For if anything is apparent in all the consternation and controversy included in the fallout after Wake Forest fans spilled on to the court following their team’s 83-79 over Duke last Saturday, it’s that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue.

The many pontificators who preached for an end to these spontaneous hoopla sessions were challenged by those who vehemently support expressions of school spirit on steroids. And don’t discount the schools that use video of “controlled chaos” as recruiting tools for transfer portal players looking for some inspiration to go along with their NIL booty.

Absent in the debate were any edicts, at least publicly, delivered by executives of college basketball’s biggest TV partners. Apparently, no suit is ready to say: “If fans run on the court, we won’t be glorifying the moment. We won’t be airing pictures of the mob scene.”

It’s not as if TV outlets covering the games are not prepared to handle the chaos. There are many things to consider, including the safety of those working the game. Nonetheless, the options don’t currently include blacking out the celebrating stampeders, which could lead to accusations of an outlet ignoring significant news.

Still, if there was any doubt TV is a major catalyst for these “celebrations,” Jay Bilas, ESPN’s college hoops analyst, added credence to the theory during a recent appearance on “First Take.”

“Years ago, when fans would run out on the field or court during a game it was network policy not to show that because we didn’t want to encourage it,” Bilas said. “So, what does that say about how we in media use these images now. We can’t deny that we encourage it. Or at least tacitly approve it.”

On his radio show, Dan Patrick took it a step beyond. “Well, ESPN helped glamorize this [court-storming]. Because when it’s Championship Week and Leigh beats Bucknell and the students rush the floor it’s like ‘That’s awesome. Hey let’s lead ‘SportsCenter’ with that,’” Patrick said.

Would blacking out these celebrations prevent them? Would fans still risk being trampled if they weren’t being trampled on TV? Or are these celebrations more about acquiring five seconds of fame than celebrating victory?

Other TV outlets, covering MLB and the NFL, don’t give fans who run on the field any face time. Their broadcasters will often do a radio-like call of the extracurricular “action.”

Yet there’s too much at stake for the college basketball cameras to go dark on celebrations. Especially in a busine$$ where One Shining Moment can include a dangerous mob scene.

A FOUL FINISH

The chaos in their voices cut through the crowd noise.

For Alex Faust and Monica McNutt, on Knicks radio Monday night, the sounds reflected what was going down between the Knicks and Pistons in the final seconds at the Garden.

Unfortunately, the voices were overwhelmed by the frantic finish. Neither voice really zoned in on a foul that should’ve been called on Donte DiVincenzo near the end of the Knicks’ controversial 113-111 win.

Faust’s call, with McNutt interjecting, would’ve sufficed if they were on the TV side. But on radio, more description of the craziness and the DiVincenzo non-call was needed.

As time ran out, McNutt did ask two appropriate questions: “What just happened here? What just happened here?”

We were wondering the same thing.

MURPHY’S A HIT

Daniel Murphy’s low-key broadcasting approach may require some added volume, but his two-day trial in the SNY booth established what his niche could be behind a microphone.

Murphy, working last Wednesday and Thursday, gravitated toward detailed hitting analysis. On Thursday, answering questions from Gary Cohen, Murphy got very precise when describing his hitting approach while hyper-analyzing what other batters were doing.

He also displayed a subtle sense of humor. Murphy showed potential. The SNY crew should bring him back for a spring training encore.

HARD CONVERSATION

The drumbeat of dysfunction, perceived or otherwise, continues for the Jets.

This time it was former Gang Green wideout (and Super Bowl Touchdown Maker) Mecole Hardman providing the juice, albeit squeezed from sour grapes.

He also provided further evidence how Valley of the Stupid Gasbags are willing to simply use quotes from a podcast, where guys like Hardman sound off, and present them as fact.

Apparently, it didn’t matter that Hardman’s critique of the Jets culture and offensive coaching staff was self-serving. It gave the talkies something to bloviate about to fill four-plus hours of stale air.

AROUND THE DIAL

While it’s hard to agree with his take on the Wake fans court-storming, Chris Canty, on ESPN, had a unique angle. Canty actually took the “victim” Duke’s Kyle Filipowski to task. “He has to have more awareness of the situation and have urgency about getting the hell off the court,” Canty said. Filipowski was nearly knocked to the floor during the melee and had to be helped off the court. … In their debut last Saturday night (Celtics-Knicks), ABC/ESPN’s new No. 1 NBA broadcast team, Doris Burke, JJ Redick, Mike Breen, showed it might take some time for them to click. They provided viewers with a rough ride (as they verbally bumped into each other). The potholes will eventually be filled after they get more chances to work together. … One thing we will miss after Peter King leaves (the veteran NFL multi-media scribe announced his retirement last week) the world of football are his weekly Tuesday spots on SXM with Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo. King and Russo laughed, sometimes argued, but they always provided appointment radio. As he saluted the reporter last week, Doggie revealed that King, who started doing the one-on-one sessions with Russo in 2008, did not get paid for his SXM appearances. What a bargain! … King also appeared frequently on WFAN’s “Mike and the Mad Dog”  show throughout the 1990s. … The Jets have ended their long association with ESPN NY radio and are moving to iHeart Media’s Q104.3. The multi-year deal kicks in this coming season. Veteran Jets voices Bob Wischusen and Marty Lyons are expected to continue as the radio broadcast team.  The end of ESPN-98.7-Jets relationship means Robert Saleh’s weekly interview, during the season, on  “The Michael Kay Show” are over. Considering the pressure Saleh will be under this season, the Jets coach won’t be crying over losing what was an added media responsibility. … Amazon Prime Video will exclusively stream 21 Yankees Wednesday night games beginning April 10 when the Bombers play Miami at the Stadium.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: DEMAR DEROZAN

For his new digital series “Dinners with DeMar,” which focusses on mental health issues. The groundbreaking work, available on DeRozan’s YouTube channel, attempts to bust barriers that have existed for years in professional sports. The Bulls star recently introduced the series at his alma mater, the University of Southern California.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: JAY WILLIAMS

If the ESPN basketball analyst was looking to ignite controversy he succeeded. Yet knocking Caitlin Clark because she hasn’t won a championship is shaky, at best. If Williams has a problem with those who give Clark GOAT status, he should also include ESPN. The network is constantly reminding viewers of the Iowa star’s greatness, right?

DOUBLE TALK

What Josh Hart said: “We’re playing our asses off.”

What Josh Hart meant to say: “We need to get healthy.”

Like the moment CBS’ Super Bowl cameras caught Travis Kelce screaming in Andy Reid’s face and bumping the Chiefs’ coach, nearly knocking him off his feet, in the second quarter. The stunning shot couldn’t stand alone. It begged for a reaction.

Yet, Tony Romo, CBS No. 1 NFL analyst had none. Instead, Romo was content describing what over millions of viewers could already see.

“After the fumble he [Kelce] comes over to Andy [Reid]. He goes ‘keep me in,’” Romo said. “What happened on the fumble is he wasn’t in [the game]. Noah Gray went in and he had to block.”

What did Romo really think? After all, CBS is paying him $17 million per year for his opinions, right? Did Romo think it was just a heat of the moment reaction by Kelce? Did he have a problem with what was a sideline assault by a superstar on his coach? Was there anything humorous Romo could glean from the ugly incident?

After all, a big — and appealing — part of Romo’s broadcast game is his sense of humor, right?

Romo’s decision to go bland and neither lower the boom on Kelce, or excuse him for getting tangled up in frustration, was major. It left a big hole in CBS Supe production. Romo’s partner, Jim Nantz, rarely gets in the opinion business during a game making Romo’s omission even more glaring. During the halftime report, Norman Julius Esiason took Kelce to task, but his cutting commentary was likely delivered while millions of American toilets were flushing.

BRADY’S TAKE

Meanwhile, in a peek at what could be on the horizon, it’s worth examining how Tom Brady, who joins Fox as its No. 1 NFL analyst next season, handled the Kelce-Reid tango.

