To speak primarily about the Kentucky Derby, but also about David Beckham. Tune in : www.espnradio.com
Well, only a little about Beckham at the end of a long discussion about the Derby. But the T-Man from DC-town likes Smitty.
The guy is absolutely fantastic. You want soccer to become more popular with mainstream America? Less minivans and more Tommy!
Hell, I know plenty about Beckham - the Derby discussion was great. I got some good info for my wager tomorrow!
i had taped the last manu v. madrid game but hadn't watched the last few seconds. when i was setting up my tape again to be in teh right spot for my next taping i found that right after the game tommy was on ESPN News to give an analysis of the game. what a character. he's got a smile like a cheshire cat who just ate a mouse, his voice is pure croaky brogue folk song, that little round bald head just looks so...well...my girlfriend called it loveable, and he just seems so damn happy, especially when it comes to soccer, and talking about the game. he's basically infectious, and MLS and U.S. Soccer needs more of him. i mean, who else is on the horizon that could/can do the job of Tommy? at least they've squeezed him into MLS halftime for the little piece he does but it ain't enough, and i'm sure many of the powers that be know it, but i guess they don't know what to do about it.
I like Tommy, but I don't love him. I think the reason MLS and U.S. Soccer have not embraced him is probably because they want to be soccer "of the American people, by the American people, for the American people", so to speak. He doesn't fit into that. There's a perception out there among some segments of the population that soccer is a "foreign" sport and attaching someone like Tommy to the product just feeds that perception. That being said, MLS is making a concerted effort to embrace an image of "the new America", which to me includes people who have come here from other countries. I know that's primarily an effort at Hispanic outreach, but why shouldn't it also include an Irishman? I think there's a conflict between being "of, by, for" Americans while at the same time trying to redefine the answer to "what is American?" - it's just very... convoluted? (is that the word I'm looking for?) I think that's why I keep coming back to the issue of "what is MLS?" - there are a lot of conflicting messages sent out via their actions and marketing activities, etc. I want to support an American professional soccer league, but MLS continuously struggles to define itself to me, and I'm sure to a lot of people out there who are hesitant to invest in it, whether as a fan, a sponsor, or someone bankrolling a team.
TOMMY smyth wears me out... his schtick is getting really tired (blungeon in the ol'onion bag). and i hate how he praises EVERY freakin irish player AND manyoo... its amazing... gimme rob palmer or motty anytime over this has-been!!! sorry if my opinions differ from the majority of you lot~~~ phishy
Tommy is on the show again today. Most likely at 11:45am but might get pushed ahead to 11:07am. He is likely to talk about the ponies and Lucky Charms.
I love Tommy and think he is great for the sport. Unlike other commentators, especiallly in the US media, I think he is as unbiased as a man can be. I hate having to listen to all the anglo announcers like Seamus Malin (sp?) and Ty Keough give their prejudiced views of hispanic teams and give "pitty" to all the african teams who have athleticism but really don't pose a threat to any of the big powers. Tommy just loves the game and loves talking about it no matter who is on the field and it just makes a game that much better to watch. On top of that he calls it like he sees it. I don't think he praises the Irish players any more than anyone else because I've also heard him criticize their play as well. Obviously he wants them to win (which you can't blame him for) but he doesn't allow it to get in the way of his commentary to his credit (IMHO). Anyway for those of you who are like me and want to hear more of Tommy on American telecasts read what he said on his lastest chat with ESPN.com: Hank Nebraska: Tommy there have been rumours that you might be on NAT games, Is this good news? Tommy Smyth: I am delighted to say that I will have a part with ESPN/TWI/US Soccer and Nike on the National Team broadcasts. I am happy and delighted to be getting involved at this stage. I feel that the future of the US National Team looks very bright. They will start qualification for World Cup finals in Germany and I certainly woud love to be part of the team for that effort. To me, soccer in the US is like an 18-wheeler at the moment .. it's just starting to pick up speed and like I have been saying to people in the media, you better start jumping on the bandwagon now or you will have a lot of catching up to do. I really feel that US soccer is poised to make a huge breakthrough and I am delighted I will have a part to play in this. Here's the entire chat: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=3452
Now wouldn't it be cool to pull up to our next friendly in an 18 wheeler with The Bruce at the wheel and have the team come busting out of the trailer onto the field? Of course, you've got to have Mathis as the last man off the truck with his arms draped over a couple of pieces of Jersey skank.