ESPN’s NBA Studio Going Hostless
ESPN is moving its NBA pregame show to Los Angeles under a new studio sponsered by Kia but that won’t be the only change for the studio show. ESPN is also going hostless, so there will be no more of Stuart Scott or Hannah Storm.
The show’s game plan will focus on Magic Johnson, who will regularly be in ESPN’s NBA studio after he appeared only occasionally in past years, mainly on Christmas Day and during the post-season.Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon will return to the show but it will have a newcomer in reporter Chris Broussard.
Theo Epstein Wants To Bring Back Steve Bartman
New Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein wants to bring scapegoated fan Steve Bartman back from exile. During an interview with Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption Tuesday, Epstein said he’d like the Cubs to reach out to Bartman.
The Little League coach who was crucified by Chicago fans and media for interfering with a foul ball in Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost in 7 games to the Florida Marlins and Bartman became the poster boy for sports scapegoats.
When Kornheiser asked about reaching out to Bartman, Epstein said he hasn’t discussed it with the Cubs. But he likes the idea of extending an olive branch:
“From afar, it seems like it would be an important step. Maybe a cathartic moment that would allow people to move forward together. I’m all about having an open mind, an open heart and forgiveness. Those are good characteristics for an organization to have as well. He’s a Cubs fan. That’s the most important thing.”