Brady recognized he was in no position to chastise Kelce. To do so would have risked being branded a phony long before his booth debut.

“I don’t mind seeing it [Kelce getting in Reid’s face] ‘cause I was a part of a lot of those things,” Brady said Monday on his SiriusXM “Get Up” show. “Emotions are so high. You are definitely not centered. You’re not in a meditative state at that point.”

If Brady made this comment during the game telecast, he would have drawn two different reactions. Some viewers would have ripped him for letting Kelce off the hook. Others would have appreciated his players-eye view of the situation.

Especially when delivered by a former player who was often seen losing his temper on the sidelines.

CLARK GETS SOCIAL

Once you get through Ryan Clark’s three-minute video tribute to himself on X, his message to ESPN suits is not hard to decipher: Your contract offers sucks and I’m about to move on.

Clark’s ESPN contract expired and he’s negotiating a new one, apparently through social media.

Clark, a passionate, outspoken, insightful analyst, makes a case for how his hard work, grinding and tunnel-vision approach has led to him becoming one of the top NFL analysts on ESPN’s roster. Clark leaves the impression that he works harder than his colleagues at the network.

Clark paying homage to his own work-ethic leads to the following question: Isn’t drive and preparation part of the job description? It’s not special. It’s what you’re supposed to do.

The Bristol Faculty may not be thrilled with Clark attempting to put pressure on them through social media posts. Also, might potential employers at other networks see it as a red flag and become skittish dealing with someone who goes public when he has an issue with the company?

JJ TO THE RESCUE

Like the Batman signal lighting up the dark Gotham night, one can envision ESPN using a glowing basketball to make an urgent call for the man who invented hoops, JJ Redick.

Redick’s mission: To parachute in and save ESPN’s No. 1 NBA broadcast team.

The coming of Redick might actually inject some much-needed personality to the combo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke. They have delivered a certain blandness during their few performances together this season.

AROUND THE DIAL

TNT Sports brainiacs have no problem teaming Draymond Green with Charles Barkley for their alternative NBA All-Star telecast Sunday night on TruTV. Green is fresh off an indefinite suspension for striking Suns center Jusuf Nurkic. No doubt Adam Silver had to bless TNT’s decision to reward Green for bad behavior. Yet the unpredictable couple — Barkley/Green — will entice eyeballs to the AltCast. And that’s all that matters to the commissioner. … SXM’s Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo is pushing hard for Brent Musburger to receive the Pete Rozelle Radio-TV award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Russo, who credits Musburger for creating CBS’ “The NFL Today” (it was actually then CBS Sports president the late Robert Wussler), went as far as to say it “would be criminal” if Musburger doesn’t receive the award. Criminal? … It appears those who still choose to listen to local Valley of the Stupid Gasbags are destined (doomed might be a better word) to hear daily soliloquies about whether the Mets are ever going sign Pete Alonso. Tired! … So sorry for those who streamed the Super Bowl on Paramount+ and had to put up with technical problems. Not exactly an endorsement for the NFL’s commitment to streaming. … Among all the Super Bowl promos and commercials, CBS neglected to promote its own CBS Sports Network postgame show leading to eyeballs either going to ESPN or NFL Network’s live, on the field, offerings. … After an over eight-year run (1,775 shows) on CBSSN, Adam Schein was gracious while signing off “Time To Schein” for the final time Monday. Schein used much of his farewell to thank, by name, all his colleagues. Class act.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: VANESSA BRYANT

For her poise. Her grace. Her sincerity. All were on display last week at the unveiling of her late husband, Kobe’s, statue outside the Lakers arena in Los Angeles. “It brings me joy to see how much love you have for all of us,” she said. “We love you back.”

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: WOODY JOHNSON

For his cockeyed approach to ownership. He used an appearance during Super Bowl week to finally ratchet up the pressure (at least publicly) on Robert Saleh. Then after the Chiefs squeaked by San Francisco to win the Super Bowl, Mr. Johnson thought it was a swell time to announce his Jets would be revealing new uniforms in April.

DOUBLE TALK

What Kyle Shanahan said: “But just where we’re at with our team from a scheme standpoint and looking through this year to the last few years this is a decision [firing DC Steve Wilks] that was best for our organization.”

What Kyle Shanahan meant to say: “We needed a scapegoat and I found one.”

No matter how the powers that be spin it, they won’t be able to put a lid on the perception Girardi is more manager-in-waiting than TV baseball analyst

Looking down from the booth at the team he managed for 10 seasons, which included the Bombers last World Series title in 2009, Girardi will serve as The Eye in the Sky for fans who blame Boone, when they’re not blaming Brian Cashman, for anything that goes wrong in the Bronx. Boone is in the last guaranteed year of his contract.

Yankees pitchers and catchers report to Tampa on Wednesday and there’s already speculation over Girardi’s motivation for taking the YES gig.  Like on the “Yanks Go Yard” website where a headline asks: “Is Joe Girardi laying groundwork to be Aaron Boone’s Yankees successor?”

And on Tuesday’s edition of Yankees Hot Stove on YES, Bob Lorenz asked Girardi if he’s “open” to “managing in the big leagues again?” Girardi said he would “love” to have another shot. “But if I don’t, I’m very happy as a broadcaster,” Girardi said.

Girardi, who will be in his third stint with YES and has also gigged for Fox Sports, MLB Network, and the Cubs, is an accomplished voice. That’s why YES hired him. Yet, unless they are delusional, they know he arrives with added value.

With Girardi behind the microphone the specter of controversy hangs over each telecast the former manager works. His close proximity to Boone will make the broadcast feel more like a reality show.

The number of games Girardi will handle has yet to be set in stone. Nonetheless, he will work games, spread out evenly, each month of the season. Girardi will appear in both two-person and three-person booths. He will start the season working in the three-person configuration.

Girardi will not appear in YES’ pre or postgame studio.

Adding Girardi could be good for YES’ business. There are two avenues he can travel. Both of them encourage a scenario where more eyeballs can be attracted to the telecast. Will Girardi protect Boone? Or will he question his moves, providing ammo for those who believe he wants to sink Boone?

Get it? Depending how the Yankees are performing, and how Girardi reacts, there’s always the possibility of lingering controversy.

Making inquiring baseball minds wonder if Girardi is really just auditioning for his next managerial role — only on YES.

‘TODAY’ TEAM WORKS FOR CBS

Consistent chemistry is elusive.

Yet Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson and Mike Breen had it on ESPN’s NBA telecasts for years before The Faculty blew up that trio. Now Breen and Doris Burke are trying to establish it.

Meanwhile, reports indicate CBS Sports suits are pondering a chemical dump, by dismantling their veteran “The NFL Today” studio team.

If CBS eliminates all or some of these voices (host James Brown recently signed a new deal, according to The Athletic) Sunday’s four-hour Super Bowl pregame and the postgame show, will be the groups last performance together.

Or maybe not.

Maybe some suit actually realizes the core of the show (Brown, Phil Simms, Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson, Norman Julius Esiason) has long ago not only established their own brand of chemistry but a certain credibility, built on preparation, that viewers can rely on. That’s important, right?

The recent re-signing of Brown could be a sign that the rest of the group could also be returning. And that the suits actually realize the value of the studio crew the network developed.

GOODELL WIMPS OUT

Roger Goodell’s Bootlicker’s Ball, er, invitation-only press conference, was disappointing.

The Monday session, void of any tension or drama, was lacking the entertainment value some of Goodell’s other annual encounters with the media provided.

Why Goodell tried limiting the crowd by holding the event early in Super Bowl week (before the thundering herd stormed into Las Vegas) is mysterious. The commissioner is an expert in double talk. The prospect of hostile questioning didn’t scare him, did it?

Or was this the NFL’s way of “punishing” those media types they have “problems” with.

One thing is certain: Both Adam Silver and Rob Manfred can play their man-of-the-people cards by inviting anyone and everyone to their next event-based press conference.

