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Last Word On Sports Media Podcast — Sports
Last Word On Sports Media Podcast

The Last Word On Sports Media Podcast is a sports media analysis and commentary show hosted by veteran broadcaster T.J. Rives. It explores the business, television production, legal affairs, personalities, and behind-the-scenes decision-making that shape the American sports media ecosystem.
Broadcasters, public relations executives, and network producers who want to keep up with industry trends, ratings, and network movements along with fans who enjoy analyzing game calls, officiating decisions, camera coverage, broadcast rights, and network programming will enjoy this podcast featuring content beyond just the scores on the field.

Coverage of major TV networks (ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC) and streaming platforms (Amazon Prime, Netflix), including broadcast booth reviews, ratings breakdowns, and production quality.

Off-Field & Media Controversies: Discussions on newsroom conflicts of interest, journalist ethics, legal injunctions, and off-field scandals affecting teams and media figures.

Officiating & Rules Analysis: Expert breakdowns of replay decisions, stadium clock discrepancies, and officiating transparency.

League & Business Affairs: Coverage of college football realignment, conference politics, player NIL/roster disputes, and financial crises like team or league bankruptcy filings.

T.J. Rives regularly brings on high-profile guests—such as former team executives, public relations strategists, sports media critics, and veteran broadcasters—who provide firsthand insider perspective. Rather than focusing purely on standard game recaps, the show evaluates how stories are reported, who is telling them, and the media dynamics at play. The podcast quickly reacts to emerging, real-time storylines—ranging from viral officiating audio leaks and network power outages to legal disputes—offering sharp analysis while news is actively unfolding.

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Copyright: © All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

NFL Topics- Crazy Commanders-Giants OT, Troy Aikman Leaving ESPN? + SkyDance Acuiring WBD And More With Joe Flint Of WSJ! Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

We are back with lots to discuss from the NFL to College Football to the finalized acquisition of Warner Bros-Discovery by Skydance and what does it mean for sports fans paying for the streaming?? We're ready to go over it all with a special guest on the "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives returns with Joe Flint, Sr. Media writer of the Wall Street Journal to give some insight.
They discuss:
Joe's recent vacay to Italy (where T.J.'s never been) and the discuss the sites and the FOOD for a few minutes!
Then, they turn to the NFL and the CRAZY Commanders-Giants OT and how the NFL Sunday Ticket users were delayed in seeing the late games in Seattle and Phoenix. Next, what are Joe's thoughts on CBS finally, officially parting with Tony Romo and will Romo re-emerge as soon as next year?
Also, there are thoughts on Troy Aikman not having a contract, yet, from Disney and ESPN to continue on Monday Night Football. And, what does Joe think about whether Buck and Aikman will be broken up?
Joe has more on the Skydance acquisition of WBD and for sports like the NFL, MLB, NHL, College Football and Basketball, the UFC, the Masters and more now being under Skydance. And, most importantly, will consumers get stuck with drastic monthly fee increases?
And, what about the MLB Postseason continuing with the Brewers/Dodgers moving to L.A. and Rays/Guardians headed to Cleveland for Fox and TBS to televise?
It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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Tony Romo Out At CBS And Dave Portnoy Gone From Fox CFB + NASCAR, MLB Postseason And More With Tyler Jones! Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

It's been a VERY busy week in sports media news from Tony Romo to Dave Portnoy to the MLB postseason and even the NASCAR playoffs and we're ready to go over it all on the newest "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives is back with his takes and also welcomes back Tyler Jones of Roundtable Sports and the "Jones Report Podcast!" with more!
There's lots of conversation on the NFL, the games and the announcers, including CBS deciding to part ways for good with #! NFL analyst Tony Romo, who hasn't worked for them all season after his driving under the influence citiation in Wisconsin in July. Clearly, the network wants J.J. Watt to now succeed with the Jim Nantz in their top booth, but is Nantz going to maybe be gone in this eventually, too?
The guys also talk whether the "musical chairs" of the top analyst roles will crank up, if Troy Aikman, who's in the final year of his ESPN deal, decides to leave and maybe others want him, etc.?
Tyler and T.J. also talk NASCAR being in Las Vegas for their playoff race, where Tyler covered it and are their playoffs getting completely wiped out by NFL/college football and also, being on USA Network Cable instead of a traditional FOX or NBC?
They also cover the controversy with Dave Portnoy, head of "Barstool Sports," apparently being forced off the FOX "Big Noon Kickoff" pregame show due to pressure from Ohio State Athletics and coach Ryan Day to remove him from their coverage? Tyler wonders why OSU is so concerned with this? T.J. gives some interesting insight on how things were likely to have escalated and FOX obviously chose to get rid of him from the Saurday show.
There's also more on the Portland Trailblazers of the NBA hiring and then, unhiring a new, young TV announcer and the controversy of why? And, now, more controversy on the reporter who broke the story on the new announcer also has bad social media posts in his past. Plus, will the Blazers potentially hire the announcer back?
All of these subjects and more are on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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Charles Davis Of CBS Big Ten Coverage Joins Us + NFL, CFB Continue To Dominate and MLB Playoffs Too! Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

