I have an admission. I listen to a lot of sports talk radio. I guess you could even call me a sports talk radio fan. But after dealing with the horrid state of affairs in San Diego’s sports talk radio scene for years, I have finally had enough.
This likely won’t be the last time I complain about “Hacksaw” Lee Hamilton, or Chris Ello, but I am hoping that it’s the last time I have to worry about Darren Smith taking his afternoon show to another market.
Each of these stations is stuck in a Catch-22 situation. Advertisers won’t spend money in sports radio if the ratings aren’t impressive. The ratings aren’t impressive because the shows are generally bad. The stations can’t put any money into getting better talent to make for better shows because the advertisers aren’t spending money. Sometimes, it’s just easier to take the quick money and put on a financial advice show for five hours in the middle of a weekday, but the fans are the ones who get punished in the long run by the lack of investment in the product.
You’re reading the Sports Report, our weekly compilation of news and information for the San Diego sports fan.
Aztecs Become a ‘Big-Time Program’ But Lose to Arizona
Even with a tough loss to the Arizona Wildcats on Thursday night, this week has been historically positive for the San Diego State men’s basketball program.
Kevin Zabo, Trey Kell, Malik Pope and Zylan Cheatham. Remember those names. Even if SDSU doesn’t get another high school senior to sign a letter of intent, those four easily make up the greatest recruiting class in school history. After beating out teams like UCLA, Kansas, Oregon and Gonzaga to land these players, SDSU’s 2014 freshman class currently ranks 10th in the country. The future certainly looks bright for Steve Fisher’s program.
Chargers Fans Are Losing Patience With New Head Coach
After the loss to Denver last week, Chargers fans are beginning to sour on rookie Head Coach Mike McCoy. While he’s obviously made some smart hires on the offensive side of the ball, his poor game management seems like something he is too stubborn to ever change. No, McCoy doesn’t need to share everything he thinks, and everything the team does, with the local media. But the most startling thing about the new coach is how often he proclaims himself to be right when he’s clearly wrong. That is no way to win over a fan base that already dealt with that attitude for six years, courtesy of Norv Turner.
One way McCoy can win some fans this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins would be to get tight end Ladarius Green involved in the offensive game plan. He’s obviously one of the Chargers’ most dynamic weapons, but he’s spent most of this season riding the bench.
Still, a win isn’t guaranteed against the dysfunctional Dolphins this week. Nick Hardwick, anchor of the offensive line, could miss the game with an injury, and so could a handful of other starters.
Stories You May Have Missed
• Bill Barnwell found a few comparisons between the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs and the 14-0 1972 Miami Dolphins.
• Instant Replay is finally coming to Major League Baseball. Yes, it’s already been a part of baseball, but it’s been a joke up to this point. Previously, the umpires could decide to review home run calls. That was its only use. This new system allows team managers to “challenge” plays on the base paths. So, if a guy is called out at first, a manager can use his challenge to possibly reverse the call.
• San Diego State should prepare itself to be overshadowed in its football game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. Not because Hawaii is the better team (they’re not), but because they will be wearing some of the best uniforms college football has ever known.
• GIF of the Week: Xavier Henry may not be Kobe Bryant, which is why the Los Angeles Lakers are 4-6 this season, but he can dunk like him.
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I’m John Gennaro, contributor to Active Voice and managing editor of Bolts from the Blue. You can tweet me @john_gennaro or e-mail me directly at boltsfromtheblue@gmail.com.
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