NEW PARTNERS

This new sports streaming behemoth, which will include the properties of ESPN, Fox, TNT and ABC, should open up opportunities for current talent at these network rivals.

For the monthly fee consumers will pay for the product, these companies will have to entice potential subscribers by providing shoulder programming exclusive to the new all-sports streaming service.

For example, during the NBA Finals the stand-alone service could offer an exclusive studio show featuring ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith working with TNT’s Charles Barkley.

AROUND THE DIAL

This just in: Radio is not a visual medium. The MSG Radio Network crew must have forgotten this on Tuesday. While Kenny Albert’s play-by-play (Grizzlies-Knicks) went mostly silent, analyst Alan Hahn interviewed (Dollar) Bill Bradley about his latest film project, “Rolling Along.” Bradley is always an interesting spot. But not during a game radiocast. They should have saved Bradley for halftime. … On some of its college hoops telecasts, CBS has popped up a graphic ID of the ball-handler. This idea needs to be reconsidered. Unless CBS suits are thinking of phasing out play-by-play voices. … Credit Bill Raftery with delivering a Marques Haynes reference during the second half of Purdue-Wisconsin. Very nice! … Did FAN’s Evan Roberts win some prize for being voice one million to say: “The Super Bowl itself is just a sideshow and not about football.” Congratulations. … Surprised Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo, on SXM, didn’t ask CBS Sports boss Sean McManus about the employment status of his “The NFL Today” team. Instead, Russo kept barking over what a make-or-break game Sunday’s Supe is for Tony Romo. What exactly is going happen to Romo if he messes up? Will he fall through a trap door in the broadcast booth? Don’t think CBS is about to eat Romo’s $17 million per year contract if he has a bad game.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: WALT FRAZIER AND MIKE BREEN

For celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Knicks TV partnership. Through the years, the duo has been consistently entertaining chronicling the team’s highs and lows and, as best they could, but with the interest of viewers first.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: PETER THIEL

For his plan to launch The Enhanced Games. This is no joke. The billionaire wants to start a rival competition to the Olympics that permits athletes to use performance enhancing drugs. For so many reasons, this is a bad idea.

DOUBLE TALK

What Lamar Jackson said: “To be here for the [MVP] award, it’s an honor but I’d rather be in the Super Bowl accepting that award.”

What Lamar Jackson meant to say: “Hell if I know why we fold in the playoffs.”

Through the sheer buzz he’s generating, the Hall of Fame-destined quarterback is already paying dividends on the $375 million Fox Sports will invest in him over 10 years.

After his Tuesday ESPN interview with Pat McAfee, where Brady revealed he is already preparing for the gig (he told McAfee practice sessions with play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt had taken place in Fox’s Hollywood compound), the hills were alive with the sounds of social media pundits and Valley of the Stupid Gasbags predicting how TB12 would fare in the broadcast booth starting next season.

Michael Kay, on his ESPN-98.7 gabfest, said Brady would “be phenomenal.” There were others predicting artistic doom. It matters not who is right, only that all the conversation is about Brady who, when last we checked, is not one of the quarterbacks in next Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII.

Unlike the other No. 1 NFL TV analysts (NBC’s Cris Collinsworth, ESPN’s Troy Aikman, CBS‘ Tony Romo, Amazon’s Kirk Herbstreit), Brady will not have to find the spotlight. It will be constantly following him. Whether it’s lofty QB credentials. Or him being a polarizing figure. Or an obsession with his personal life. There are a variety of reasons to watch Brady on Fox.

From a football perspective, his analysis of quarterbacks and coaches (especially if he’s direct and doesn’t pull punches) will make headlines and provide fodder for the legions of former NFL players on TV and social media. And if Brady cuts slack, not stating what all viewers can already see, that will make headlines too. Headlines of a different kind.

Unlike all rookie analysts, Brady enters the booth having already transcended the game, something even the late, legendary John Madden couldn’t do until he BECAME a broadcaster. Brady will not have to play “getting to know you” with the casual fans. They already are familiar with him. That’s a big advantage for Brady and could provide a slight ratings uptick for Fox.

Brady’s monumental success guiding the Patriots was met with envy and anger from fans of other teams. The reaction was not surprising. Yet during the second half of his career, Brady’s outward arrogance, his anger over Deflategate, speculation about a deteriorating relationship with Bill Belichick, and frequent live shots of his sideline explosions, all contributed to him becoming a major lightning rod.

Pro and anti-Brady factions are already dug in, waiting to either see him succeed or embarrass himself on live TV. They have different agendas but they, at least initially, will be tuning in to assess his performance. Also, a part of the Brady package is the attention his personal life receives.

Brady is living in a TMZ world. Those interested in his gossip and glamour side watch football too.

And they are talking about Tom Brady. Isn’t everybody?

KNICK HYSTERIA

As expected, the local hoops media are treating the Knicks recent successes with fan-like exuberance.

The Knicks have done a lot of dysfunction and losing over three decades. Now, it’s understandable why the media react to each win as if a comet just lit up the sky. So what if they still can’t ask Knicks prez Leon (Sphinx) Rose a single question? Rose must not believe the scribes are the conduit to the fans.

Why should he when Gasbags like WFAN’s Brandon Tierney recently anointed the Knicks as “the best run pro sports franchise in New York.” That sure is open for debate.

Especially when during good times and bad, Garden boss James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan is always lurking behind the scenes. Remember, the Knicks fortunes were looking up during the Donnie Walsh regime, which Dolan eventually derailed.

Anyway, after his bold proclamation, Tierney will not be subject to a facial recognition check the next time he enters Madison Square Garden.

IT’S A BOO FOR EVAN

Evan Roberts had time to kill. Too much time.

Why else would he spend what seemed like hours talking to himself about whether he was going to boo or cheer Kevin Durant during his return to Brooklyn Wednesday night?

With his “debate,” FAN’s Roberts was flying near self-absorbed-Yutz territory. Even Durant, who admitted things didn’t work out at Barclays, was not concerned if he would be booed or cheered.

NO BARKING AT ESPN

Throughout his illustrious career, whether solo on the radio or with his long-time partner Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa, SXM’s Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo used ESPN as his personal fire hydrant.

Yet Doggie didn’t just pee on the World-Wide Leader, he verbally pummeled the network. ESPN was a regular target for Russo. That all changed in March 2022 when Russo became a Wednesday regular on ESPN’s “First Take.”

When it came to ESPN, its programming and personalities, Russo developed a sudden case of amnesia. He didn’t just pull his punches, he stopped throwing them.

On Thursday, after a caller to his SXM show suggested Russo was in the tank for ESPN, Dog agreed and didn’t mince words. Russo said he stopped issuing the critiques because of his “First Take” relationship. And he said if that makes him “a hypocrite,” so be it.

This one is not hard to figure out. Or as Cyndi Lauper wrote: “Money changes everything.”

AROUND THE DIAL

Just when Jets suits thought a season of disappointments was behind them, they get hit by a report in The Athletic (by Dianna Russini/Zack Rosenblatt) chronicling a season of Gang Green dysfunction. Interestingly more than a few Gasbags said they were aware of some of the stuff reported in the piece. If that’s true, why didn’t they present the details during the season? … Could Tom Brady get some practice TV reps in the Spring? Fox is one of the UFL TV partners. … As far as we know, Knicks radio analyst Monica McNutt accomplished a Garden first Thursday night (Pacers-Knicks). Working with Kenny Albert, she sang during the game. Euphoric over Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle being named to the Eastern Conference All-Stars, McNutt broke out in a song paying tribute to the two players. Unfortunately, the lyrics were hard to decipher through the radio static. We do know this was not a Sonny and Cher thing. Albert remained silent.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: TAYLOR SWIFT

All she does is support her beau by attending Chiefs’ games. She doesn’t post on social; she doesn’t ask for network interviews; she doesn’t seek any extra attention. Her style is exemplary in an era where so many make it about “me.”

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: DAN CAMPBELL

Look, he had a bad day in the NFC title game. Unfortunately, it may have cost the Lions a berth in the Super Bowl. Got to believe the Lion that roared in Motown would give a kneecap to have last Sunday’s game back.

