shot at a major. ESPN has to know he is horrible, but the network goes along with it because he’s “Boomer.” They want to keep him happy.

In 2008, ESPN lands early-round coverage of the Masters. Well, if Berman loves doing the Open, you would think he would take up residence in Augusta for a chance to work the Masters. Make no mistake, he definitely wants to be part of ESPN’s team for the biggest tournament of the year. It’s “a tradition unlike any other.”

So why isn’t he? Unlike the United States Golf Association, which mysteriously allows Berman on its telecasts, I am certain the august officials of Augusta National said, “No Boomer.” They don’t want his prattle (Clifford “The Big Red Dog” Roberts) messing up the pristine Masters telecasts.

As a result, we heard Mike Tirico handle the host chores Thursday. Now there is an ideal fit for ESPN and the Masters. We heard the familiar voices of CBS; the birds chirping when the fans, er “patrons,” went quiet; and the cheers when somebody rolled in a birdie putt.

We didn’t hear Chris Berman. The sound of that silence was beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

6 thoughts on “Best part of ESPN’s Masters coverage: No Chris Berman; Augusta National doesn’t want him”

  1. Bless you for telling the truth about maybe the most obnoxious sportscaster around. His act, like Dickie V, got stale and unwatchable about 20 years ago.

  2. Can’t understand why espn keeps him there is no I know that can stand the jerk and that includes a large amount of the media from what I seem to hear !

  3. Thanks Ed … for speaking the truth about Berman. His act might work for football, but has no place in golf. The usually powerful ESPN has allowed him to be part of their U.S. Open coverage, against their better judgment. Why? Because, like Ed says, Boomer wants “in” and ESPN is afraid to upset their “star.” Good for Augusta to keep him away from The Masters!

  4. Thank God ESPN is the last place I go for any real sports,
    It’s radio and TV shows are cookie cutter crap.

  5. A few of years ago, I was watching early round coverage of the u.s. open and after a few minutes was already tired of listening to his poorly designed questions and overly dramatic bs. Then Berman called a hook a slice, so I Bermaned( watching a sporting event on tv with no sound ) the rest of the early round coverage.

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