Now that Bryant Gumbel officially is out as the NFL Network's play-by-play man, let us revisit what I wrote in December about a possible succession plan, just in case the network's president, Steve Bornstein, has not committed every WatchDog post to memory:
"Hello? Steve Bornstein? Perhaps if Gumbel realizes he's just not cut out for this particular line of work it would be a good idea to reach out to Mr. Hammond."
Four months later, it does appear Hammond is an early favorite for the job. He would not exactly be a risky, creative answer.
The guy is 63 - six months younger than Al Michaels, who got the NBC Sunday gig Hammond once coveted - and is predictably reliable. But after the NFL Net's dramatic swing and miss with Gumbel, there is nothing wrong with that at all.
Plus, Hammond knows and works well with Cris Collinsworth. Case closed.
Comments (3)
Seconded! Alas, for it's still the offseason. Back to my cave!
A great play by play man. His ND play by play duties pretty much wrap up by Thanksgiving. Which is right around the time the NFLN kicks off their regular season broadcast schedule.
Great post!.
alogicbit.
here,here Gumble is "THE" worst play by play guy PERIOD, i cringed every time his mouth opened, hooray for Hammond.
How about Marv?