On episode 447 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina," Jimmy discusses the recent on-air talent layoffs at ESPN. The most shocking name announced was Jeff Van Gundy. Why did it happen? What are Van Gundy's options? What would be the best scenario for Van Gundy.

Jimmy also explains why it's wrong to blame Pat McAfee for any of the layoffs, why the people who were let go should remain positive and much more.

Later in the podcast, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins Jimmy for their weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week, Jimmy and Sal read and comment on all of the Apple Reviews that came in from listeners for the month of June See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN Layoffs + Traina Thoughts

Every week on the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, host Jimmy Traina sits down for an informal conversation with the biggest broadcasters, athletes, sports personalities, celebrities, and anybody else interested in sports or media. Plus, get a window into the storylines Jimmy is following closest in the weekly Traina Thoughts segment.

Sports

Episode 493 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with Puck senior correspondent, John Ourand, about all the latest sports media news.

Ourand breaks down the latest reports regarding the NBA's upcoming television deals and where things stand between the league and ESPN, TNT, NBC and Amazon. Ourand also shares thoughts on how the new TV deals would impact the future of the "Inside the NBA" crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal.


Ourand also discusses the changes at CBS' NFL Today with Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms out and Matt Ryan in, whether the NFL Draft would ever move to a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday schedule instead of Thursday-Friday-Saturday, the status of the "Marchand & Ourand Podcast and more.


Following Ourand, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include an NFL Draft shocker, a blow to an MLB superstar, Dave & Busters allowing gambling, Jerry Seinfeld turning 70 and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ourand on the NBA's TV Future

Episode 492 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with the newly retired John Sterling.
Sterling, who was the radio voice of the Yankees for 36 seasons before stepping away from the job in mid-April, talks about his decision to retire now and clarifies reports on his health. He also addresses the social media backlash the Yankees faced after giving him an 83-inch television as a retirement gift.
Sterling also shares the advice he'd give the person who succeeds him as the Yankees radio play-by-play person, shares this thoughts on his "streak" of calling 5,060 straight games and remembers his time as a sports-talk radio host.
Sterling also reveals the one Yankees player who asked him to change his famous home run call and talks about the role Mike and the Mad Dog played in helping the home run calls become a thing.
Following Sterling, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include the NFL Draft, Aaron Boone's ridiculous ejection, the upcoming unedited "Roast of Tom Brady" on Netflix, Taylor Swift's new album and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Sterling + Traina Thoughts

Episode 491 of "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" features an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Andrews talks about whether she's nervous going into her first playoffs and Finals as the host of "NBA Countdown" after taking over this season from Mike Greenburg and reveals the touching message Greenburg sent her after she got the job. She also explains what her concerns are about the upcoming grind of the NBA postseason, what her goal is as host of the studio show and being able to deal with disagreements with co-hosts and producers.

Andrews also describes what it's like to work with Stephen A. Smith on "Countdown" and Richard Jefferson on "NBA Today,"recalls getting her break in 2020 working in the Covid bubble in Orlando, turning down an offer from "Sports Illustrated," and shares what Adrian Wojnarowski means to her career.

Following Andrews, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include the shocking retirement of legendary Yankees radio announcer, John Sterling, CBS getting destroyed for ending its airing of Billy Joel's concert in the middle of "Piano Man" and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN's Malika Andrews

Episode 490 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features a conversation with the new WWE Undisputed Heavyweight champion, Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes talks about "finishing his story" at WrestleMania 40 by beating Roman Reigns for the title, the epic main event which featured appearances by John Cena and The Undertaker and whether he had a moment with Reigns after the match.
Rhodes also discusses the WWE changing the WrestleMania event after it was announced that it would be The Rock vs. Reigns, the WWE pushing the envelope with its content during the storyline of Rhodes vs. The Bloodline, the special gift that Triple H gave him after the WrestleMania main event, the Undertaker taking the place of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin during the main event and Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech.
Other topics covered during the interview include Rhodes' tour bus catching on fire during WrestleMania weekend, his love of giving out gifts, issues with going to Disney World, being a "needy" superstar and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes

Episode 489 of "SI Media with Jimmy Traina" features three segments.

First up is author and reporter, Jim Miller, to discuss ESPN parting ways with Senior Vice President, Norby Williamson. Williamson, who was at ESPN for 40 years, has been called out a couple of times by Pat McAfee for being "a rat" and leaking negative stories. Miller explains why ESPN cut ties with Williamson, shares his thoughts on the McAfee-Williamson feud and discusses reaction to Williamson's dismissal.

Miller also talks about the possibility of ESPN buying the NFL Network, the challenges facing ESPN today and more.

Following Miller, Dan Rapaport from Barstool's "Fore Play Podcast" joins the show to talk about the Masters and offer Masters betting advice. Should you bet on Tiger Woods making the cut? Who would make a good long-shot bet to win the tournament? What prop should you bet on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament? Is there any risk in betting Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top five?

Following Rapaport, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY joins Jimmy for the weekly "Traina Thoughts" segment. This week's topics include a recap of WrestleMania 40, the Yankees' hot start, Sal's issues with his new house and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN Layoffs + Traina Thoughts

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