DOUBLE TALK

What Dan Campbell said: “When you lose, they say it’s hard. You feel like you get your heart ripped out.”

What Dan Campbell meant to say: “I played it fast and loose and lost.”

With Tom Brady set to become Fox Sports No. 1 NFL analyst next season, Sunday’s Lions-49ers NFC Championship Game will likely be Olsen’s last dance with Burkhardt, who are finishing their second season together.

The situation is unusual. According to an assortment of “experts,” Olsen has established himself as a voice worthy of the No. 1 role. He has an ability to teach throughout the broadcast while the game is evolving. Rarely has a No. 1 analyst, who has proven himself to this extent, been “rewarded” with a demotion and replaced by a player with no broadcast experience. It did happen when Tony Romo moved Phil Simms out of CBS’ top NFL spot in 2017.

But this is multi-megastar Brady who Fox signed to a 10-year contract worth $375 million two years ago. After losing their No.1 NFL team (Joe Buck/Troy Aikman) to ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” the Foxies needed to restore the buzz and then some.

Along with his status as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, quarterbacks to play the game, Brady also brings celebrity glitz and glamour. These are qualities Olsen, or any other current NFL analyst, can’t duplicate.

“I’m on the record about how much I respect Tom. I understand the situation,” Olsen recently told the Sports Illustrated media podcast. “… I get it. I understand what we all signed up for, but it’s not going to alter one thing we do. And all we’ve done is continue to deliver and the ratings, the metrics, show it.”

If Olsen wants to stay in the analyst business, what are his options? Considering his performance over the past two seasons, he could land with another Fox play-by-play voice. What about the NFL’s other TV partners (CBS, ESPN,NBC, Amazon)?

As far as No. 1 teams go, those networks, barring any surprises, are set. And after his success as a top analyst, would Olsen be inclined to accept a gig that drops him down a network’s depth chart?

This is no picnic for Burkhardt, either. With Brady in the booth, the pressure will be ramped up. Even though Brady enters the biz with no experience expectations won’t be lowered. They will be sky high. And there will be pressure on Burkhardt to make sure Brady succeeds.

Then, there is the sharp-breaking curveball the Foxies could throw. If they thought Brady might have a better chance of succeeding with a little help from his friends, the Foxies could keep Olsen in the No. 1 booth, bring Brady in, and along with Burkhardt go to a three-man configuration.

It was Fox that created one of the highest performing three-man combinations in the history of sports TV, when it teamed Aikman, Buck, and Cris Collinsworth (They were known as The A Team) from 2002-04.

With all this stuff swirling around them, their minds should be clear on Sunday. After all, there is still one more game, and one last chance, for Olsen and Burkhardt to work together.

JASON HAS OPTIONS

Chances are while Jason Kelce was feeling no pain, he was also auditioning for an NFL TV job while “performing” Sunday in Tayor Swift’s Buffalo suite during Chiefs-Bills.

After he officially decides to walk away from the Eagles, the big man should be in demand, like his brother Travis, for NFL media gigs. He already projects an everyman presence.

A show that doesn’t take itself so seriously (like NFLN’s “Good Morning Football”), could be a good fit. Yet J Kelce might also be suited for other studio shows or the game day booth.

In other words, he should have options.

COURTESY COVERAGE

If the NFL buys a stake in ESPN, which has been reported as a possibility, the preferential treatment the league already receives will be over the top.

Stephen A. Smith indicated this while being interviewed by SXM’s Howard Stern. SAS told Stern if the deal goes down, he will contact the league office before reporting a story or expressing an opinion that makes the NFL look bad.

“I’m going to reach out to Roger Goodell directly to say ‘this is what I’m going to do and here’s why,’” Smith told Stern. “They can try to stop you. In the end it is very difficult to do.”

Oh really? Would SAS extend the same “courtesy” to the commissioners of leagues who are not part owners of ESPN?

ESPN suits already bend over backwards to maintain, and enhance, their relationship with the league. It makes us wonder how many “controversial” stories have not seen the light of day or have been watered down after the NFL has pushed back?

SO LONG, DOC

The day Glenn (Doc) Rivers convinced The Bristol Faculty he would be part of their No. 1 NBA broadcast team for the long term, the loquacious one must have turned in an Academy Award performance.

Anyway, it’s good riddance to Rivers, the Pied Piper of Puff. With Milwaukee making him their new coach, we will be spared from hearing Rivers use ESPN’s microphone to lobby for his next NBA coaching job.

Meanwhile, ESPN got what it deserved. It fired Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy using an excuse that it was worried about them jumping back into the coaching ranks. That was disingenuous drivel. Fortunately, the Basketball Gods, and Rivers, turned the tables on them.

Now ESPN is left with Mike Breen and Doris Burke (aka Mork and Mindy), as its No. 1 team. Try selling that Dozy Double to Basketball America. The Brainiacs running ESPN’s hoops department need to add a third voice.

And that should be the man who invented basketball — JJ Redick.

AROUND THE DIAL

If Bill Belichick doesn’t land a head coaching gig during this cycle could television be a possibility? We don’t see him enjoying the confrontation necessary to work in the studio. Nor would the grind of analyzing games, and criticizing players, be appealing. Yet a brilliant mind might customize or create a show (or segment) for him. Something where the coach takes viewers inside the game — a teaching kind of thing. … It’s interesting that criticisms directed at Tony Romo rarely blame the CBS executives who decided he was the future of NFL game analysis. It makes you think Romo forced the suits to hire him. … Sal Licata and Brandon Tierney’s Thursday WFAN session with Andrew (Dice) Clay was hardly an interview. It was a 45-minute filibluster by the comedian. … Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo went on another archaeological dig last week bringing former NFL running back (Dolphins, Colts, Eagles) Norm Bulaich to the SXM microphone. Good questions. Good stories. … Thought SXM’s Adam Schein was going to lose it when a caller revealed himself to be X handle “brickwall89.” Just wondering if Schein will be able to contain himself when “Brickwall90” and “91” confront him.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: FRANK ISOLA AND BRIAN SCALABRINE

Every morning on SiriusXM’s NBA Radio these two basketball junkies bring the heat, Ha-ha’s and a high degree of knowledge. No screaming matches (contrived or otherwise). No silly hot takes. Just solid hoops talk day in and day out.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: OHIO STATE FANS

For storming the court after their women’s basketball team upset Iowa Sunday. In the crush, a fan violently collided with Hawkeyes’ star, and reigning player of the year, Caitlin Clark. The incident put the dangers of court-storming out there for all watching to see.

DOUBLE TALK

What Giannis Antetokounmpo said: “But yeah, I do think [firing coach Adrian Griffin] was a surprise.”

What Giannis Antetokounmpo meant to say: “I was surprised the front office took so long to take my advice.”

Judging by the carefree attitude he has projected in the broadcast booth since his debut in 2017, Romo is not contemplating a meltdown. Apparently, he doesn’t give a hoot.

Don’t expect to hear any cliches about his heart beating faster when he works Chiefs-Bills Sunday, the most anticipated, and likely highest rated, divisional round matchup. Or will he need to be hooked to a cardiac machine before the AFC Championship (Jan. 28) or Super Bowl LVIII (Feb.11).

For any voice, this is a treacherous gauntlet of games. Big game mistakes leave lasting memories. For Romo, whose constantly reminded his $17 million per year salary radically set a new market-top for marquee NFL analysts (aka ESPN’s Troy Aikman and NBC’s Cris Collinsworth), it means micro analysis from critics on social media, and elsewhere, who pay more attention to his performance than the game itself.

Sunday the posse will be on the lookout for signs of Romo “favoring” Josh Allen over Patrick Mahomes. One of the unwashed masses biggest gripes this season is that Romo is a “shill” for the Buffalo quarterback. Yet tilting towards Allen is no broadcasting crime. How many NFL analysts boarded the Tom Brady train? How many latched on to Mahomes?

