Great Article on ESPN's response about DOB and Balboa

[dncm]

Great article posted on the SI site:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/richard_deitsch/07/20/media.arena/

I still hate how the guy from ESPN thinks soccer diehards need to hear an accent, when all we have been saying is that we want a knowledgable person doing PBP.

[mosler]

I still hate how the guy from ESPN thinks soccer diehards need to hear an accent, when all we have been saying is that we want a knowledgable person doing PBP.
Agree 100%. This was an interesting look behind the scenes but that one line made my heart sink. They still don't get it do they?

And how much will Wynalda get off on someone calling him "electric"? :rolleyes:

[drew_VT_6]

I still hate how the guy from ESPN thinks soccer diehards need to hear an accent, when all we have been saying is that we want a knowledgable person doing PBP.

MANY MANY diehards assume an accent = knowledgeable. In fact many American's assume someone talking to them with a British accent is intelligent or at least part of the upper class. Many middle-America sportsfans would probably associate it with "unmanly" sports, so that's probably one reason DOB was chosen as the main PBP guy.

[JohnR]

Agree 100%. This was an interesting look behind the scenes but that one line made my heart sink. They still don't get it do they?

I think they get it. At the last U17 nationals, these boards gave a big thumbs up to the English announcer who stated that the U.S. was a big strong team (we had a 5' 6" forward, a 5' 6" outside mid, two smallish Farfans in the midfield, a 5' 9" center back, etc.) that inevitably beat teams down with their size and fitness late in games (we had the worst record in the tournament in goals scored/conceded in the final 20 minutes).

It wasn't what he said, it was how he sounded when he said it. If Balboa had conveyed the same information, he would have been flayed.

[drew_VT_6]

The part they don't get is that a comparison to Joe Buck doing the Super Bowl doesn't work. Joe has been submersed in NFL culture since he was a kid, he knows how football telecast go, he's very familiar with the game.

Dave OBrien was probably watching his first World Cup from the booth. If it's not, he certainly didn't grow up watching games and he certainly is understanding of the culture around the game.

A better comparison would be Martin Tyler calling a football game and rambling on and on about Brett Favre's wife and kids and Gramma in the middle of a two minute drill. NFL fans would go bonkers. They already have a hard enough time with John Madden telling them "You're going to have to get more points on the board if you really want to win this game!"

[Len]

I posted this earlier in the old "most inane..." thread; but this is my favorite line:

"While O'Brien...improved as the tournament moved on. The same cannot be said of his partner Marcelo Balboa, who would be relegated to Serie C if he were an Italian soccer team."

[JRstriker12]

Well, the missed on the accent comment. I mean I have turn off the volume any time Tommy Smyth starts rambling on. ;)

Anyway, they made the right call on JP and Harks who did a great job. I also think U.S. soccer can use someone like Waldo, who isn't afraid to state an opinion (right or wrong) and call out the coach. Waldo may be wacked sometimes, but it's enteraining.

[Sandon Mibut]

Great article posted on the SI site:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/richard_deitsch/07/20/media.arena/

I still hate how the guy from ESPN thinks soccer diehards need to hear an accent, when all we have been saying is that we want a knowledgable person doing PBP.Well, Arena's got a pretty thick accent so hopefully that will do.:D

[Tony in Quakeland]

...

Anyway, they made the right call on JP and Harks who did a great job. I also think U.S. soccer can use someone like Waldo, who isn't afraid to state an opinion (right or wrong) and call out the coach. Waldo may be wacked sometimes, but it's enteraining.I agree 100%. JP is a great soccer announcer--I think America;s best. As for Waldo, he did not leave his balls on the field when he retired.

[Globalusation]

No outcry over Joe Buck? I've never met a person who liked the guy. Everyone hates him. It's also easier for him (an American) who grew up watching football to call a game. DOB played soccer when he was a kid but do you think he watched all the leagues. Obviously he didn't.

So using that comparison just doesn't work.

