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Gruden Replaces Kornheiser on 'MNF'

Jon Gruden, fired after last season as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will replace Tony Kornheiser in ESPN's broadcast booth for its "Monday Night Football" telecasts this season, the network announced today.

Gruden is to join play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico and analyst Ron Jaworski.

Kornheiser decided to leave the booth after three seasons, ESPN announced. He said in a written statement released by the network that he will continue to co-host ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" show with fellow longtime Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon.

"I am totally grateful for the MNF opportunity that I truly enjoyed the last three seasons," Kornheiser said in his written statement. "I feel we got better each year. My fear of planes is legendary and sadly true. When I looked at the upcoming schedule it was the perfect storm that would've frequently moved me from the bus to the air. I kept looking at the schedule the past month and wanted to find a way to quietly extricate myself.

"If I could handpick a replacement of a football guy, I would cast a net and drag in Jon Gruden. He is the two things you most want--smart and funny--and has the two things I don't--good hair and a tan. I love PTI and am looking forward to continuing to yammer and yodel with Wilbon until the end of time."

John Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president of content, said in a written statement released by the network: "I would like to thank Tony Kornheiser for his many contributions to Monday Night Football the past three years. He has been a big reason for the show's success on ESPN. Pardon the Interruption is one of ESPN's most important franchises and fans will continue to see Tony on the show and involved in other future ESPN projects for many years to come."

Gruden is a former Super Bowl-winning coach for the Buccaneers but was fired abruptly by the team after last season. He did television work for the league-owned NFL Network during the scouting combine in February and last month's draft.

"This is a tremendous opportunity and I am very excited to be associated with ESPN and Monday Night Football," Gruden said in a written statement released by the network. "I grew up a fan of Monday Night Football, and whether I've coached on Monday night or watched, I've hardly missed a game all these years. To join Mike and Jaws in the booth and to work alongside this top-notch team is going to be a real thrill."

Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president of production, said in a written statement: "Jon is one of the best football minds in the game, he has a natural ability to communicate that knowledge and he brings great enthusiasm--everything you want in an analyst. Combining Mike, one of the top play-by-play commentators in TV and radio, and Jaws, arguably the NFL's best X's and O's analyst, with Jon, a Super Bowl-winning head coach, will create a must-watch Monday Night Football booth during the 40th season and in the years ahead."

By Cindy Boren  |  May 18, 2009; 10:48 AM ET  | Category:  Television Save & Share:  Send E-mail   Facebook   Twitter   Digg   Yahoo Buzz   Del.icio.us   StumbleUpon   Technorati  
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Posted by: likebags | May 21, 2009 3:51 PM

Korny== OVERRATED !! No one west of the mississippi ever heard of that guy and he is not an above average writer, let alone entertaining in the least.

Wilbon== Spoke Lee plus 200lbs enough said


Posted by: hidamaru | May 20, 2009 10:37 AM

Mr Tony just go away!! You have not written anything for how many years yet still call yourself a columnist.
Good Riddance. When will the Post stop the talking points which is nothing more than a rehash or rehearsal for PTI?

Posted by: jwzephyr | May 19, 2009 1:29 PM

I was listening to Cowherd yesterday when the Kornheiser/Gruden news broke. I swear that Cowherd sounded nervous. He kept repeating "I guess Tony will go back to LOCAL radio in DC cuz that's where they love him, on LOCAL radio in DC with a little too much emphasis on LOCAL and DC as if he repeated them enough than it would come true. Not that I think espn would dump Cowherd for Tony, but if Tony ends up doing national radio in the morning timeslot then Cowherd is in trouble. Remember what happened when Linda Cohn guest-hosted for Cowherd? Lots of Tony fans snuck past the call screener to ask Linda about her twelve toes. I can't imagine Cowherd has such a dedicated fan base.

Posted by: mr94 | May 19, 2009 1:13 PM

Kornheiser and Wilbon are pompous windbags.
Madden and Chris Collingsworth are the best.
Good luck to Gruden.
Posted by: mikeyboyo | May 19, 2009 2:25 AM
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

As "Satiate" said @ 6:44 a.m., perhaps youse *youngsters* ought to have your DIAPERS changed, eh?!

Chris Collinsworth does NOT have a *g* in his name!

Madden was brilliant! We'll have to wait and see how good Jon Gruden can be? Collinsworth WILL be worth watching and listening too. BUT, Howard Cosell WAS the BEST!!!!!!