Romo backed up his belief in Allen. In Week 14 after the Bills beat Kansas City, Romo went to the edge of the cliff, intimating Buffalo could win out and gain playoff home field advantage.  That’s what happened with the Bills beating Dallas, the Chargers, Patriots and Dolphins.

The careless side of Romo is still generating negative heat. Like during Wild Card Weekend when he didn’t realize Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren was an integral part of the offense during the season.

And there are constant reminders that Romo has referred to Taylor Swift as Travis Kelce’s “wife.” This unforgivable gaffe makes Romo Public Enemy No.1? Is it possible the former Cowboys quarterback either knows something or is just goofing on those viewers who hang on his every word?

Mistakes? He’s made more than a few.

And remember, Romo is a creation of CBS Sports suits. He started his broadcasting career on the mountain top, a spot even the late, iconic John Madden had to earn.

In 2017, Romo was assigned to CBS’ No. 1 team fresh off retiring from the Cowboys. CBS Sports boss Sean McManus anointed Romo as the future gold standard of NFL analysts. In CBS’ opinion, which is the only one that counts, Romo delivered. Working under an initial three-year deal worth $10 million, his contract was extended, in 2020, 10 years at $17 million per.

Romo has often said he entered broadcasting already hardened by the criticism directed at him during his playing career. He’s also described himself as having a turtle shell that critics can’t penetrate.

Nothing, right or wrong, has stopped him from having fun. And he has never been one to court the media or issue spin on his own behalf. In contrast, many of the biz’s biggest stars would gladly attend the opening of a can of tomato soup to engage with a chorus of detractors.

That choir of criticism has not even altered the freewheeling style of the oft maligned Tony Romo.

Or wiped that smile off his face.

JIMMY STEALS THE SHOW

Jimmy Johnson can still kick butt. Verbally, that is.

The Fox Sports NFL analyst provided the most authentic moment seen on one of these studio shows in years. Johnson came out on fire after Dallas fell behind Green Bay 27-7 at the half.

That’s when Johnson launched into the speech he would’ve delivered to the team he once coached. Fortunately, there was nothing for him to throw.

“I don’t need to hear people pointing fingers one way or another. You get your rear end in there and you play the way you know how to play,” a wigged-out Johnson said. “We can win the game.”

Johnson continued with a few more choice words. Considering the inspiration he is still able to produce, it’s worth wondering if Johnson should direct this style of pep talk to his often near-comatose Fox colleagues before they go on the air.

It would liven up the show.

MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Over in CBS’ “The NFL Today” studio, James Brown was proving he actually cares about viewers.

When a member of the panel spoke in football jargon, Brown asked them to provide a translation of what the words actually mean.

Brown, unlike most others in his position, understands there are those watching who aren’t familiar with the footballese often spewed on these shows.

TOUGH VS. NICE

If anything, the fragile consensus drawn from the media focusing on the management stylings of Brian Daboll convinced us that when he was in elementary school, the Giants coach did not receive high marks in the “plays well with other children” category.

Nonetheless for Daboll, being perceived as a tough, ruthless guy is viewed as a positive, especially in the New York market. According to Valley of the Stupid Gasbags it beats being Jets coach Robert Saleh, who is perceived as a “nice guy.”

Nonetheless, the tough guy persona fades fast, and becomes more of a caricature, if your team isn’t winning. Stay tuned.

AROUND THE DIAL

It only took Spike Eskin, WFAN’s program director, two years to get the itch to slither out of the FANCave back to his comfort zone, Philly’s WIP, where he will gig as an afternoon-drive Gasbag. Left behind, are an assortment of paranoid, defensive WFAN Talkies who must adapt to what the new PD wants. That basically means at least some of the current Mouths will have to prove themselves all over again. … Brandon Tierney seemed disappointed with the grade his FAN colleague, Norman Julius Esiason, assigned to his performance. Unless NJE is running WFAN (maybe he is), Tierney shouldn’t care what NJE has to say. … The majority of local Gasbags, and other sports commentators, have not touched the story about James Dolan being sued, in Federal Court in Los Angeles, for sexual misconduct. Through his attorneys, the Garden boss said the allegations contained in the lawsuit have “absolutely no merit.” … According to his radio partner, Suzyn (Ma Pinstripe) Waldman, John (Pa Pinstripe) Sterling won’t be attending Spring Training.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: STACEY KING

For his compassionate display. The Bulls TV analyst blasted foolish Chicago fans who booed the team’s late GM, Jerry Krause, while he was being inducted into the Bulls Ring of Honor. His widow, Thelma, was in attendance at the United Center and visibly shaken. King: ”It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I hurt for that lady.”

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: NFL

Bad enough Roger Goodell and Co. made fans pay to watch a playoff game on TV. Worse still, the product the league put on the field for its Super Wildcard Weekend was pure dreck. Only one game, Rams-Lions, was competitive. At least the voices calling the games didn’t try telling viewers what a “great game” they were watching.

DOUBLE TALK

What Nick Sirianni said: “I’m not worried about me. My heart feels for these guys.”

What Nick Sirianni meant to say: “Even I can’t tell you why these guys folded.”

In a world of countless TV channels, social media, expanding streaming services and other platforms the Free World has yet to discover, he generated a weekly must-see, nearly hour-long TV platform, on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show.

All this content from an active NFL player, albeit one who sat out the Jets 2023 season recovering from a torn Achilles.

To say the least, Rodgers kept things interesting from 1:05 p.m. to just before 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. And when the dust from Rodgers’ latest “controversy” sort of settled, even his pal, McAfee, ESPN’s latest High Exalted Ruler, breathed a sigh of relief.

It was McAfee who made the then-Green Bay quarterback a regular (during the NFL season) paid (to the tune of $1 million) “guest” on his show four years ago. Now it was McAfee who sounded worn out after dealing with Rodgers’ Jimmy Kimmel tango and the politics of ESPN.

McAfee, on Wednesday, said the 4th season of Aaron Rodgers was over. “…There’s going to be a lot of people happy with that.” McAfee said. “Myself included. To be honest the way it ended it got real loud.”

While Rodgers’ ESPN segments were already scheduled to end whenever the Jets season expired, the TV benching of the Jets QB (he did make a Thursday cameo appearance on the show to discuss the departures of Nick Saban and Bill Belichick) is still extremely disappointing. In the copycat, often predictable world of sports media, Rodgers’ spontaneity and plain-spoken, edgy analysis would have been welcome throughout the NFL playoffs. It would have been something to look forward to.

No matter if Rodgers veered off course into some of his non-sports opinions, or “conspiracy theories,” or whatever you want to call them. The distractions were more than a reasonable tradeoff for his football insights. That’s the payoff. Or at least it should be.

Judging by the reaction he generates, people who love Rodgers can’t wait to hear what he says. And people who hate him can’t wait to hear what he says.

Rodgers also provides a long runway for the media to express itself. In one sentence on ESPN Radio, NFL reporter Dan Graziano guillotined Rodgers, calling him “a liar” and “a narcissistic con artist.”

Step right up and react. Believe it or not, some of the flummoxed ESPN suits who Rodgers, and McAfee, have turned into punching bags had something to say, even putting words in Rodgers’ mouth.

Unfortunately, unless the execs are judging on pure talent, this “other stuff” could hinder Rodgers’ future if he’s eyeballing any type of NFL-related media work whenever he decides to retire.

If he’s not already scared some of these suits away, Rodgers should be a prime candidate for the booth or studio. He also has the ability to create his own signature platform.

Considering the vanilla state of NFL broadcast booths, Rodgers would bring major buzz to any network or streaming service that hired him. His singular style, and Hall of Fame credentials, should smooth his path to the booth.

Unless NFL TV suits are already constructing roadblocks.

THE BRADY EFFECT

There are talking quarterbacks all over the place.

On the recent episode of CW’s “Inside the NFL,” former QB Jay Cutler had one of his finest moments while explaining why Chicago should keep Justin Fields and trade its No.1 draft pick.

