It’s been such a joy to watch Emmitt Smith on ESPN’s NFL programs. Of course, it really isn’t for his brilliant analysis, but the brilliantly baffling way he can mangle the English language. A latter-day Yogi Berra, if you will.
(And he’s quite a dancer, too)
Sadly, we won’t have Emmitt to wow us on the Worldwide Leader anymore, as both parties have apparently parted ways.
PRO FOOTBALL TALK, fresh off of fixing their earlier access problems, tells us that Emmitt is no longer an employee of the boys from Bristol. Not only that, one of the NFL’s best running backs ever won’t even get a big send-off from the “SportsCenter” network.
As PFT further informs us, “There will be no formal announcement — and presumably no going away party. Or vodka-fueled roast.”
Nope, all there is is the standard ‘we wish him well in his future endeavors‘ statement:
“We thank Emmitt for his contributions to ESPN and work ethic the past two years,” ESPN spokesman Bill Hofheimer told us via e-mail. “We wish him all the best.”
Yes, it is a dark day in sports broadcasting history. But thanks to the “Jimmy Kimmel Show”, we’ll still have our amusing memories:
‘JKS’ also shared with us Erin Andrews in a black dress judging an in-show spelling bee. And Jimmy himself gave us yet another gem when he said a special hello to Joe Theismann during a 2007 visit to the ‘MNF’ booth.
We salute Mr. Kimmel for providing us with such sporty pleasures over the seasons. Maybe we should start watching his show.
7:31 pm on February 20th, 2009
ESPN should be given a 'pelaty' for letting Emmitt go.
7:55 pm on February 20th, 2009
If only NFL Countdown gave Emmitt his own 2-minute dance segment.
9:38 pm on February 20th, 2009
the english language is eternally grateful
9:45 pm on February 20th, 2009
I hope this doesn't mean ESPN is bringing back Rush Limbaugh.
9:57 pm on February 20th, 2009
It's a shame. Emmitt always do look good in front of the camera.
10:09 pm on February 20th, 2009
As if none of you ever suffered a slip of the tongue.
3:48 am on February 21st, 2009
I aint gone miss em. I caint undastand the werds comin out his mouf anyway. One of the best ever carrying the pigskin, but truly one of the worst ever at analyzing it. Horrendous.
10:28 am on February 21st, 2009
Pacman: Puh-leeze. "Slip of the tongue…?" More like slip of the education. btw, that's "…as though…" Emmitt jumped the shark hardcore when he went on DWTS. So did Sapp.