Tony Kornheiser HAS *GRAVITAS* as does WILBON. Their friend and ESPN Sportsreporter's panelist Mike LUPICA does too. THEY may be used in the SAME sentence as Shirley Povich.

Oh Lord, PLUHeeeeezzzzeeeee spare us ANY MORE Colin Cowherd. TIME for the COW to be TIPPED over, eh?!?!

Posted by: Bigrcube | May 19, 2009 8:17 AM

What on earth is wrong with you people? Kornheiser steps down from MNF, and you turn that into a "Kornheiser-Wilbon Hate Fest?" And from the looks of a lot of the writing styles present, I think it's safe to venture a guess that a lot of you "haters" aren't too far removed from high school. That is, of course, if you actually completed said high school.

I’ve had the privilege of actually reading what these two have written since they came to the Post, and they are by far the most talented, charismatic, satirical columnists this paper has had since Povich. They add panache to an otherwise disheartening franchise known as professional sports.

Bottom line: Go back to reading Mad Magazine and listening to the Greaseman, unless you want to have your mind (and wit) challenged.


Posted by: Satiate | May 19, 2009 6:44 AM

Kornheiser and Wilbon are pompous windbags.
Madden and Chris Collingsworth are the best.
Good luck to Gruden.

Posted by: mikeyboyo | May 19, 2009 2:25 AM

As long as i don't have to see that Comb over.....i'm definitely OK with Kornball taking the times slots of the UNlistenable M&M......on WTEM....

Posted by: unc1dmo | May 19, 2009 12:57 AM

My dream scenario ... Mr. Tony comes to espn 980 in the Colin Cowherd timeslot. Maybe even some of Mike and Mike's timeslot too.

Posted by: mr94 | May 18, 2009 11:55 PM

I TOTALLY AGREE. WILBON TOO, IS WAY WAY OVERRATED-REMEMBER HIS PIECE ON MICHAEL PHELPS-WHAT A SELF RIGHTEOUS POMPOUS IDIOT WILBON IS! I USED TO LIKE HIM, BUT EVER SINCE THAT PHELPS ARTICLE, THAT PHELPS SHOULD BE "BANNED" SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE WAS A "PICTURE" OF HIM WITH A BONG-THAT TOLD ME WILBON WASN'T VERY BRIGHT-AND THAT IF PHELPS HAD BEEN BLACK, WILBON WOULD NEVER HAVE SAID A WORD ABOUT IT-HE WOULD HAVE COME COMPLETELY TO PHELPS DEFENSE.

THE POST NEEDS TO GET RID OF BOTH OF THOSE JOKERS AND GET SOME FRESH BLOOD-BADLY BADLY NEEDED ON THE POST SPORTS PAGES!

GO JON GRUDEN! PRETTY PRETTY JON GRUDEN, SMART AND FUNNY JON GRUDEN-GREAT MOVE ESPN!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 11:35 PM

FINALLY...our prayers were answered......he was absolutely HORRIBLE in that booth.....

The IRRELEVANT twins ( Kornball & Wilbon) are being found out that they are OVERrated...

Posted by: unc1dmo | May 18, 2009 10:47 PM

There was a time, a few years ago, when TK was the funniest guy on the radio, but someplace along the line he became self-centered and egotistical. At about that same time he became boring. I'd like to hear the OLD Tony K. on the radio; you made me laugh almost every day!

Posted by: Tommyk1 | May 18, 2009 10:07 PM

Thank the Lord! No offense, but Kornheiser and Wilbon are meant to be read, not heard. And before you ask, my "ilovewilbon" ID was sarcastic. I love Wilbon like I'd love a venereal disease, which is to say, not at all.

I do like reading Kornheiser, and that's where his talents lie. Not on TV. Not even PTI.

Posted by: ilovewilbon | May 18, 2009 8:43 PM

My god, the cynicism. If you don't like Monday Night Football, or don't like the people on it, don't watch it. Or watch it with the radio on and listen to radio commentary.

Tony Kornheiser, regardless of what you think of him, did what they hired him to do; he was there to provide observations of a non-professional football analyst/color man, to provide commentary. Whether you liked his "humor" or not, whether you like the interaction between the three people in the booth, is another issue.

But do you think next season on Monday Night Football will be better? I'm not questioning the knowledge or ability of Mr. Gruden, but they've hired and are bringing into the booth a recently dismissed head coach who said he wants to get back into coaching in the NFL. Do you really expect he will give totally objective commentary about players and teams that he otherwise might be coaching or coaching for? While I personally don't think they need a "comic" or "second banana" in the booth, Mr. Kornheiser did what he was hired to do.

What I'd prefer to see is two people in the booth, without the frills of celebrity interviews, without the frills of celebrity guests who just happen to have a TV show on the network or a new movie or new book coming out. I'd prefer Monday Night Football be... Monday night football.

dungarees@gmail.com

Posted by: Dungarees | May 18, 2009 8:00 PM

Konheiser is to the Jews what Charo is to the Spanish.
Now can they sack the sideline interviews/bits/clown reporting, and get back to football? maybe then I can watch MNF again.

Posted by: opita1 | May 18, 2009 6:54 PM

Kornheiser is departing three years too late.

Posted by: llrllr | May 18, 2009 6:42 PM

Kornheiser was an absolute arrogant bore. I'm glad someone finally woke up and canned him.

Posted by: LarryG62 | May 18, 2009 6:32 PM

Kornheiser replaced by "Chucky" Gruden: this is the movie "Idiocy" in real life.

Posted by: Odquest | May 18, 2009 6:28 PM

Tony - best looking man on radio! Really miss your show, come back!

Posted by: duanelaw1 | May 18, 2009 6:12 PM

A lot of very strong opinions here.
I think Gruden will satisfy the football geeks, and I say that whimsically. But I'll miss the chemistry and banter the 3 guys had going in the booth.
Kind of like Cosell, Meredith and Gifford.
But the jock heads aren't really smart enough to figure out the fact that Tony brought in the casual viewers and that is why he was invited back for 3 years.

Posted by: keithlb28 | May 18, 2009 5:53 PM

at last the long national nightmare is over. i can watch MNF again.

Posted by: natty-bumppo | May 18, 2009 5:40 PM

Thank God Kornheiser is gone - another self-important obnoxious jerk bites the dust.

Posted by: birvin9999 | May 18, 2009 5:26 PM

Kornheiser added absolutely nothing to MNF.

Unfortunately for MNF, no one has been able to replace "Dandy Don."


Posted by: helloisanyoneoutthere | May 18, 2009 5:25 PM

They cut Kornheiser for Chuckie? What's next, bringing back Diefdorf and Dennis Miller?

Posted by: Patriot3 | May 18, 2009 4:54 PM

WHO'S THE NETWORK RELATIVE WHO KEPT HIRING
THIS GUY. KORNHEISER, MILLER -- GOOD
RIDDANCE.

Posted by: jtmacpherson | May 18, 2009 4:41 PM

There seems to be a very low IQ level by many of the posters. There are idiots who cannot type unless they use all caps or a lots of exclamation points!!! HEY I'M AN IDIOT LOOK AT ME!...and a moron pointing out Kornheiser's religion - as if that is relevant.

I liked Tony's Post column and PTI is good - didn't like his work on MNF but it was a bad match.

I do know that Tony is a very good person who is very involved in charity work in the DC area - a lot of it under the radar.

Posted by: nativedc | May 18, 2009 4:32 PM

First Madden, now Kornheiser. The greats are dropping off the NFL broadcasts like flies. Not. Well, at least TK got his face-saving out. This seems to be the best solution, if not long overdue.

Now TK can devote his full attention to surveying the vast wasteland that is Washington D.C. sports radio - well, I guess that's radio in general, in this economy - and figure out where he can resume his radio career.

I can't see him on WTEM. If he goes there, that would be an ultimate sellout even he can't dance around. If he thought the criticism of his work on MNF was vicious.....

Posted by: rooster75 | May 18, 2009 4:29 PM

P.S. SHARM-IN CASE YOU DIDN'T COMPREHEND MY POST, BECAUSE YOU HAPPEN TO BE AN IDIOT-TONY KORNHEISER, IN ADDITION TO BEING NOT VERY BRIGHT, TOTALLY UN-FUNNY, DOESN'T HAVE A WITTY BONE IN HIS BODY, AND OF COURSE, HAVING THAT UGLY MUG "ORANGE FACE" IS A LIAR TO BOOT-AND I DON'T HAPPEN TO LIKE LIARS!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 4:27 PM

WHAT A-HOLE SAYS HE'S LEAVING MNF "BECAUSE HE'S AFRAID OF FLYING" HUH? REALLY! I REST MY CASE-AND HE'S COMPLETELY UN-FUNNY TO BOOT, IN ADDITION TO HAVING AN "ORANGE FACE"-HA HA HA!

TONY KORNHEISER-HATE HIM-ONE BIG YUCK! (NOT YUK)

JON GRUDEN-PRETTY, INTELLIGENT, VERY INTELLIGENT AND PRETTY DARN FUNNY TO BOOT-
LOVE HIM!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 4:24 PM

I think this is good for MNF and Tony; perhaps it was a mutual decision. Not everyone is perfect for every job and its clear that TK is wanted back on radio were he seems to belong!

Frankly, its pretty disgusting to read some of these posts (arrabbiato); if you are pleased with the change fine, say so, but is all this negativity and harshness necessary?

It seems he was offered the job on MNF for a reason, its been 3 years and oh well it didn't work out, have any of you nay-sayers been offered the position? no? maybe thats why you are so bitter.

I can only hope that TK comes back on the radio and will gladly watch his orange face on PTI.

Posted by: sharm37 | May 18, 2009 4:21 PM

Tony's off MNF?

Wha' happened!?

Posted by: jaho | May 18, 2009 4:03 PM

Can't wait for Tony's radio show to come back!!!!

Posted by: baruchgershom | May 18, 2009 4:01 PM

PRETTY, SHINY INTELLIGENT! JON GRUDEN-LOVE HIM! UGLY, UN-FUNNY-FACE MADE SOLELY FOR RADIO, AND NOT TOO BRIGHT TO BOOT KORNHEISER-HATE HIM!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 3:39 PM

Sad to see TH leave the booth, but you have to admit that adding Gruden to the lineup is a real winner.

If they were really, really smart they would pair Jaws with a former defense guy.

Tirico, Jaws, and Deion "Prime Time" Sanders.

Posted by: ProfessorWrightBSU | May 18, 2009 3:28 PM

Finally, I can turn the volume up again for MNF. What a jerk!

Posted by: c_e_daniel | May 18, 2009 3:27 PM

MNF and TK was obviously a bad fit. TK and Larry King, 2 Jewish guys w/ faces made for radio, were brilliant in that forum and sucked eggs when we were forced to look at their ugly mugs on television.

Posted by: randysbailin | May 18, 2009 3:07 PM

Cossell, Don Meredith and frank Gifford were the only personalities which made the MNF threesome foremate work. While TK was less obnoxious/annoying than than Dennis Miller, I knew he would not last long because it was too demanding. Mike Tirico, whose annoying screams when touchdowns or other exciting plays occcurs does not seem to fit either. John Gruden will not last long, for he likes to coach too much. While MNF may last a little longer, two in the booth is enough. Bring back Joe Thiesman!!

Posted by: njournalg | May 18, 2009 2:57 PM

I like Mr.Tony on MNF. But, im glad this move will bring him back to radio. Maybe he can go back to sportstalk 980 or 1500, that would be classssic. Im sure czab isnt too happy about this. Maybe 980 can bring back Tony and get rid of czab. Mr.Tony working with Dan Snyder will be pretty fun to listen to.

Posted by: Pathavi | May 18, 2009 2:56 PM

Dude-YEAH, I SECOND THAT! GO AWAY OLD MAN, GO AWAY! MR. MOTORMOUTH, WHO HAD NOT ONE NOT ONE! WITTY OR RELEVANT THING TO SAY ABOUT THE FOOTBALL GAME UNDER DISCUSSION-EVER!

NO ONE COULD STAND YOU, YOU WERE INDEED WORSE THAN DENNIS MILLER-AND THAT'S A PRETTY DAMN LOW BAR, KORNHEISER!

AND AS FOR QUITTING BECAUSE OF FEAR OF FLYING-OH, JESUS CHRIST, YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! TAKE YOUR FIRING LIKE A MAN, A-HOLE-ADMIT IT FOR CHRIST'S SAKES!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 2:49 PM

First to Ballou1962 and Arrabbiato: STOP TYPING WITH THE CAPS LOCK ON. It makes it hard to read your quotes and makes it seem like you're yelling. Not to mention annoying.

I loved Tony when he writing regularly in the WaPo. I loved his books; I still pull out "Bald As I Wanna Be" whenever I need a pick-me-up. I loved Tony on the radio. I love Tony on PTI.

I just couldn't feel the same about MNF. There have been so many experiments on there with trying to get the same chemistry they had with Giff, Cosell, and Dandy Don, but each one never quite latched on. Tony's commentary was great on occasions such as the first Saints game in the Superdome after Katrina. Unfortunately, he could not add as much as he could have on other occcasions. Definitely better than Dennis Miller, but that's not saying much.

Of course, having better games on MNF will help ratings, not who's in the broadcast booth.

Posted by: ecglotfelty | May 18, 2009 2:42 PM

Never liked Kornheiser or PTI. When I see either I use the remote.

Posted by: info4 | May 18, 2009 2:36 PM

Mr. Kornheiser:

You weren't a replacement for Howie Cosell. But you were a great radio personality. You wrote a good newspaper column. You are the perfect example of the Peter Principle. Find what you are good/ great at and stick to it!

Posted by: adamnescot1 | May 18, 2009 2:30 PM

Tony Kornheiser is a know nothing pseudo intellectual who thinks that he knows more than anyone else in the room. Besides, he is one or two generations behind the times. He knows little to nothing about cultural trends and he's bald.

I don't want my Grandfather sitting in the booth telling Vaudville style jokes while I'm trying to watch the game. He needs to go back to the 'Style' section of the Post and write about movie premires like the Big Wuss that he is.

GO AWAY OLD MAN! GO AWAY!

Posted by: DudeCameron | May 18, 2009 2:29 PM

The over/under on Gruden slipping up with the eff word is 3 games from what I hear.

Posted by: Ratzoe | May 18, 2009 2:26 PM

P.S Brilliant comment, Squatty! Running a Ponderosa-now THAT was funny!-and I can see him doing that too! ha ha ha! T.K. IS CRINGEWORTHY-NO IFS, ANDS AND BUTS ABOUT IT!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 2:07 PM

I never liked TK on MNF, but I have to say that based on his resignation announcement, he does sound like a classy guy.

Posted by: wapo9 | May 18, 2009 2:07 PM

I wish some of you could lose your jobs as quickly as you call for other. Them maybe we would not have to read your crappy post that you are typing while you should be working.

wchopin224
No one cares that you did not watch MNF. No one cares. Really.

Posted by: ged0386 | May 18, 2009 1:59 PM

Best news I heard all day. TK is a no-value know nothing. Absolute dude. Good riddance.

Posted by: ratsmoker | May 18, 2009 1:51 PM

obviously not Tony's idea. I would like to see them have just two people in the booth. I remember the MNF radio duo of the late Jack Buck and Pat Haden and I thought they were fantastic.

Posted by: nativedc | May 18, 2009 1:45 PM

I'm a TK fan but MNF never seemed to play to his strengths. There was already too much product placement (other TV shows) and general crap in the booth and not enough football. TK=sportsguy, but a little too much of his defunct lifestyles column at MNF. Would love to see that column resume, by the way, now that he's got some time freed up.

Posted by: HardyW | May 18, 2009 1:33 PM

How can you say Tony was the worst when OJ and Dennis Miller were horrendous!? Tony brought humor and inteliigence back to Monday Night.
Keep Zabe on the radio!

Posted by: jmurray019 | May 18, 2009 1:29 PM

Wow, lots of Tony hate here. For those who think he's better off running a Ponderosa (haven't seen one of those in years!), I'll just say the best seasonal column I have ever read in my 30 years of reading newspapers was Tony's Bandwagon column during the Redskins' 91-92 SB run. Being stuck and homesick in the Bay area (CA), his column did wonders for me.

Tony is definitely funny and informed. Whether or not people liked him on MNF is another question (I did). I'm inclined to believe Tony that he initiated this, unless someone can show me ratings indicating a 3-year slide with him in the booth.

Posted by: ndickover | May 18, 2009 1:19 PM

I have absolutely no idea how good or bad Gruden will be, but this is still the best news I've heard all day! Kornheiser, you've got a good face for radio. Leave it there.

Posted by: tifoso1 | May 18, 2009 1:19 PM

HE WAS THE WORSE EVER-RAMBLED ON AND ON AND ON-MAYBE HE THOUGHT HE WAS STILL ON RADIO -NEVER STOPPED TALKING. THE ONLY THING THAT COULD BE WORSE IS IF HE EVER GETS TEAM WITH JOE BUCK THEN FORGET THE AUDIO.....I WISH MNF WOULD HAVE LESS TALK ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE SO CALLED GUEST THEY BRING ON TO PLUG TV SHOWS, MOVIES, ETC. JUST SHOW THE GAME ......

Posted by: ballou1962 | May 18, 2009 1:15 PM

The best news I read today....Now let's get Steve Czaban off DC Radio....

Posted by: ejharrisjr40 | May 18, 2009 1:10 PM

My personal view, anybody who needs another "talking head" to break down a game that is sheer brutality masked as a sport is, as a wiser man than me would put it, "an idiot."

The world of football is organized violence of the worst order. When you have 5 of 6 dead football guys' braines show up like mashed potatoes in an autopsy, that should tell you something about the ex jocks here calling for jocks to tell them more about the technique involved in putting a hit on a guy so he won't know Tuesday from a garbage can when he's 40.

T is among the smartest guys I have met in any profession, and knows the sports he covers. Why anyone would want to listen to some "expert" telling them what it is really like to be in the trenches, how you do what these people do, escapes me. It ain't like any of you characters are actually going to be doing it, and, if it were otherwise, these breakdowns would be useless. Would not improve your ability to improve or understand an iota.

I am glad Tony has stopped this ridiculous traveling around, either on a bus or a plane. Hope to hear the Orangeman soon on the radio, which he transitioned/pioneered into a medium in which his sport writer buddies could actually earn a living.

And, hearing everyone making cultural references to songs, movies, TV shows and what not on every sports broadcast and talking head show there is, not to mention their "trying" to be funny, well, mimickry is the highest form of flattery.

Welcome home, T, and well done. Say, you couldn't lend me . . . . Later.

Posted by: cohenra | May 18, 2009 12:59 PM

A missed opportunity for ESPN. Any third man in the booth takes away from Jaworski, who is BRILLIANT. If you don't learn something new about football every half hour, you aren't paying attention. I didn't mink TK and have nothing against Gruden, but they should have realized they didn't need a third wheel.

Posted by: mayoungkin | May 18, 2009 12:49 PM

I almost always got a chuckle out of Tony's columns in the Post but I thought MNF was a bit of a stretch for him. I still chuckle sometimes while watching him on PTI but I think his forte is writing. Good luck Tony and I look forward to reading your columns.

Posted by: nelmsmn | May 18, 2009 12:48 PM

TK was below average. I loved him on the radio and on PTI, but MNF was brytal at times. Gruden is an upgrade. With that said, Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth will be the best broadcast team this upcoming season.

Posted by: Consoliere | May 18, 2009 12:45 PM

The entire idea that a reporting crew is a kin to celebrity is amazing. The concept ABC brought to what used to be good, solid NFL reporting of using announcers this way is bogus. It always has been. Who cares who calls the games? I wish they would go back to the old days with skilled announcers and a color guy w/playing experience. Tony K. is great in other media, and needs to be back there right away. TV is just too dumb for his POV. Good luck down the road, and tell Wilbon to get a job at WCFL.

Posted by: ideabook | May 18, 2009 12:40 PM

Here's hoping Mr. Tony comes back to radio. That(and writing columns) are by far wheat he does best and what is most enjoyable to me. His radio schow has been irreplaceable and I hope it returns soon.

Posted by: rtronce | May 18, 2009 12:40 PM

With out a doubt, this is MNF's loss. Generally, the folks who did not appreciate Kornheiser in the booth are the same mental midgets that disliked Cosell. I will guarantee you this though, somewhere in Bristol, Mike Golic is one pi$$ed off dude right now. Ha!


Posted by: delOH | May 18, 2009 12:36 PM

One last thing, the BS about being scared to fly? Madden got around for 30 years on the bus and on trains. Your butt, was forced out, man up and just admit it.

Posted by: clark202 | May 18, 2009 12:34 PM

my guess is the that tony got tired of the criticism he took for his part in mnf. plus he has made more money than he ever thought he would and is comfortbale financially..still makes great money from pti and can have his radio show full time. tony is (was) a great newspaper writer, is good at radio, pti is great but his work on mnf was average at best and that may be stretching it. but he was better than dennis miller and rush limburger, but he was no howard cosell. good move all around

Posted by: fkterp | May 18, 2009 12:32 PM

YES!!!!!!!! MNF commentary was completely useless with TK interrupting Jaws right when he's talking about something pertinent to the game or unloading a nugget of information. TK always felt the need to jump in just to hear himself talk. Go back to the radio... better yet got back to the newspaper, I never read your section anyway. I wish they bring Joey T back, I think the booth will be decent with him, Jaws and Tirico. But, Chucky will do for now.

Posted by: clark202 | May 18, 2009 12:31 PM

I had nothing against Tirico, Jaws and Kornheiser for MNF. I do think Al Michaels with Chris Collingsworth is going to be the best football broadcast out there.

Tony is GREAT on PTI, Talking Points, his old columnettes, and the radio show was tremendous entertainment. I hope we hear you over the airwaves soon, Mr. Tony.

