Best WWES Broadcast Podcasts (2025)

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ESPN's Shedeur Sanders coverage and who will replace Molly Qerim? 25:23

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10m ago25:23

25:23

Why is Shedeur Sanders still attracting so much coverage and who is the current frontrunner to replace Molly Qerim? Ben Axelrod and Drew Lerner discuss during a live episode of The Play-By-Play. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announc…

1
Troy Aikman pulls no punches on MNF | WNBA Finals on USA? 33:18

2h ago33:18

33:18

Troy Aikman did not hold back during a cruddy Monday Night Football game, and are the WNBA Finals heading to USA Network? Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announcing on BlueSky Awful Announcing on LinkedIn H…

1
Paul Finebaum for Senate?! 32:03

16h ago32:03

32:03

Paul Finebaum says he may run for U.S. Senate in Alabama after seeing the national reaction to the murder of Charlie Kirk last month. It is just the latest example of sports media merging with politics during the second Donald Trump administration. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing o…

1
Is Amazon's 'Thursday Night Football' the best NFL broadcast in the business? 33:49

4d ago33:49

33:49

Is Amazon's 'Thursday Night Football' the best NFL broadcast in the business? Plus, Netflix and MLB reach a new deal and the latest on Zuffa Boxing. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announcing on BlueSky Awf…

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Dave Portnoy vs. Tom Brady | Michael Wilbon calls out 'divisive' Bruce Pearl 29:52

7d ago29:52

29:52

Dave Portnoy and Tom Brady tussle over Saudi Arabian flag football, and Michael Wilbon calls Bruce Pearl 'divisive.' Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announcing on BlueSky Awful Announcing on LinkedIn Hosted…

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More Pat McAfee coming to ESPN | Weekend NFL, CFB media recap 32:00

8d ago32:00

32:00

Pat McAfee officially takes the torch from Lee Corso on ESPN's "College GameDay," plus NFL media's war on the Tush Push, a new announcing duo thrives at CBS, and more! Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announ…

1
Potential problems for WWE's ESPN debut and another week of bad Barstool ratings 28:13

12d ago28:13

28:13

Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Drew Lerner discuss the challenges that WWE is facing with its ESPN debut, as well as the latest lackluster ratings for Barstool Sports' 'Wake Up Barstool' on FS1. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Ann…

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Molly Qerim abruptly leaves ESPN | Tom Brady: Owner or Broadcaster? 36:33

16d ago36:33

36:33

Molly Qerim abruptly exits "First Take," and Tom Brady's conflict of interest is more apparent than ever. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announcing on BlueSky Awful Announcing on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. …

1
Pablo Torre vs. Clippers | Media OUT on Arch & Caleb? 33:54

17d ago33:54

33:54

Pablo Torre keeps the scoops coming with more new on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, plus sports media has egg on its face after Arch Manning and Caleb Williams both flame out on the football field. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagr…

1
Paramount eyeing WBD purchase | 25 most influential sports media members | Bad Barstool ratings 34:31

21d ago34:31

34:31

On a new episode of 'The Play By Play,' Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Drew Lerner discuss the news that Paramount is eyeing a purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, Awful Announcing's list of the 25 most influential sports media personalities of the last 25 years and 'Wake Up Barstool's' lackluster ratings. Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Ap…

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NBC's NFL studio, 'PTI,' and more 30:43

24d ago30:43

30:43

NBC's NFL studio needs a refresh, "PTI" gets an extension, and the Murdoch family figures out succession. It's the new-look Play-By-Play Podcast LIVE! Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Announcing on Instagram Awful Announcing on Threads Awful Announcing on BlueSky A…

1
YouTube's clunky NFL debut & another Ryan Clark apology | WEEK 1 NFL MEDIA REACT 31:15

25d ago31:15

31:15

The first NFL game on YouTube was a missed opportunity, while Ryan Clark offered a distraction from the rest of Week 1 for NFL media by getting into it with new ESPN teammate Peter Schrager on-air. It's our Week 1 NFL media reaction stream on The Play-By-Play LIVE! Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X A…

1
NFL RedZone adds commercials & 2025 NFL Media Storylines Draft 28:22

29d ago28:22

28:22

Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Drew Lerner discuss the news that NFL RedZone is adding commercials. And with the start of the 2025 season now here, they draft the top NFL media storylines for the upcoming campaign, including Tom Brady's second season and JJ Watt's debut. You can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please …