[WJMarx]

The part they don't get is that a comparison to Joe Buck doing the Super Bowl doesn't work. Joe has been submersed in NFL culture since he was a kid, he knows how football telecast go, he's very familiar with the game.

Dave OBrien was probably watching his first World Cup from the booth. If it's not, he certainly didn't grow up watching games and he certainly is understanding of the culture around the game.

A better comparison would be Martin Tyler calling a football game and rambling on and on about Brett Favre's wife and kids and Gramma in the middle of a two minute drill. NFL fans would go bonkers. They already have a hard enough time with John Madden telling them "You're going to have to get more points on the board if you really want to win this game!"

Right on!

American soccer fans wnat an announcer who is knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about our game. Selecting Dave O'Brien was the antithesis of these requirements and then to blame his shortcomings on his lack of an accent is demeaning!

[the stranger]

It wasn't what he said, it was how he sounded when he said it. If Balboa had conveyed the same information, he would have been flayed.Somewhat agreed. But at the same time, Balboa sounds dumb no matter what he says because he stumbles and stutters on every delivery. His broadcasting skills are just as poor as his soccer insights. It makes him very hard to tune out.

[obie]

MANY MANY diehards assume an accent = knowledgeable.Perhaps, but if JP was named the #1 PBP guy, not a single rational diehard fan would have complained. (Insert your favorite joke about rational BS posters here.)

[Galaxian]

As long as DOB is far far away , I dont care who commentates .

[Bajoro]

...

It wasn't what he said, it was how he sounded when he said it. ...

I also only somewhat agree. Knowing the rythm of the game, knowing when something important is happening, and letting it show in your delivery is very important. DOB often doesn't recognize what's a dangerous or notable play. Sure, he can learn names, bios, and some backstory, but it was asking too much for him to learn the nuances of the game in a few months.

[tacologic]

I enjoyed the article, but am worried that due to the high ratings we might be stuck with one or both of them again. Sometimes if you're an announcer, it's better to be lucky than good...

[dcc134]

There's no doubt that DOB is a first rate announcer. Unfortunately he doesn't know soccer. But he's had to learn a lot in the last 6 months and if he is committed for the next 4 years, he is going to eventually get it. I still contend that his biggest problem was sitting next to Balboa.

IF you eliminate the stupid story telling, insane graphics, and everything Balboa says, the broadcasts would be much better.

If we want first class announcers in this country, we are going to have to put up with some growing pains.

[WJMarx]

There's no doubt that DOB is a first rate announcer. Unfortunately he doesn't know soccer. But he's had to learn a lot in the last 6 months and if he is committed for the next 4 years, he is going to eventually get it. I still contend that his biggest problem was sitting next to Balboa.

IF you eliminate the stupid story telling, insane graphics, and everything Balboa says, the broadcasts would be much better. ...

Balboa was contantly having to disagree & correct with many of DOB innane and incorrect comments. No chance for insightful additions in that environment.

[dcc134]

Balboa was contantly having to disagree & correct with many of DOB innane and incorrect comments. No chance for insightful additions in that environment.


Problem is that Balboa's corrections were generally off the mark as well. No much chance to learn when Balboa is showing the way.

[doolittledog2]

MANY MANY diehards assume an accent = knowledgeable. In fact many American's assume someone talking to them with a British accent is intelligent or at least part of the upper class. Many middle-America sportsfans would probably associate it with "unmanly" sports, so that's probably one reason DOB was chosen as the main PBP guy.


If you are a soccer diehard wouldn't you be somewhat more knowledgeable about the sport and therefore know a good announcer when you hear it and not be blown away over that persons accent??? And you are brushing it on with a pretty broad stroak there with the assumptions that Americans hearing a British accent think that person must be intelligent and Middle-Americans hearing a British accent would think the sport unmanly. Plus, are you saying ESPN would pick an announcer with an accent to make middle-america happy when the majority of tv households are on both coasts???