It made us wonder if Fox Sports will get strong opinions out of Tom Brady, who is scheduled to become the Foxies No.1 NFL analyst next season?

Will Brady’s role expand beyond the booth? Will he appear on FS1 “debate” shows? Fox also could work him in to it Sunday morning pregame offerings. In these venues, Brady could have a direct influence on ratings.

NBC’S STREAM TEAM

Roger Goodell, and the NFL owners, are worthy targets for their decision to sell Saturday night (Jan. 13) Super Wildcard Weekend Dolphins-Chiefs matchup to Peacock streaming service for $110 million. That made the game a pay-per-subscription event for you, the fan.

Question: Why did the NFL’s other TV partners, Fox, CBS and ESPN not only roll over, allowing a playoff game to be streamed but didn’t bite back at the NFL when it allowed NBC, which owns Peacock, to air THREE Supe Wild Card Weekend games while the three other networks air one each?

Most likely, the NFL’s other TV partners didn’t want to cough up $110 mil, even for Patrick Mahomes (and Taylor Swift) Saturday night in prime time.

Yet now that they’ve let one streamer into the playoff mix, there will be no turning back.

Chiefs-Dolphins playoff game airing exclusively on Peacock is a ‘disgrace’ for fans, says N.Y. congressman Pat Ryan

BILL’S EXIT

The Fox crew covering Patriots-Jets last Sunday successfully captured history as it was being made by Bill Belichick.

Fox’s cameras stayed focused on Belichick as he left the field in what turned out to be his last game as coach of the Patriots.

Viewers saw the coach taking off his headset then moving on to find Robert Saleh. There was a brief hug and then he moved to a longer exchange with Aaron Rodgers. The Foxies followed Belichick into the tunnel until he was out of sight.

Fox’s exit coverage was well worth waiting for.

AROUND THE DIAL

This feud between Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock is uncomfortable to follow. It’s cringe inducing. Evidently, each man is thinking more about himself than those who choose to consume this vitriol. … For the NBA, the season-ending shoulder injury to Ja Morant couldn’t come at a worse time. With Adam Silver negotiating a new national TV contract, the NBA needs all its superstars participating to juice current TV ratings. Without Morant, the NBA has lost a ratings magnet. … The best, immediate, coverage of Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama came via the SEC Network’s “The Paul Finebaum Show.” Finebaum and his staff presented a non-stop parade of reporters who cover the SEC and college football in general. They provided instant insight. … The departure of Don (Wink) Martindale  played out more like a missing person report than merely a defensive coordinator being let go by the Giants. It did come with some media passion. On the notion that Martindale was leaking to some Giants reporters, an irate Russ Salzberg, on his YES podcast, said: “What Wink did is high treason. You’re undermining your organization, you’re undermining your coach, you’re undermining your general manager and you’re undermining your owner….” Guess Salzy is not expecting Wink and Giants brass to be exchanging thank-you notes. … In a compelling 30 minutes of Thursday radio, Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo and Norman Julius Esiason went shtickless on SiriusXM. Nothing but football talk. Reminded us of many moons ago when the Gasbags had a syndicated pigskin program on Westwood One.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: DARKO RAJAKOVIC

For caring about the NBA’s regular season. After losing 132-131 to the Lakers Tuesday, Toronto’s coach ripped refs and the league for the disparity in free throws. The Lakers went to the line 36 times; Toronto 13. In the 4th quarter, L.A. shot 23 FT’s while the Raptors a measly two. If Rajakovic didn’t care he wouldn’t have wigged.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: JAMEIS WINSTON

For running up the score. The Saints QB ignored his coach and ran a play out of victory formation against the Falcons. Winston said his motive was righteous (he wanted to get Jamaal Williams his first TD of the season), but no matter how he spins it, this was poor sportsmanship. Very NFLish.

DOUBLE TALK

What JJ Redick said: “This is not a knock on the intelligence of anyone in sports media. The basketball intellect is different.”

What JJ Redick meant to say: “This is a knock on sports media intelligence. Don’t you know I invented the game of basketball?

Even before Rodgers became tangled up in controversy with ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmel, there were media types who fretted over the McAfee connection and encouraged Woody Johnson to pull the plug on his quarterback’s jam sessions with the former NFL punter. They also, relying on circumstantial evidence, said Rodgers was running and ruining the Jets.

Mouths, including FAN’s Norman Julius Esiason, said coming off Gang Green’s disastrous 2023 season, Rodgers must be all about football business in ‘24. The mere perception of the quarterback being overly concerned with making headlines for McAfee’s show (Rodgers is reportedly paid an annual $1 million appearance fee), and any distractions those spots produce, is detrimental to Jets football business.

Those enrolled in this choir are now saying “we told you so” in the aftermath of the Rodgers/Kimmel fiasco. Last Tuesday during his McAfee appearance, Rodgers, prompted by show regular A. J. Hawk, kiddingly— albeit recklessly and with no evidence — linked Kimmel to lowlife, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. Kimmel responded on X by threatening to take legal action against Rodgers, who he has gone back and forth with in the past.

On the air Wednesday, McAfee tried smoothing things out. He explained that unlike other offerings, his show, including Rodgers’ appearances, are not scripted or plotted prior to air. McAfee also admitted to having a short attention span. Any attention deficit disorder has not prevented him from recognizing the value of Rodgers’ appearances.

With the ESPN platform, McAfee is trying to expand his audience. Rodgers’ Tuesday appearances have become appointment viewing. They have served as an enticement for viewers, especially new ones, to watch McAfee’s show. Rodgers is one of the NFL’s most polarizing figures. He’s a condescending operator who holds a grudge.

Yet a large part of Rodgers’ appeal on ESPN is the unpredictable nature of his segments. They snugly fit with the edge-of-the-cliff ambiance of McAfee’s daily two hours on ESPN. McAfee’s show lacks the Hee-Haw charm of the ManningCast. And yet it combines heavy doses of unique football insight with a train-wreck quality.

The Bristol Faculty, and their bosses at Disney, knew the perils of licensing the rights to McAfee’s show for five years at $15 million per, and it wasn’t just the possibility of McAfee, or a member of his cast, blurting out an F-Bomb at lunchtime. The suits also were gladly paying big moolah to market dysfunction and danger. Or at least the threat of it.

McAfee’s fast-paced cutting from crewman-to-crewman limits soliloquies and leads to unexpected twists. Now they hit the motherload: Rodgers vs. Kimmel under McAfee’s Thunder Dome. Yet sanctimonious Gasbags are still calling for the Jets to void Rodgers’ contract if he crosses the line on the McAfee show — whatever that means. Their proclamations fail to realize this is now the media world they all live in.

Crossing over the line, or just the threat of it, is celebrated. And sold to the highest bidder.

WHAT CONTROVERSY?

They can’t have it both ways.

While often self-celebrating its own journalistic chops, ESPN initially ran and hid from the Jimmy Kimmel/Aaron Rodgers controversy both on TV and radio. Even Stephen A. Smith had to scurry to the friendly confines of his own YouTube show to discuss the controversy.

The exception to this apparent gag order was ESPN-98.7 afternoon-drive team of Michael Kay, Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg.

They raised the question of why suits at Disney “who we work for” appear to be hiding under their desks. “Our bosses [at Disney] should say something about this,” Kay said on Wednesday.

Amen.

STILL NO KNICK TALK

Wow, if that press release could only answer questions.

Predictably, Knicks prez Leon (Sphinx) Rose presented his take on the ‘Bockers trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn through canned statements.

Unfortunately, there was no live follow-up. According to Fred Katz, The Athletic’s Knicks beat reporter, Rose declined a request to hold an on-the-record session with the local media to discuss the trade.

The Sphinx has not chatted with the “independent” media since 2021.

Maybe this is why much of the local coverage of the trade was reduced to saluting Rose, whose son is Anunoby’s agent, for making a “good” trade.

