In an effort to boost ratings, ABC has hired John Madden to join Al Michaels in the booth for Monday Night Football this year. Madden signed a four-year contract that will pay him $5 million a year. The addition of Madden signals the departure of comedian Dennis Miller who is coming off his second year of declining ratings.
"There is only one John Madden and he is now part of ABC Sports," ABC Sports President Howard Katz told the AP Thursday.
Madden is leaving Fox Sports where he and partner Pat Summerall had been together since 1994. When Fox decided not to renew Summerall's contract Madden took it as an opportunity to start fresh.
"I was going to be working with a new partner anyway and to have the opportunity to work with Al Michaels, you just can't beat that," Madden said.
The addition of Madden is not the only change to MNF. After two grueling years, the semi-literate Eric Dickerson is leaving the show. However, Melissa Stark will remain as the sideline reporter.
Madden's debut will be on Aug. 5 when ABC broadcasts the Hall of Fame preseason game between the Houston Texans and the New York Giants.
Who's Hot: The Buffalo Bills
Wednesday night on Fox's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," Rob Johnson said that his agent informed him of his release from the Bills. Buffalo, in salary cap jail, saves close to $6 million by cutting the maligned quarterback, which they could use to sign Sam Cowart or save for their rookie pool to sign draft picks.
Who's Not: The Toronto Raptors
The Raptors last night dropped their ninth game in a row. Their excuse had been Vince Carter's absence from the line up. Carter, however, suited up in Wednesday night's loss. Toronto had a lead late in the fourth quarter, but let that get away before missing a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Rant
"I think it's great for the Bills to get over the whole Flutie-Johnson controversy for good and move on to the future." - Eric Perlow, UB student, on the Bills' upcoming release of Rob Johnson.
What to Watch
Saturday at 7 p.m. the Boston Bruins bring their high-powered offense to HSBC Arena to take on the Buffalo Sabres. The game will broadcast on the Empire Sports Network.
