Rush Limbaugh's sportscasting career, stunted when Dennis Miller, and not he, was hired for ABC's "Monday Night Football" three years ago, was reborn Monday when ESPN enlisted him to join Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Steve Young, Michael Irvin and Chris Mortensen on "Sunday NFL Countdown."
Limbaugh, the conservative radio talk show host, was hired to provide what ESPN calls the "fan's perspective," presumably because he hasn't played the game (except as an offensive tackle in high school), called the game or coached the game.
"I watch TV and read Web sites, like fans do," he said during a conference call Monday (available on the Dittocam, on www.rushlimbaugh.com, along with his signature line of golf shirts). "I'm going to bring the perspective of the guy watching the pregame show. Imagine a bunch of guys on a couch listening to a discussion and wanting to get into it. That's what I'll do."
The role sounds similar to the one Jimmy Kimmel played on Fox's NFL studio show. Kimmel's taped spots featured a sofa, his cousin Sal, smart game predictions and insults about Terry Bradshaw's bald head. Kimmel also appeared naked on the empty Fox set one Sunday, which may be acceptable behavior in Hollywood but is not recommended for Limbaugh in ESPN's Bristol, Conn., headquarters.
Actually, the plan for Limbaugh to interrupt the others several times a show is appealing. The advantage ESPN has in Limbaugh is his brilliance as a communicator, whether you agree with his politics or not. He is not a former player learning sportscasting on the job; he is an effective entertainer.
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ESPN has been after him for 10 years to join the program, but the proper role could not be created for him. Now, he is taking the physical place in the studio of Bill Parcells, who late last season became the focal point of the show as his flirtation with the Dallas Cowboys ended with his being hired as coach.
Source: New York Times News Service