The one-sided PR push worked. A segment of Valley of the Stupid pundits reasoned the trade would vault the Knicks into the Eastern Conference Finals contention. They also “guaranteed” there would be another “big” player acquisition down the road.

Ya think Rose is actually whispering in a few select ears?

GAME BALL MYSTERY

Then there are intrepid NBA voices who will look for alternative sources to get Knicks info — like SiriusXM’s NBA Radio morning mouths Frank Isola and Brian Scalabrine.

Rose may not be talking to them but on Friday Sandra Brunson (Jalen Brunson’s mom) was. Among other things, they asked her if the family had the basketball from Jalen’s 50-point performance against Phoenix last month? Sandra Brunson wasn’t sure.

An incredulous Scalabrine said: “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Giannis (Antetokounmpo) gave his ball to his mom. Shouldn’t that ball belong to you at this point? Without you, he ain’t scoring 50!”

Mrs. Brunson: “You know what? That’s a good point!”

Word is Leon (Sphinx) knows where the ball is but he ain’t talking.

AROUND THE DIAL

Despite them getting preachy towards the end of their Friday WFAN interview with Trevor Bauer, Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata got the most they could out of the former Cy Young Award winner. Bauer, who also did an interview with Fox News on Thursday, appears to be on a media redemption tour designed to help him get back into baseball. Sexual assault allegations short-circuited Bauer’s career in 2021. … Phil Simms told the Post if CBS Sports doesn’t sign him to a new contract when his current one expires after the Super Bowl, which CBS airs on Feb. 11, he will look for another NFL media gig. His “The NFL Today” colleagues, James Brown, Bill Cowher, and N.J. Esiason are also all working under expiring contracts. The man who hired them — CBS Sports boss Sean McManus — is retiring in April. Will his successor, David Berson, blow out the incumbents (with the exception of Nate Burleson and J.J. Watt) and look to introduce a younger pregame show cast? … The NFL’s ritual of firing coaches on Monday (often referred to as Black Monday) could suck the oxygen out of the final countdown to Michigan vs. Washington in the College Football Championship. Moving forward, the impresarios running CFC might want to play the title tilt on Thursday night, which thanks to the NFL, has become a football night. … Here’s hoping ESPN does the right thing and gives Wolverine pom-pom man Desmond Howard Monday night off.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: MATT BARRIE

For finally saying “NO.” Working the Duke’s Mayo Bowl with Dan Mullin on ESPN, Barrie and his partner were “treated” to sandwiches slathered in different flavors of the mayo. But when offered some mayo-soaked nachos, Barrie said: “No, I’m not doing it.” Wise move.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: DAVID TEPPER

For throwing a drink in the direction of fans seated near him. Guess we now know how the multi-billionaire Carolina owner feels about NFL loyalists. He was fined $300,000. Stephen A. Smith said Tepper being forced to watch his team play is punishment enough.

DOUBLE TALK

What (Giants offensive coordinator) Mike Kafka said: “Our sole focus has just been on Philadelphia.”

What Mike Kafka meant to say: “Someone’s going to take the fall for this lousy season.”

Now that Adam Silver has suspended the Warriors enforcer indefinitely for hitting Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the head Tuesday night, the NBA commissioner has provided evidence he finally — and officially — considers Green a liability.

Green’s latest act of mayhem should provide the impetus for TNT Sports executives to cut ties with him. Just dump him.

Green, who is one of the few active players to sign a network contract, has made appearances on “Inside the NBA” since he signed with TNT Sports (a division of Warner Bros. Discovery). Industry sources said Green, who is in the first season of a four-year extension with Golden State, was expected to join TNT (if it’s still an NBA rights holder) on a full-time basis when he retires.

TNT should now put that speculation to rest. If there are no contractual “morals” clauses allowing them to void the deal, the suits should just eat Green’s TV contract. Moving forward, viewers first vision when seeing Green on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” will be him sucker-punching another player. Or kicking LeBron James in the groin.

Green is the current symbol of NBA chaos. This is not an image Silver wants his league to project. Especially during a time when the NBA is in TV negotiations and looking for $10 billion per year in a new rights deal.

Video replay after replay of Green punching Nurkic, won’t be used as part of Silver’s sales pitch to the networks. The severity of Green’s indefinite suspension might just be about keeping him off the court so he won’t adversely impact current or future NBA television contract negotiations and the level of revenue the NBA is seeking.

If TNT Sports is playing a money game, rather than the image card, when deciding how it will deal with Green, network executives must consider whether advertisers will balk at buying commercial time on “Inside the NBA” because they don’t want their products associated with him. There also must be a calculation whether an anti-Green backlash will cause viewers to bail, big-time, on “Inside the NBA,” sending the ratings into the toilet.

When Green signed with TNT in 2022, there was much speculation about him being the successor to Charles Barkley, widely recognized as the most entertaining studio analyst/philosopher in TV sports. At the time, Barkley was publicly considering retirement, but never set a firm sayonara date.

If TNT Sports operatives think that highly of Green as an analyst/personality, they might be willing to duck, weather the storm, and stand by him. Considering the history of the sports TV industry, networks have not been shy about hiring controversial sports personalities, like Alex Rodriguez and Michael Irvin, for prominent gigs.

Part of their success comes from a theory that “negative sells,” as long as it’s backed by performance, along with an on-camera presence that’s not offensive.

“Everybody likes Draymond,” Barkley said on a recent episode of CNN’s King Charles. “But at some point, if you keep doing stupid stuff, we can’t keep saying ‘he’s a good dude.’”

DOGGING ON THE DEVITOS

Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo likes raining on parades. He has a history of it.

Dog was at it again Tuesday, in full SXM Scrooge mode while discussing the captivating (not to him) story of Giants out-of-nowhere QB Tommy DeVito.

“One more look at the parents [Lexy, Tom Sr.] and the agent [Sean Stellato] and I’m going to vomit,” Russo said.

Rather harsh, right?

Still, you’ve got to hand it to “the agent,” Stellato who saw the door slightly opened and ran right through it. He basically introduced himself, and DeVito, to the Free World.

NANTZ WITH THE NEWS

There were a lot of on-field twists and turns happening during CBS coverage of Bills-Chiefs. Yet credit Jim Nantz for making sure two off-field stories involving Buffalo got discussed.

In the second quarter, Nantz detailed a report claiming that in a 2019 motivational talk, Bills coach Sean McDermott cited the 9/11 terrorist attacks as an example of teamwork.

And in the third quarter, Nantz reported Bills linebacker Von Miller was issued an arrest warrant for allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.

These types of stories, which shed light on the NFL’s twisted side, don’t always make it into network game telecasts.

TOO BLUE

Former Giants linebacker and current radio pre and postgame analyst Jonathan Casillas likes delivering home cooked analysis.

Color his plates blue.

He went too far Monday after the Giants beat Green Bay 24-22. Casillas, sarcastically, referred to “that other team in town that’s a dumpster fire.” There was no need for the gratuitous shot.

Fortunately, host John Schmeelk, bailed his partner out. He reminded Casillas the Jets “that other team,” won their last game too.

AROUND THE DIAL

When all the ego and agendas are stripped from the situation, the flap over Amazon Al Michaels not doing a playoff tilt for NBC Sports, where he was granted emeritus status, is about ONE football game. It has no impact on the Free World. That said, after providing consistent quality for so many years, and continuing to do so, there is no way NBC should have treated Al Exigente like he is a ham-and-egger. Michaels can be prickly but he has earned respect. … Kadarius Toney messed up against the Bills last week but CBS cams over did it with the agony-of-defeat closeups of the Chiefs wideout. … ESPN abruptly bailed out of Tuesday’s Pat McAfee interview with Aaron Rodgers to go to commercial. Not cool. … Whoever convinced FAN’s Sal Licata that worshipping Mets boss “Steve (King) Cohen” is good radio should reconsider their strategy. … With so much in-game focus on NFL officials, it hard not to miss the absence of Fox’s Mike Pereira. Prior to the season the rules analyst said he was facing back surgery and would be out indefinitely. Wonder if his colleague, Dean Blandino, got more dough out of the network for doing the job of two voices. … For those who care, locals both go at 1 p.m. on Sunday. … Jim Nantz/Tony Romo calling Jets-Dolphins on CBS while Kenny Albert/Jonathan Vilma work Giants-Saints on Fox. … Viewed a picture on X of Michael Kay kissing a dolphin. Didn’t realize the Yankees voice is also a modern-day Jacques Cousteau.