1
Barstool debuts on FS1 & Bill Belichick stumbles in Week 1 28:42

1M ago28:42

28:42

"Wake Up Barstool" debuted on FS1 and Bill Belichick stumbled in his UNC opener. It's the new-look Play-By-Play Podcast LIVE! You can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review! Download The Play-By-Play: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Awful Announcing on X Awful Announcing on Facebook Awful Anno…

1
Dave Portnoy arrives & Lee Corso retires | WEEK 1 CFB MEDIA REACTION 34:45

1M ago34:45

34:45

Dave Portnoy brought pro wrestling to Fox's 'Big Noon Kickoff' while ESPN pulled out all the stops to send Lee Corso into retirement on 'College GameDay.' It's our Week 1 CFB media reaction on the new-look Play-By-Play Podcast LIVE! You can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review! Download The Pl…

1
Breaking down ESPN-NFL Media deal, The Ringer’s Anthony Dabbundo joins us 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

ESPN buys NFL Media, Netflix releases "WWE: Unreal," and "Pablo Torre Finds Out" heads to The Athletic. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen take a look at these stories, as Anthony Dabbundo from The Ringer stops by to chat on this week's episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:43: ESPN buys NFL Media -18:05: Anthony Dabbundo talks …

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Barstool and FS1 together, WNBA CBA negotiations, Kofie Yeboah stops by 1:22:31

2M ago1:22:31

1:22:31

Barstool Sports and Fox Sports are collaborating with Dave Portnoy going to "Big Noon Kickoff" and a daily morning Barstool show. WNBA players took the league to task by wearing "Pay us what you owe us" shirts at the All-Star Game. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen take a look at these stories, plus Kofie Yeboah stops by to chat on t…

1
FS1 implodes daytime lineup, undercovered sports media stories of 2025 1:16:49

3M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Fox Sports cancels "Speak," "Breakfast Ball," and "The Facility," leaving a lot of open slots on FS1's schedule. Pat McAfee's polarizing appearance at the Home Run Derby brought a lot of reactions. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen take a look at the most undercovered sports media stories from the first half of the year. That, plus S…

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Christine Brennan's Caitlin Clark book, overblown sports media stories of 2025 1:06:41

3M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Christine Brennan released an unauthorized biography of Caitlin Clark. Brennan makes no secret she's a massive fan of the WNBA superstar but is her fandom helping the situation? We're halfway into 2025, and at the risk of becoming hypocrites, Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen take a look at the most overblown sports media stories fro…

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LeBron James stays in LA, Bill Simmons vs. Kendrick Perkins 1:06:52

3M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

LeBron James exercised his option to stay with the Lakers but is there more than meets the eye in LA? Bill Simmons and Kendrick Perkins got into it on social media. How did this fare on our beef meter? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including Malik Beasley's gambling investigation, on the latest epis…

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Buy or Sell: NBA Finals edition 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

After a one week break, we are back to talk NBA. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen cover the top sports media storylines from the NBA Finals in a special Buy or Sell segment on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -3:30: ESPN NBA broadcast booth staying the same? -11:03: Stephen A. Smith being totally gone from NBA po…

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Doris Burke criticism and praise, low NBA Finals ratings, WBD splits 1:06:23

4M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Doris Burke is getting lots of criticism and praise for her NBA broadcasts. Are low ratings for this year's NBA Finals due to two small market teams competing? Warner Bros. Discovery splits into two separate companies. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Drew Lerner discuss these topics and more, including who may host "Pardon the In…

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'Inside the NBA' ends, Pablo Torre/Bill Simmons beef 1:06:15

4M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

After 36 years, "Inside the NBA" ends on TNT as it heads to ESPN. Many complain about Yankees/Dodgers on Apple TV+. Bill Simmons goes off on Pablo Torre for his Jordon Hudson/Bill Belichick reporting. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including a discussion about Dan Le Batard's subreddit on the latest …

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ESPN NBA crew issues, under-45 announcer draft, Dan Le Batard/DraftKings 1:07:15

4M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

ESPN's NBA broadcasting trio of Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson is rough. Dan Le Batard and Meadowlark Media stick with DraftKings. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including our under-45 announcer draft on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:40: ESPN NBA broadcast cre…

1
NFL schedule release, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, end of 'Around the Horn' 1:05:55

5M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

The NFL released their 2025 and they are looking to set viewership records. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese playing each other bringing out discourse among the public. "Around the Horn" ends this Friday. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including the NBA playoffs on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play…

