Because millions of people care intensely about NFL football, they have equally strong feelings about the voices narrating the action on television. And the unexpected escalation of tensions between Troy Aikman and ESPN/ABC has many wondering if the relationship will end before his current contract expires.
Boomer Esiason raised the question this week on his WFAN morning show whether Aikman would go away.
“I I don’t think he wouldthat’s not his nature, I don’t think,” Esiason said Friday, via Brandon Tales of Horrible announcement.
Of course, that might not be Aikman’s choice. ESPN could remove him from the show at any time, if the situation continues to deteriorate. Of course they would have to replace it on the fly. But they currently have a small army of NFL voices on their payroll – many of whom would drive a lawnmower through a minefield for a chance at the job.
It’s hard to imagine Aikman walking away in a Super Bowl year. But if he becomes sufficiently disillusioned with the situation, it cannot be ruled out.
A lot of it depends on whether apparent animosity carries over into a show. For the moment, this is not the case. But everyone who is aware of the situation (and, frankly, many who are watching Monday Night Football are not and will not be) will watch and listen for any clues in any stray comments or pointed remarks.
Ultimately, it takes two to dance in any working relationship. And if both parties know that the music will stop once the confetti falls in Los Angeles on Valentine’s Day, premature scratching of the record is possible.
In some ways this is already happening.
Gn sports