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: BILL BELICHICK

For his upbeat appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay. The coach displayed a reverence for Navy (his father, Steve, was an assistant coach there from 1956 to ’89) prior to the annual battle of the service academies. He surprised viewers by donning a 1962 Navy helmet during the picks segment.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: SKIP BAYLESS

For carrying a grudge. He used the Dodgers signing of Shohei Ohtani to once again put down LeBron James, saying: “You’re now the second biggest star in Hollywood.” Also, Bayless, FS1’s veteran Gasbag, forgot baseball’s Big O played for the Los Angeles Angels since 2018.

DOUBLE TALK

What Robert Saleh said: “I thought he [Zach Wilson] was outstanding today.”

What Robert Saleh meant to say: “With Zach, it’s next week I’m worried about.”

Coming out the other end of this bizarre controversy, Benigno’s profile has expanded, he’s under a brighter spotlight and provided compelling content for a station desperately needing it.

For reasons known only to him, Saleh thought it was a swell idea to trust Benigno, the semi-retired WFAN Gasbag, and become his texting buddy. They even played a round of golf. Up to the time he “retired” in October 2020, Benigno made a career out of being the station’s long-whining Jets (and Mets) fan.

This is the mouth Saleh thought he could actually manipulate.

But Benigno’s persona is etched in granite. It’s no act. He’s the same on mic or off. At the age of 70, losing still brings out the best in him. Benigno has no use or time for journalistic ethics, including protecting a valued source like Saleh.

Or as his FAN colleague, Sal Licata, brilliantly put it on the air the other day: “Joe doesn’t give a crap.”

This is why Benigno was all gas, no brakes when, while doing a Monday guest spot with Tiki Barber/Evan Roberts, he revealed the existence of a six-part manifesto on how to fix the Jets that he sent to Saleh.  One of the “suggestions” was to restore Zach Wilson to starting quarterback. With his mouth out-running his brain, Benigno hung Saleh out to dry by sharing his off-the-record text responses with the Free World.

Benigno said: “He [Saleh] texted me back and said: ‘Joe, about [item] number 3 [which was playing Wilson] are you kidding me?’ It might have been: Are you serious?”

Benigno took this to mean Saleh has no use for Wilson (“I can tell you right now, he don’t like Zach”) but Saleh was simply chiding Benigno and other flip-floppers who repeatedly called for Wilson’s demotion and now want to see him play.

The irony did not even escape Benigno, who went on to say he misinterpreted Saleh’s Wilson comments. Yet the Talkie wasn’t exactly distraught over publicly sharing words the coach thought would never see the light of day.

In Benigno’s world, chaos is a positive. This is why he comes out a winner. For a guy who appears infrequently on FAN, (he does a Saturday morning show and also hosts his own podcast), Benigno was providing goo-gobs of compelling content (albeit at Saleh’s expense) for all FAN shows. And they were all talking about Benigno.

In the Wild West world of sports-talk radio, especially now when it’s on the fade, this is important. Benigno was moving the needle on social media too. So, what if he had to betray Saleh’s trust to get it done? A small price to pay to juice the ratings, right? A small price to pay for Benigno putting a spotlight on himself.

Was Benigno’s disregard for the trust Saleh placed in him, any worse than Licata and Brandon Tierney abruptly hanging up on highly respected Giants radio analyst Carl Banks?

That incident, intentional or not, brought a much-needed spark to FAN’s mid-day show. When asked about his “incident,” Banks would later say on ESPN-98.7: “I’m not going to buffoon myself.”

When it comes to future text interaction with Benigno, Saleh should be feeling the same way.

FOX’S FIGHT CLUB

Were they having too much fun?

The way Fox’s Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen casually chronicled the sideline skirmish between 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and Dom DiSandro, the Eagles head of security, they viewed this uncomfortable situation more of a love fest.

Olsen/Burkhardt even positioned the security guy in Rocky Balboa territory.

“Dom is going to continue to just raise the ladder of local heroes here in Philadelphia,” Olsen said.

“There might be a statue of him if the Eagles win this game,” Burkhardt added.

Yeah, that’s the important stuff. No need for the Fox guys to show any concern over the situation possibly escalating into an all-out brawl. Or explaining why DiSandro was positioned so close to the field that he could put his hands on a player.

A LOW BAR FOR LEON

While the local hoops media has been patient with Leon (Sphinx) Rose accumulating picks and playing the long game, some marquee mouths like TNT’s Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith are examining this “strategy” and taking issue with it.

Stephen A. Smith recently joined the chorus. “They [Knicks brass] say ‘we’re building something here.’ You know who says that? People more interested in keeping their job than doing their jobs,” SAS said on “First Take.” “When you convince everybody [you’re in it] for the long game, then you get time as opposed to being under the pressure to provide results.”

That’s a problem. Yet, unless James (Guitar Jimmy) Dolan is carping behind the scenes, Rose and his front office are not taking any media heat locally because, at least publicly, they don’t do any talking and don’t have to answer questions.

And inside the Valley of the Stupid, resident Gasbags couldn’t care less. They focus on setting the bar low. All they care about is the Knickerbockers making the playoffs.

BOEHEIM’S NEW ROLE

No surprise Jim Boeheim has found a few outlets (ACC Network, ESPN, Westwood One) who value the retired Syracuse coach’s services as an analyst.

And it’s no surprise his decision to join the media ranks is under scrutiny by those who correctly bring up his reputation for, at best, being condescending to boss scribes, and at worst, treating them like garbage.

While this was in his DNA, Boeheim, in his new gig, should not be pre-judged. Let’s see if he’s candid and willing to play it straight, serving the viewer rather than protecting coaches, or players, he is analyzing.

AROUND THE DIAL

When it comes to Jets flip-flopping, FAN’s Brandon Tierney is right at the top. Of course, he was not alone in being euphoric over the Aaron Rodgers deal. Yet he went from crushing Jets fans for their loser mentality, to saying the 2023 edition of Gang Green is “unkillable,” to standing by the team as losses mounted, to calling for the firing of Robert Saleh. We may have missed a few more flips and flops, but we can say BT has stopped short of demanding Woody Johnson sell the team. … What will YES’ role be in making Juan Soto feel so comfortable in the Bronx, that he will eventually sign a long-term contract with the Yankees? Don’t expect the voices to offer any blistering critiques, even if Soto should slump. … Among the class of 2024 inductees to boxing’s International Hall of Fame in the non-competitor category are veteran sports scribe Wally Matthews, the late and wonderful CNN sports voice Nick Charles, and the ubiquitous PR guru Fred Sternburg. … Credit Steve Phillips with a thoroughly twisted idea when, during an SXM interview with Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo, the former Mets GM said: “Hey Chris, why don’t you start wearing tank tops on the show like Pat McAfee.”

* * *

DUDE OF THE WEEK: MITCHELL ROBINSON

For not forgetting. Asking his high school coach, Butch Stockton, to move in with him after the coach’s wife died is extraordinary. And so is Robinson’s decision not publicizing it. Robinson is the Knicks Dude of the Year.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: LOS ANGELES DODGERS

For being upset with manager Dave Roberts for telling reporters at the Winter Meetings in Nashville that the team met with Shohei Ohtani. Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes refused to comment on the meeting and was stunned Roberts confirmed it. Ohtani doesn’t want his free agency machinations publicly discussed.

DOUBLE TALK

What Brian Cashman said: “We certainly want to try, under the Steinbrenner leadership, to make this the mecca of baseball.”

What Brian Cashman meant to say: “Once again we’ll go back to mortgaging our future to win.”