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Michael Jordan to NBC, Rich Eisen to ESPN, future of sports streaming 1:14:47

5M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

Michael Jordan shockingly heads to "NBA on NBC." After over 20 years, Rich Eisen is heading back to ESPN. The U.S. Senate discuss the future of sports streaming. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Drew Lerner, who was at the sports streaming hearing, discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamp…

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Caitlin Clark back, Meadowlark changes, Amazon NBA hires 1:07:19

5M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Caitlin Clark returns to Iowa for preseason basketball. John Skipper leaves Meadowlark Media as Dan Le Batard's company has an uncertain future. Amazon continues their NBA hiring. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including the NBA playoffs on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:46: C…

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Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft, Shannon Sharpe/ESPN, Bill Belichick’s CBS interview 1:10:51

5M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Shedeur Sanders dropping in the NFL Draft had everyone talking. Shannon Sharpe is on a leave of absence at ESPN. Jordon Hudson had a massive problem with CBS' softball interview with boyfriend Bill Belichick. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Sam Neumann discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time …

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WrestleMania fallout, Lee Corso retiring, Nico Iamaleava reactions 1:03:07

5M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

WrestleMania 41 was lackluster. Lee Corso announces his retirement. And everyone had takes about Nico Iamaleava. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including Mel Kiper Jr. and Brian Windhorst, on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:25: WrestleMania 41 -19:40: Lee Corso retiring Week 1…

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CBS delivers on Masters, UFC and ESPN 1:14:23

6M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

CBS had a perfect situation with the Masters. The UFC-ESPN negotiating window ends without a deal. Is streaming finally going to take over cable? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Drew Lerner discuss these topics and more, including how the Trump administration is handling RSN's, on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stam…

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Stephen A. vs. LeBron, CBS makes big changes, Peter Schrager to ESPN 1:09:46

6M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James going at it. Gary Danielson announces his retirement, resulting in CBS to make moves in their college football and NFL broadcasts. Peter Schrager leaves NFL Network for ESPN. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen, along with AA head Ben Koo, discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play…

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Loving Dan Hurley, Shohei Ohtani 'Face of MLB,' Gen Z and sports 1:03:48

6M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Dan Hurley rubs many the wrong way, so is that why he's great for college basketball? Is Shohei Ohtani the face of Major League Baseball. Are the lack of Cinderellas really what's destroying college basketball. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including an in-depth discussion with Morning Consult's Ell…

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Bill Belichick/Jordon Hudson discussion, sports media turns on NFL insiders 1:08:32

7M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

How does the media talk about Bill Belichick's and Jordon Hudson's relationship? People taking NFL insiders to task on how they report free agency news. Who are some of the top stars of online sports media? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:41: NF…

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Stephen A. Smith’s new ESPN contract, TGL talk, what replaces 'Around the Horn?' 1:04:22

7M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

Stephen A. Smith and ESPN finally have a deal and the TGL is entering the playoffs in their first season. Awful Announcing's Brandon Contes and Drew Lerner join Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen to discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:01: Stephen A. Smith’s new ESPN contract with Brandon Contes -32:23…

1
NBA ‘Face of the League’ talk, Trump controlling sports world, Cena turns heel 1:04:49

7M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

A discussion about who's the face of the NBA devolved into the usual NBA discourse. President Donald Trump is anywhere and everywhere in the sports world. John Cena shocked everyone by becoming a bad guy in WWE. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:3…

1
ESPN and MLB split, Jay Caspian Kang joins for Stephen A. Smith political talk 1:11:53

7M ago1:11:53

1:11:53

What is Stephen A. Smith's political endgame? The New Yorker's Jay Caspian King joins Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen to discuss. Ben and Brendon will also talk about ESPN opting out of their MLB contract after 2025, as well as various NBA topics including Richard Jefferson and Brian Windhorst on the latest episode of The Play-By-P…

1
NBA All-Star Game panned, NHL 4 Nations Face-Off praised 1:03:23

8M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

The NBA and NHL made changes to their All-Star Game format. One worked, one didn't. More podcasts are becoming TV programming. Will the trend continue? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Drew Lerner discuss these topics and more, including Caitlin Clark's agent speaking out on the WNBA on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time…

