This may be a little presumptuous on our part, but Phil Mushnick of the NEW YORK POST reports today that Chris Berman will not be involved whatsoever in ESPN’s early-round Masters coverage this year.

(“Iron Myron” modeled after this swing)

Instead, Mike Tirico will anchor the net’s broadcast.

So, why the sudden 180-degree turn by ESPN? We’re guessing that the bad publicity from unearthed, online videos (uncovered by various bloggers) featuring Berman carpet-bombing staffers with expletives on-camera might have something to do with it.

Not to mention a laundry list of rather embarrassing public behavior chronicled by assorted websites the past couple-three years.

We’re not saying that’s the sole reason Berman is not being showcased in Augusta. Based on what we saw from his reduced role at the Super Bowl this year, the WWL might’ve already been nudging him aside before the videos were unearthed.

That said, it doesn’t appear that ESPN is slowing down the net’s other original warhorse, Bob Ley, in any way, shape or form.