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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former ESPN Star Rips Network, Says They Tried to Ruin His Career Through ‘Smear Campaign'
Seasoned sports talk host Dan Patrick, a former ESPN SportsCenter host, alleged that the network launched a 'smear campaign' against him after he left in 2007 to start his own media venture. Patrick, who was with ESPN from 1989 to 2006 and hosted The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio until 2007, claimed that the network threatened to drop radio affiliates that continued to carry his show. Advertisement He described the ordeal as 'frightening' but said it empowered him, likening his situation to a 'David against Goliath' battle. 'Oh, frightening. Because there was this smear campaign that started,' Patrick said earlier this week, according to the New York Post. 'Any radio affiliate that had my show, you'd be dropped as an ESPN affiliate if you decided you still wanted to carry me.' 'It was heavy-handed, but I understood. It empowered me. Like, 'Holy, s—. I'm gonna matter. They're gonna have to deal with me.'' (WARNING – Language) Dan Patrick Ultimately Persevered Despite the challenges, Dan Patrick relaunched his show in October 2007, which now airs on Premiere Networks and streams on Peacock. Advertisement He noted that ESPN's heavy-handed tactics were likely intended to deter other talent from leaving the network. He recalled advising four colleagues, including one prominent name, against leaving ESPN due to the high risks involved. 'And I said, 'Don't leave.' They're like, 'Why?' I go, 'Its a million — even larger odds than that,' he warned. Patrick faced financial uncertainty after leaving the biggest sports network in the world at the time. He produced the show from his attic for three years and ensured his team, the 'Danettes,' were paid during a six-month period when payroll was uncertain. Ultimately, a change in ownership stabilized his venture, leading to the success of The Dan Patrick Show. Advertisement RELATED: Adam Sandler Sends Video to Derrick Henry, Reveals if the Ravens Star Will Get to Be in One of His Movies Success Wherever He Goes Dan Patrick worked at ESPN from 1989 to 2006, becoming a prominent SportsCenter host known for his chemistry with co-hosts like Keith Olbermann. In hindsight, that had to be no easy task since Olbermann has become unemployable since that time, burning professional bridges wherever he goes. The Dan Patrick Show, meanwhile, became a successful syndicated radio program and Peacock stream, earning Patrick a 2018 Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year. Advertisement He also joined NBC Sports, co-hosting Football Night in America, anchored the 2012 London Olympics, founded the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting, and signed a contract extension with iHeart and Fox Sports Radio in 2023. No wonder the 'mothership' tried to stop his career in its tracks when he left. Also Read:: Adam Sandler Sends Video to Derrick Henry, Reveals if the Ravens Star Will Get to Be in One of His Movies Related Headlines


Time of India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Charles Barkley Reflects on Being Humbled by Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals: 'He Was Better Than Me'
Charles Barkley (Image via Getty) NBA legend Charles Barkley has never shied away from speaking his mind. But in a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, the Hall of Famer shared a rare moment of vulnerability, recalling the 1993 NBA Finals when he finally conceded that Michael Jordan was the better basketball player. Charles Barkley's Bold Belief Before the Finals Coming off an MVP season in 1992–93, Charles Barkley had just led the Phoenix Suns to a league-best 62–20 record. Riding high on confidence, he firmly believed he was the best player in the world—even over Michael Jordan. 'I did not think Michael Jordan was better than me until he beat me in the Finals,' Barkley admitted. That mindset wasn't new. During his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley recalled having early success against Jordan and the Bulls before they became a dominant force in the NBA. 'When I was in Philly we actually had success against them, then they got good. They beat us in the playoffs one year, but I thought it was because he had some better players around him.' (H/t: Clutch Points) The Dream Team Challenge Charles Barkley on the Dan Patrick Show Full Interview | 07/11/25 The 1992 Barcelona Olympics also played a role in stoking the fire. During practices with the famed 'Dream Team,' Barkley had a defining conversation with coach Chuck Daly that stuck with him. 'Chuck Daly had told me, 'You're the second best player in the world.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wien: Hansaton sucht 250 Testhörer vor 1972 geboren Hansaton Jetzt anmelden Undo I said I'm the best f—ing player in the world,' Barkley recalled. 'He says, 'No, that guy right over there is the best player in the world.' I said, 'Well I'm going to prove it to your a– this year when we play them in the Finals.'' This moment lit a competitive flame in Barkley, who confidently predicted a Finals showdown between the Phoenix Suns and the Bulls before the season even began. Barkley's Preseason Prediction According to Barkley, he made his bold claim during the Dream Team practices and doubled down on it in training camp with the Suns. 'I said, 'We're going to play the Bulls in the Finals.' How you know that? 'Because I'm the best damn player in the world and I'm going to prove it.'' But as the series began, the weight of the challenge started to sink in. The Finals: A Humbling Experience Phoenix lost the first two games at home, shaking Barkley's self-assurance. In a touching moment, he recalled his daughter crying after Game 2, and for the first time, he voiced doubt. 'I said, 'Hey, just relax we're going to be fine, but I got to tell you something. I ain't never said this in my life but I think that guy might be better at basketball than I am.'' Despite the Suns pushing the series to six games, Jordan's brilliance ultimately secured Chicago's third consecutive title. Also read: Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell Are Engaged: Grammy Star and NBA All-Star Celebrate Love in Dreamy Proposal Jordan: The Only One Charles Barkley Admits Was Better Years later, Charles Barkley still holds firm that Jordan was the only player he ever considered better than himself. 'I thought Michael Jordan was a better player than me. That's the only player I ever played against I thought was better than me.' For Barkley, the 1993 Finals weren't just about basketball. They were about legacy, humility, and ultimately giving credit where it's due. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!


USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Davante Adams: LeBron James could've been an NFL legend
Many people know that LeBron James was once a star football player in high school. He played wide receiver for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his native Akron, Ohio, and he was named first team all-state during his second year. As a junior, he had 61 receptions, 1,245 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was even recruited by some prominent football schools, such as the University of Notre Dame. But he ultimately stopped playing football because of a wrist injury he had suffered during an AAU game just prior to his senior year of high school. Many have said over the years that had he decided to, James could've excelled in the NFL. Davante Adams, the six-time Pro Bowl wideout who is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, said on "The Dan Patrick Show" that James could've been a legend on the gridiron. 'He would've been one of the best receivers, tight ends of all-time, no question. I don't know if you've ever seen him play football?… He can fly too, that's the thing. He's one of the fastest NBA players probably of all-time. 'I've never seen somebody cover space on a basketball court, maybe John Wall, Derrick Rose something like that. But he's up there with all 'em.' James would've undoubtedly been a nightmare for cornerbacks to cover because of his 6-foot-9, 250-pound frame and otherworldly speed. If he had been asked to play the tight end position, perhaps he would've had a career akin to that of Rob Gronkowski, the powerful and ultra-athletic four-time Super Bowl champion who is considered by many to be the greatest ever to play the position. However, it is safe to say that James chose the right sport, especially with the perpetual concerns about concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the game of football.


Time of India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'A mistake': Aaron Rodgers at war with Steelers coaches as Jerome Bettis accuses team of abandoning their soul
Steelers' offseason acquisitions of Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf have sparked debate (Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Steelers may have made headlines this offseason by landing Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, but not everyone's convinced the glitzy moves align with the team's traditional DNA. In fact, Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis is ringing the alarm bells—and Rodgers might be silently agreeing. Jerome Bettis questions Steelers' identity shift away from run-first football Aaron Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh for what could be his final NFL season, bringing a Hall of Fame résumé and a clear philosophy: he thrives in a controlled, efficient, pass-first offense. But that clashes with what offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has planned—a ground-heavy, tight end–centric scheme that echoes old-school football more than Rodgers' up-tempo style. Bettis, appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, didn't hold back. When Patrick asked about the departure of running back Najee Harris and whether Rodgers changes the team's approach, Bettis was clear: 'They're going to run the football. They drafted [a] young kid from Iowa who's really, really good running back.' Jerome Bettis on the Dan Patrick Show Full Interview | 07/10/25 He emphasized that even with Rodgers and Metcalf on board, abandoning the run game would be a fundamental mistake. 'If you ask Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball 40 times, that's a mistake,' Bettis warned. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Boots is giving free 75-minute hearing checks in Reading. Boots Hearingcare Undo His logic? At 41, Rodgers shouldn't be scrambling or absorbing unnecessary hits. The offense should play through the run to maximize play-action and control tempo. Clash of philosophies between Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith looms large The tension deepens when you examine Arthur Smith's history. Known for heavy run schemes, multiple tight end sets, and complex pre-snap motion, Smith's system is almost the antithesis of what Rodgers prefers. The quarterback's track record thrives in motion-light, single-tight-end, pass-heavy playbooks—a setup far from what Pittsburgh appears to be building. Even Bettis acknowledged this delicate balance: 'He's moving. He's getting the ball out. He's, you know, quick in the huddle, out of the huddle, running.' That doesn't mesh easily with Smith's grind-it-out game plans. Beyond the philosophical divide, practical concerns remain. Pittsburgh's backfield, featuring rookie Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren, is unproven. Meanwhile, the offensive line—an Achilles' heel for Rodgers in New York—must protect its aging quarterback or risk an early collapse. Also Read: What we learned about Joe Burrow's mindset, swagger and quirky side from Netflix's 'Quarterback' The Steelers' attempt to fuse new-school talent with old-school identity could either produce fireworks—or a full-blown identity crisis. As Bettis said, this isn't about names on paper. It's about knowing who you are—and sticking to it. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!


USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Davante Adams says hardest hits came at hands of two Patriots players
Los Angeles Rams six-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams admitted he's been hit more times than he'd like in his career. However, there is no mistaking that two of the hardest hits he has taken both came at the hands of a New England Patriots linebacker. According to Adams, the first hit was on a crosser in his rookie season against Patriots legendary defender Dont'a Hightower. The other was another slant play in his second year, but it ended up being the most devastating hit of all by former All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins. Adams got hit so hard on the play that he couldn't eat regular food for over a week. "It was either Dont'a Hightower, my first year, I caught a slant, a high one, and brought it in, and he hit me and knocked the wind out of me," Adams said on The Dan Patrick Show. "And then I would say after that, probably my second year in preseason. We were playing the Patriots, and I ran another slant and thought I was getting busy. This was before I would wear a mouthpiece. "Caught it and I was getting ready to turn up, and Jamie Collins hit me, like in your chest and raised up, so it made me bite through my tongue. I couldn't eat food for like a week and a half. I was on a strictly liquid diet." The Patriots have been known historically for fielding big, powerful linebackers who set the tone for the rest of the defense. Hightower and Collins, in particular, were two of the most physical linebackers in franchise history. Adams had to learn that the hard way in back-to-back seasons. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.