From Soccer America WALDO'S WINDFALL. Former U.S. international Eric Wynalda has signed a new contract that will keep him on national soccer telecasts for the next five years at a nice price. A broadcast industry source said Wynalda will be paid $1.2 million over the next five years, which is the highest salary earned by a American soccer broadcaster. His partner, Dave O'Brien, earns more under a network contract by which he also covers several other sports.
I'm not a big fan of the way he does games. He is way too distracting and he acts like he's an angry coach sometimes. Just call the game. I think he would be a fantastic studio personality before and after games and at halftime. I would love to see him breakdown plays when there's not an actual game going on that should be called.
agreed. his tips on how to play the game resulting from the play before hand usually detracts from the four plays afterwards becasue he's still ranting like a U-12 coach on redbull.
Wynalda is an opinionated priick, and is exactly what we need. Importantly, he has shown he is willing and able to toe the line, and does so on ABC broadcasts where there is a more general audience.
I will forever be thankful to Wynalda for his dead-on post WC '06 analysis. He truly set the discourse nationwide. Good for him.
I'm happy about this. He's a great personality for the sport - and someone who really gets it. As long as he doesn't get TOO personal on his opinions I think he's great for it on ESPN.
Awesome! He'll be covering the league as long as Beckham is here. I can't wait to hear his reaction on this deal, or see what he has to say after a lame Beckham performance!
Wow. I guess MLS thinks that what soccer needs in this country is a big, fat idiot (who makes more money than any of the players). That Waldo, he's a real winner (except for actually winning anything or having a clue). Saw him play Saturday night in Indy. He's the same teammate he ever was . . .
I like the flavor he brings to the broadcast booth. He's someone who speaks his mind and isn't afraid to be critical at times.
And apparently there's a new "Inside" commercial coming with Eric overhearing a couple of colleagues in Bristol not taking soccer seriously.
exactly. I'm more worried whether it's good for all of us. Wynalda could always take care of himself one way or another. I bet he steps up to the plate.
as much as i hate the guy, his WC analysis and his contributions to the american game are unmistakable. The only thing about wynalda that i do not like are his CONSTANT references to the good ol days and how it used to be this or thatta way. I dont kknow wbout you guys, but i, as an american soccer fan, was always a tad bit embarrassed of our soccer. Now, regardless of our results, I am proud of every aspect of the american game and its evolution.
Actually ESPN is only paying him $15,000 a year, the rest comes from sole ownership of his image rights.
Great signing. Personally, I like Wynalda out there. Sometimes he is quite a big jerk, but the sport needs some edge here. I do hope that he is in the studio quite a bit though, because he's better there. I get so tired of listening to those no personality having English guys on Skysports, and their proteges from Canada. I want to fall asleep in the middle of the highlights. It's about as boring as can be.
WTF!?!? Hate him why?? he was the first badass the national team had. Leading scorer one of the first overseas transports. Scored some nice goals in qualifying and during the World Cup in 1994. I am sure if you saw him in the lobby at a game you would probably lick his ass.
Any guy who will score a goal for the USA in front of 95000 Mexicans in the Rose Bowl, then go over to the fans with his hand over his ear, as if to ask them "I can't hear you" will always get my vote