The Gridiron Palace Forums: Chris Berman might be leaving ESPN - The Gridiron Palace Forums

Reports: NFL Network, DirecTV pursuing Berman
Posted by Evan Silva on February 8, 2010 10:55 PM ET
PFT

ESPN analyst personality Chris Berman's contract with the World Wide Leader is set to expire in three months. Two reports have surfaced linking him to potential openings elsewhere.

According to Sports by Brooks, DirecTV "is in full pursuit of the longtime broadcaster."

Brooks hears that DirecTV approached Berman about a pre- and post-game opportunity involving the Red Zone Channel, which is currently hosted by Andrew Siciliano.

Berman would also work with Dan Patrick on a to-be-launched sports channel. Patrick is already involved with DirecTV, hosting a radio show that is simulcast on the network's Channel 101.

Meanwhile, The Big Lead reported Monday evening that NFL Network "is putting the full court press" on Berman for an undisclosed opportunity. Berman is reportedly still very close with NFLN President Steve Bornstein after the two worked together at ESPN in the 1980s.

Berman, of course, would have to give up covering baseball for the latter opportunity.

Brooks adds that ESPN is expected to make a "reasonable" pitch to retain Berman, but "will not break the bank to keep him."

Berman, 54, has been at ESPN since 1979.
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Berman's shtick has kind of worn on me over the years but I still like him and losing him would be a huge blow to ESPN. Who takes his spot? Stuart Scott? Bleh. no thanks.

Damn i WAS JUST ABOUT TO POST THIS. He should stay hes the best yo,and i dont have NFL Network, but him and Eisen would make a nice 2, Esien and Berman my fav two for football talk period.

Big blow to ESPN...I don't know who's gonna replace him.

Eh, I don't care for him too much.

Yeah his act has worn a bit thin now, leaning more towards the annoying side than anything...but it's still a hole that needs to be filled.

what?... That's my favorite analyst on ESPN....

"There goes Brandon Jacobs, ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump!"

I've always been a fan of how Boomer does his thing. But I do agree it has worn a little thin over the last couple years but as some said it would be a really big blow to ESPN.

There is no Sunday NFL Countdown without Boom. It would be a big loss for ESPN. Hes a huge personality. I wouldn't mind him doing the RedZone chanel. RZ was a huge success for DTV and will continue to be so. The current host they have for it is very bleh.

This

How can you not love Boomer man, he's the man who gave a lot of the NFLs top players nicknames. Also his "Woooop" every time there's a move put on is classic. Berman to NFLN

Haha man his announcing for 2K5 was probably the best I've heard in a sports game.

Whoop!

Yuh plus hes funny too gives nick names, ROB myyyyyy Bironassssss lol. Woop, ad his voice expresson on abig play is what set him apart, fav ESPN NFL person like i said.

lol this^

"And he could go all the way *player gets tackled* too the 20 yard line!"

I will never get "Von Purple Hays" outta my head, because of Boomer that name is forever etched in my brain

Pierre Thomas English Muffins.

I love Boom.

"Reggie Wayne Manor"

I agree that he is a little stale.... But I still love em'. He makes things interesting.

LOL and David Thomas english muffins his way to the 4. Omg i died.. And he sound effects of players breaking tackles, pUH PUH PUH PUH lmao

Curtis "My Favorite" Martin. I always loved that one.

But yea, it would suck to see Boomer leave. He was a funny guy and I enjoyed listening to him.

Worn thin? How can you guys seriously imagine watching The Blitz anymore without the sound effects coming out of his voice. I need to hear the WOOPS and the BP-BP-BP-BP-BP's or it won't be the same...