1
Tom Brady's Super Bowl work, NFL MVP/All-Pro voting, Dan Orlovsky weighs options 1:05:54

8M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

How did Tom Brady do in his first Super Bowl as a broadcaster? Why did people vote Lamar Jackson for first team All-Pro but vote Josh Allen for MVP? Dan Orlovsky may leave ESPN? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including Adam Silver's reaction to NBA criticism on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play.…

1
Luka to the Lakers, Nick Wright's Chiefs defense, Colin Cowherd stays at FS1 1:08:48

8M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Two weeks of Super Bowl coverage is going to bring repeated talking points. Sports betting companies are cutting funding for sponsored content. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -:27: Podcast speed -3:…

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Super Bowl storylines, sportsbooks dialing back sponsored content 59:48

8M ago59:48

59:48

Two weeks of Super Bowl coverage is going to bring repeated talking points. Sports betting companies are cutting funding for sponsored content. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -2:23: Super Bowl story…

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Tom Brady's best broadcast, Bill Simmons and Spotify, Barstool departures 1:07:29

8M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Tom Brady rose to the occasion during the Commanders-Lions game. Bill Simmons is reportedly likely sticking with Spotify. Amazon hires Kevin Harlan for their NBA coverage. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, including "Bussin' With The Boys" leaving Barstool Sports on the latest episode of The Play-By-Pla…

1
ESPN CFP takeaways, AA NFL announcer rankings overview 1:07:35

9M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

The first 12-team College Football Playoff is almost over. How did ESPN do? NFL head coaches are rarely traded so why does everyone in sports media want the Steelers to trade Mike Tomlin? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics, and we discuss our NFL announcer rankings with AA's Andrew Bucholtz, on the latest episode …

1
Fox Sports lawsuit, WWE on Netflix, Jason Kelce's late night debut 1:04:51

9M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/playbyplay for 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self. Fox Sports is rocked with a sexual battery and discrimination lawsuit. "WWE Raw" makes its long-awaited debut on Netflix. Jason Kelce's late night show was a dud. Awful Announcing'…

1
Looking ahead at 2025 in sports media with AA head Ben Koo 1:19:07

9M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

As we enter 2025, we take a look at some sports media storylines in the next year. Awful Announcing publisher Ben Koo discusses those topics with Play-By-Play hosts Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen. Time Stamps: -1:29: College football changes -14:19: Social media and sports -29:25: NBA and their new media partners -39:31: UFC media rights -50:08: Lau…

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Looking back at 2024 in sports media, Awfulies winners with Sean Keeley 48:58

9M ago48:58

48:58

As 2024 closes, we take a look back at the year in sports media with our year-end awards, The Awfulies. Awful Announcing's Sean Keeley, who compiled this year's results, talks about some of the winners with Play-By-Play hosts Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen. Time Stamps: -:54: Remembering 2024 in sports media -7:33 Sports Media Person of the Year - T…

1
NBA negativity, Caitlin Clark's TIME interview, Bill Belichick to UNC 1:02:37

10M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Sports media is overwhelmingly negative about the NBA. Conservatives take issue on Caitlin Clark's TIME Athlete of the Year interview. Bill Belichick is going to coach for the Tar Heels. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:00: Negativity from sport…

1
Stephen A. Smith getting PAID, ESPN's CFP selection show debacle 1:00:05

10M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Stephen A. Smith reportedly signs a five-year, $100 million extension with ESPN. Kirk Herbstreit appeared miserable on ESPN's College Football Playoff selection show. Netflix announces their NFL studio and booth lineup. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Sta…

1
A mega Tom Brady NFL announcing check in with Awful Announcing's Sean Keeley 1:08:23

10M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Tom Brady is 13 weeks in his NFL broadcasting career, and did his first Thanksgiving game. How is Brady doing? Has he improved? How long will he continue broadcasting? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Sean Keeley discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:18: Tom Brady on Thanksgiving …

1
ESPN cancels 'Around the Horn,' Jake Fischer joins us 1:05:55

10M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

ESPN is pulling the plug on "Around the Horn" after nearly a quarter century on the air. Tom Brady continues his first year as a broadcaster. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, with guest Jake Fischer from The Stein Line, on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:25: ESPN canceling “Arou…

1
Paul-Tyson Netflix fight issues, 'Inside the NBA' to ESPN 1:07:38

11M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Netflix's tech issues made it difficult to watch the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. "Inside the NBA" finds a new home. More people are heading to Bluesky. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play. Time Stamps: -1:23: Netflix’s tech issues during Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight …