Broadcast Review: Week 11
Tom Goodhines
Thursday June 29, 2000
Most people will tell you that good teams usually make a good broadcast. But you need talented commentators to bring it to the viewer as well. So, the fiery coach doesn’t get all the credit for the broadcast improvement. The continued improvement of play-by-play commentator Jim Brinson has helped the flow of each broadcast with his ability to call a solid game.
In his second year as the play-by-play man, Brinson showed his colors by continuing to put out quality work despite following a terrible team every week. Now with the amazing turn-around, there is nobody happier for the Destroyers’ success then Brinson.
Buffalo Bills’ legend, Steve Tasker has been this year’s most improved color commentator from the beginning of his stint in the booth. His AFL learning curve has increased tremendously, and it is apparent by the comfort level that he projects each week.
Sideline reporter Bob Trimble may be the best in the Arena Football League. He definitely wins the versatility award with his ability to do color commentary when needed. He is always adding insightful information and shows a genuine respect for the league and its players.
Keep up the excellent work Empire!
Best production: 1. The Nashville Network. Elements that the network brings with on-field microphones and cameras in unique places, keeps this production at the top again. 2. Empire Sports Network. 3. Comcast Network 8, New Jersey. 4. KCAL.
Top introduction/opening: 1. KCAL. Artie Gigantino stole the show with his strong comments and great insight. 2. TNN. 3. Empire Sports Network. 4. CN8, New Jersey.
Top pre-game: 1. TNN. Is this category even fair? 2. CN8, New Jersey. 3. Empire Sports Network. 4. KCAL.
Top halftime: 1. CN8, New Jersey. The Red Dogs’ network continues to push TNN as far as feature content. Two features, highlights, and statistics is the formula that more regional networks need to do – Great job CN8! 2. TNN. 3. KCAL. 4. Empire Sports Network.
Top post-game: 1. TNN. 2. KCAL. 3. Empire Sports Network. 4. CN8, New Jersey.
Best play-by-play: 1. Eli Gold, TNN. He is always solid. Gold is informative and is always a delight to listen to. Don’t be surprised if he becomes an AFL fixture for national broadcasts for years to come. 2. Jim Brinson, Empire Sports Network. 3. Dave Sims, CN8. 4. Derrin Horton, KCAL.
Best color commentary: 1. Gigantino, KCAL. The coach always comes out firing. He’s not afraid to tell you the way he sees things and is always in the top quotes of the week whenever he is on the air. This week’s strong pre-game performance and a solid game will have Cunningham looking over his shoulder when the “Golden Goody” awards are announced. 2. Ed Cunningham, TNN. 3. Steve Tasker, Empire Sports Network. Probably the most improved since he first jumped on. Continues to grasp the game and adds to each broadcast with his insight. 4. Mike Mayock, CN8, New Jersey.
Best sideline: 1. Tina Cervasio, CN8. She is a hard worker! She is constantly looking for different angles to bring to the table and always delivers. She knows the game and has developed a good relationship with the staff to get insightful information. Sideline is going to be a battle when the end of the season comes. (tie) 2. Jill Arrington, TNN. 2. Bob Trimble, Empire Sports Network.
Top feature: 1. TNN, Arrington on Grand Rapids’ Michael Baker and Thomas Bailey. 2. TNN, “Rules of the Game,” Cunningham with Sam Hernandez on rushing the passer. 3. CN8, New Jersey, Cervasio with Red Dog lineman, Eliott Fortune.
Top interview: 1. Empire Sports Network, Trimble with New England Sea Wolves head coach, Mike Hohensee. 2. TNN, Cunningham with Milwaukee quarterback Kevin McDougal. 3. TNN, Arrington with San Jose’s Steve Papin. 4. CN8, New Jersey, Cervasio’s pre-game interview with New Jersey then-head coach Frank Mattiace.
Top shot: 1. TNN, Papin’s kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game. 2. Empire Sports Network and CN8, New Jersey’s Anthony Payton’s kickoff recovery for a touchdown in the first half. 3. Empire Sports Network and CN8, Buffalo defensive specialist Carlos Brooks interception late in the second half.
Top replay: 1. TNN, Milwaukee kicker, Steve Videtich’s “pooched” field goal attempt that was recovered by the Mustangs. 2. KCAL, showing the missed call on Thunderbear Terrence Melton’s fumble in the third quarter.
Top audio: 1. KCAL, microphone on Los Angeles coach Stan Brock talking to his team before halftime. 2. TNN, San Jose coach Darren Arbet talking to his team in the locker room at halftime. 3. TNN, Milwaukee coaches talking to McDougal on the sideline.
Top quote: 1. Gigantino, KCAL on LA’s Todd Marinovich. “He will be the Rookie of the Year in the Arena Football League.” 2. Gigantino, KCAL on Houston’s Ben Bronson, “If you blink when he’s on the field – he will be in the endzone.”
Oops!: 1. KCAL’s Gigantino on LA fullback Andy Chilcote, “Andy Chilcote was the blocking back for Kurt Warner when Iowa won an Arena Football League championship.” In case you didn’t know – Iowa has not won a championship. 2. CN8, New Jersey. Showing injured Buffalo Destroyer, Weyland Harding in the booth and mistaking him for offensive coordinator, Tony Kimbrough.
A special thanks to Los Angeles’ John Tamanaha and New Jersey fan, Butch Richards for their contributions to this week’s column.
Tom Goodhines was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2000 season.