Posted by: miriam68 | May 18, 2009 12:28 PM

Tony shows that no one is ever honest. Probably he got fired. No one liked him on that show. Sure he's probably afraid of flying, but I'd bet a lot of money that the reason he's off is that he stunk, they wanted him off, and by coincidence, this is a little good for him because he doesn't have to fly so much now.

Posted by: sp12 | May 18, 2009 12:27 PM

Planes?? You mean that garbage you delivered every Monday night isn't the reason you're leaving?

Great job, ESPN.

Monday nights will now feature more volume and less cringe!

Posted by: tony11 | May 18, 2009 12:20 PM

Monday Nite football is on too late for both TK and me! PLEASE return to a DAILY radio show. I know the summers usually find you on the golf course or the Delaware beach(es), but radio and DC need you TK! Do It!

Posted by: DCNative611 | May 18, 2009 12:11 PM

THANK YOU, GOD!!!!!!

Now, I can turn the audio on during the games!!!!

Posted by: PhillyEagles | May 18, 2009 12:07 PM

p.s. I got Wilbon, BUT I NEVER GOT KORNHEISER-HOW THE HELL HE'S BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL OVER THE YEARS IS ABSOLUTELY BEYOND ME-HE MUST REALLY SCHMOOZE THE HELL OUT OF THE POST EDITORS AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA FOLKS-BECAUSE THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ONE THING TO RECOMMEND HIM, NOT HIS KNOWLEDGE, CERTAINLY NOT HIS LOOKS, AND ESPECIALLY, HIS ANALYTIC KNOWLEDGE ON FOOTBALL OR ANY OTHER SPORTS HE COMMENTS ON IS VERY VERY POOR.

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 12:04 PM

Thank you, ESPN. Kornheiser makes me want to eat furniture every time I hear him talk. There has got to be some alternate universe where world peace exists, Warren Zevon is still alive, and Tony Kornheiser is managing a Ponderosa or something. That guy having a public broadcast in any medium cheapens the English language.

Posted by: Squatty_HJ | May 18, 2009 12:03 PM

Go back to the style section and leave the Sports to men who have played the game.
What game have you played besides trash the Caps for 25 years and circle jerk with Wilbon.
The only time his has touched a jock is when he had to pull it off his face.
Stick to the keyboard Tony.

Tony on football...This one time I was watching a game.

This other time I heard about a game.

I saw a replay once.

Someone told me about a time this player did this.

Then I go home and make up the rest of the story.


Posted by: 1-20-09 | May 18, 2009 12:02 PM

Allow me to break it down for you simply, very simply: JON GRUDEN IS PRETTY, VERY PRETTY, AND KORNHEISER IS NOT. VERY VERY NOT. ALSO, KORNHEISER IS NOT WITTY OR FUNNY IN THE LEAST. THAT'S IT IN A NUTSHELL-GOOD MOVE MNF-WATCH THE RATINGS CLIMB!

Posted by: arrabbiato | May 18, 2009 12:00 PM

I was of the opinion that TK was horrible on MNF and that Joey T got a raw deal via the old knife in the back from Tony so what goes aound........... now that being said i don't see Gruden being better than Joe Thiesman,Gruden comes across as mr.know it all and that wore thin in Tampa and it will definitley wear thin on MNF.

Posted by: dargregmag | May 18, 2009 11:59 AM

Odd choice because isn't the conventional wisdom that Jon Gruden will want to coach again? I never thought Tony was a good fit on MNF, but I really liked his radio show and hope he'll find a place now.

Posted by: Joran | May 18, 2009 11:55 AM

Finally. Kornheiser was a disgrace -- not funny and not knowledgeable. It'll be interesting to see if someone at the Post has the nerve to write an honest critique of the guy. As I recall, someone did several years ago and Tony K. lambasted him for calling out a Post colleague.

Posted by: shoveit | May 18, 2009 11:53 AM

THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED FOR TONY KORNHEISER, PLEASE RELAY THE MESSAGE.

T.K Stack Money, your place is on the RADIO not television (with the exception of PTI). The sound engineer really takes something away from your voice on the tube. I cannot begin to count the number of men you have help go through middle age crisis that listen to your show. Also, it is pure entertainment to listen to you make fun, be opinionated and humiliate yourself and others. It really make us average Joe's feel special even if it is only three hours a day. You can do both PTI and radio, you know! I think I speak for a lot of folks out here, and we miss you on the air. Monday Night Football has been chasing their magic from the "Howard Cosell Era", and still do not realize the dynamics of what it would take to regain that type of control that it once possess the Monday ratings. Which is impossible to do with cable now (Not to mention the NFL Network replays). So scramble the gang up and Just Do It! You know every since you've gone off the air I feel like Fish on Barney Miller. Please consider.

