[ad_1]
Paul Azinger’s first interview since leaving NBC — a dialog with Golfweek — set the golf world ablaze.
Getty Photographs
As maybe you heard, Paul Azinger went on the file with Golfweek’s Adam Schupak with a blistering response to the tip of his tenure with NBC. Beneath is an prolonged sampling on Azinger from Monday night’s iteration of the Hot Mic Newsletter. (To obtain unique golf media updates like this one from me, James Colgan, click on the hyperlink here or the tab under to subscribe.)
WHOOPS
Azinger broke his post-NBC silence in a giant manner over the weekend. Talking for the primary time since his sudden exit from the community in December, the previous NBC lead analyst let it rip on a handful of big-time matters in golf and golf media. Among the many highlights:
- Calling NBC Sports activities head of manufacturing Sam Flood a “actual a-hole” for his dealing with of Azinger’s departure.
- Criticizing NBC’s repeated cost-cutting measures and obvious efforts at censoring him (apparently being a questionable remark he repeated, for the file, about legendary boxing promoter Don King).
- Blasting the PGA Tour product as a “qualifier” for LIV.
- Advocating for his apparently cash-strapped former employer to rent Charles Barkley as his successor (???).
DOTTED LINE DISASTER
Probably the most shocking reveal from Azinger got here relating to his NBC departure. The previous lead analyst shared that NBC had truly engaged with Azinger about signing him to a contract extension, even going so far as to supply him a brand new deal matching the financials of his present one. In response to Azinger, issues fell aside after he and his agent tried to barter a counteroffer. NBC didn’t take kindly to the counter … and walked away from the desk. Yeesh!
LIV ‘QUALIFIER’
Azinger’s assertion that the Tour has turn out to be “a qualifier” for LIV was further spicy.
“The most effective gamers aren’t all enjoying PGA Tour tournaments. That’s over,” he mentioned. “Let’s simply say it like this: the PGA Tour has quick turn out to be the qualifier for LIV and it’s a tragic day for golf.”
Was it a real sentiment? Ehrm … probably not. But it surely was revealing to listen to Azinger’s perspective on golf’s tour wars (nevertheless jaded they could be) after two years and not using a LIV whisper within the NBC sales space.
Say what you’ll about ‘Zinger — if there’s one factor we’ve realized, it’s that he’ll by no means let the details get in the way in which of an excellent story. (Don’t all of us?!)
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE
Studying his Golfweek interview, it was onerous to not see the irony in Azinger’s sudden affinity for lightning rod standing: Had he been as pointed or entertaining throughout his tenure within the NBC sales space, a contract extension would have been the least of his points. A part of the rationale the community determined to maneuver on was that he’d spent the higher a part of his tenure with NBC with none actual memorable moments or calls.
In some methods, this model of Azinger was the one NBC thought it was signing again in 2018. However no such luck!
MUDSLINGING
The interview left Azinger, his former skilled tour and his former community employer trying fairly horrible. However we respect ‘Zinger’s candor and earnestness.
These are the form of particulars that not often leak out about expertise negotiations at massive sports activities networks, and whereas a few of Azinger’s allegations had been absolutely tinged with anger, some (about NBC’s useful resource allocation, for instance) definitely appear to have a touch of reality.
And hey, there’s one thing to be mentioned for dousing the bridge with a flamethrower in your manner out.
Join the Scorching Mic E-newsletter under to obtain my insights direct to your inbox every week.
[ad_2]
Source link
