There are two issues that I wish they had addressed:

(1) The internet leading to specialization. They spent some time on this when discussing Simmons and then again discussing press credentials, but it seems obvious to me that I’d rather read in depth reports and opinions from people who follow the time either at a micro or macro level than by general sports “personalities” in large scale publications like national newspapers or ESPN. It’s part of the reason SB Nation and the Big Ten Network are so popular. I’d rather read analysis by local followers or by Big Ten specific media (assuming it’s quality work) than get a hodge podge of flawed information from ESPN.

(2) “Entertainment” has taken over as the dominant format. I like reading this blog and others for their information. I think PTI, Around the Horn and several podcasts produced by ESPN provide interesting commentary. But it seems to me that most of ESPN’s programming outside of actual sporting events revolves around “personalities” and “entertainment.” I never need to see Skip Bayless on my TV ever again. I’m tired of SportsNation. I’m thoroughly disgusted hearing the following:

(a) Jalen Rose literally saying, “Who remembers or cares who won a national title?”
(b) Jay Bilas (who I generally think is very good) and others proclaiming a 36-33 win as a “loss for both teams” because the style of play wasn’t entertaining enough
© College football writers talking about how keeping the BCS is important because, “It’s more fun to have these discussions.”
(d) Anderson Silva, a dominant mixed martial arts fighter, being chastised for protecting himself in fights and not making finishes “exciting.”

This kind of thinking is disgraceful. Sports is about winning. Kids don’t play college sports to be entertaining, and neither do pro athletes. They do it because they want to prove that they are the best in the city/county/state/nation/world at what they do. Meanwhile, online-based media like Yahoo! are breaking massive scandals that ESPN should be doing if they’re really “the worldwide leader.” When did sports become “sports entertainment?” Why does ESPN still continue to look down their collective noses at Vince McMahon? They’re basically producing the same material.