Posted by: knjon353 | May 18, 2009 11:52 AM

I am truly sorry to see Tony leave MNF. I don't subscribe to the position that one has to be a football guy to talk football. I'm a 57 year old woman who has followed football since the mid-60s and I can out talk most men I know about football. Tony brought his lively personality to MNF and I for one will miss him.

Posted by: Odehyah | May 18, 2009 11:49 AM

With all due respect, TK was not a good fit for MNF. The environment on PTI, where he and Wilbon thrive, didn't exist in the broadcast booth of MNF. Frankly, 3 in the booth is one too many, anyway. The 3rd guy is like a 5th wheel.

Posted by: Wallpass | May 18, 2009 11:48 AM

thank GOD!!!!!!! Kornholio is the worst mnf guy. Worse than Dennis Miller. And there's noone worse than Dennis Miller. All Kornholio did was reiterate what the other 2 guys said. He never said anything we diodn't know already.

Posted by: Andoy | May 18, 2009 11:48 AM

Sorry for the double post ya'll

Posted by: Kev29 | May 18, 2009 11:41 AM

Dan Snyder is quaking in his boots! A 980 rival station can't be far away - and it will be a haven for Snyder bashers w/ TK anchoring the schedule. I can't wait!

Posted by: Kev29 | May 18, 2009 11:39 AM

Hopefully Gruden and Jaworski won't spend the entire broadcast admiring the QB, but even that would still be a step above Kornheiser's lame jokes.

Posted by: ozpunk | May 18, 2009 11:35 AM

Gruden took Tony Dungy's team to the Super Bowl, and won, because he faced his former team (Raiders)1 year removed, and knew the calls & plays they would use.

John madden isnt using his Outback bus anymore. . . Maybe Tony can borrow it. He wont even need a smart trip card (haha).

Least we wont have to listen/watch Joe Theisman on MNF.

Posted by: Robbnitafl | May 18, 2009 11:35 AM

Dan Snyder is quaking in his boots! A 980 rival station can't be far away - and it will be a haven for Snyder bashers w/ TK anchoring the schedule. I can't wait!

Posted by: Kev29 | May 18, 2009 11:35 AM

Tony...come back to radio. You've got a great face for it.

Posted by: motiongrfx | May 18, 2009 11:32 AM

Come back to the radio, Tony! We'll wait for you outside the Browseabout Books while you finalize the details...

Posted by: Konofish | May 18, 2009 11:32 AM

Back at the start of this decade I was working at a place where I was alone all day and could listen to the radio, I use to listen to Tony's show, and the guy would have me in stitches and sure made the time go by. I liked his insights on music, and popular culture, as well as sports. Hope he gets back on radio.

Posted by: 72Redskins | May 18, 2009 11:31 AM

Chuckie?? Talk about ear piercing, mind numbing gas....., this guy is the biggest blowhard south of Dickie V. Tony was the best. We'll miss you satchmo!

Posted by: xxou812 | May 18, 2009 11:28 AM

Thank you sweet baby jesus. Tony K was an awful fit.

Football broadcasts should have football guys on them for football fans to listen to.

Posted by: smutsboy | May 18, 2009 11:27 AM

Tony made Dennis Miller look good. Seriously, Watch a game with the sound off, notice how much better you enjoy the game.

Posted by: brunnegd | May 18, 2009 11:27 AM

Please. MNF got really really bad when they brought in that glorified clown Jaworski. He's awful, just awful. Every time I see him I want to place my order for fries and a shake into his ridiculous grin. Then he speaks, and I find something else to watch.

Posted by: soloman5000 | May 18, 2009 11:26 AM

Here's another one hoping Mr.Tony returns to radio. Never been much of a fan of PTI or MNF but the radio show is great.

Posted by: ron525i | May 18, 2009 11:22 AM

Finally I can watch MNF again. I quit watching when that buffoon came on.

Posted by: chopin224 | May 18, 2009 11:18 AM

Mr. Tony, please come back to radio. Or do a podcast. $1 a month, as you told Dan Levy? Sold. Where's the snack-off?

Posted by: mdean3 | May 18, 2009 11:09 AM

Does this mean Tony will come back to the radio? His radio show is the best

Posted by: jpfterps | May 18, 2009 11:03 AM

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