The NFL and College Football is off and rolling and we're ready to discuss it all and there's a special guest who was on the call for the amazing Iowa win at Michigan Saturday on CBS TV. It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives is back and ready to discuss it all, including:
The NFL's crazy weekend three that saw the Ravens and Lamar Jackson with a miraculous one play and then final play FG drive to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil. Plus, another crazy finish with the Broncos coming back to beat the Rams in the final minute Sunday night, and more.
He also goes over the college ratings, including ABC still dominating with SEC Football broadcasts which had Arch Manning and Texas defeating Tennessee as part of it early in the day with a massive audience
Then, he welcomes Charles Davis, who has debuted this season with Brad Nessler on the call of CBS' Big Ten game of the week. What a finish in Ann Arbor and Charles goes over it all. And, he talks his preparation for this week's "Iowa Sequel" as they play Ohio State on CBS at 3:30 Eastern,.
It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotifye, etc.!
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JJ Watt Improving With Jim Nantz? Troy Aikman ESPN Deal Up, Sarkisian-Holly Rowe Sequel And More With Mike Gill ! Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

We're back with more on the latest sports media news, info, personalities and our takes on the "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives is back with THE Mike Gill, host of the "Sports Bash" the weekday afternoon radio show in Atlantic City, NJ/South Philadelphia, PA.
The guys go over the topics:
Has J.J. Watt begun to mesh a little with Jim Nantz on CBS' lead NFL coverage? Will Tony Romo ever be back on that network? And, will the musical chairs start up if Troy Aikman chooses not to re-up and stay on Monday Night Football with Joe Buck, who just signed his own massive extension?
Also, who's an announce team on the NFL games that Mike and T.J. are really liking so far?
Next, to college and will the controversy with Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe start back up this weekend? This, after he blew off her post game interivew after the Longhorns massive comeback with Ohio State two weeks ago. Texas plays at Tennessee at noon with the #1 ESPN crew on the call.
Mike has more thoughts on Doc Rivers returning to the prominent NBA broadcast booth for NBC Sports this time and their coverage this fall. Rivers bailed on ESPN/ABC in just three months to years ago to take another coaching job in Milwaukee. Do we need a "three person booth" with he and Mike Tirico?
And, the guys talk MLB coming down the home stretch for playoffs and N.Y. Mets radio announcer Howie Rose says goodbye after nearly 40 years on their local broadcasts.
The guys also have thoughts on the stunning sudden announcement that ESPN basketball analyst and Coak K's son in law, Chris Spatola has died at just 47 years old on Monday. A horrible situation.
Hear it all on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and find us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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Netflix Helps Kickoff NFL + JJ Watt CBS Top Team Debut And Sarkisian Blows Off ESPN With Awful Announcing's Ken Fang Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

The NFL season has gotten underway and there's plenty to discuss there and in college football, plus, the passing of an NHL analyst legend for the last four decades on ESPN, too. It's all covered on the newest "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives welcomes Ken Fang of Awful Announcing to go over it all. They discuss:
Netflix debuts with the NFL in Australia with the 49ers and the Rams. It was strange that the game was actually on Friday late morning there and the Rams were almost a mental "no show" while being beaten. How did the broadcast go, including the big stage for new game analyst Luke Kuechly on Netflix?
The boys also discuss JJ Watt bumping up to the CBS #1 teams with Jim Nantz for Minnesota vs. Green Bay. Is Watt going to shine in this huge role/opportunity? Plus, what other CBS analyst caught Ken's eye? And, the guys discuss the "Manning-cast" and it's growth on Monday Night Football.
There is also more about the Texas Longhorns massive comeback from 20 points down to defeat Ohio State dramatically. And what about coach Steve Sarkisian's behavior towards ESPN and Holly Rowe for the post game interview? And, then young star QB Arch Manning went along with a joke about an internet meme of Sarkisian hitting Holly Rowe and reporters laughed about it. He's now apologized and she has accepted.
Then, they spend time on the passing of ESPN's Barry Melrose at 70 years of age from Parkinson's disease Melrose has been a mainstay on ESPN's NHL coverage going back to the mid-1990s. They guys reminisce about his personality, humor and how beloved he was by co-workers.
Also, where's the line on "how late is too late" for the U.S. Open tennis as the men's match with Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz went on and on and on, until 3:#0 am Eastern last Wednesday early morning?
It's all discussed on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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Controversy! Big Ten, Vrabel-Russini, LIV Golf. Jonathan Grella weighs in. Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Last Word On Sports Media Podcast, host TJ Rives breaks down the biggest storylines in college football, upcoming NFL Kickoff events, and major sports media and legal controversies. Rives is joined by Jonathan Grella (JAG Public Affairs), former Vice President of Communications for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former LIV Golf executive.
Diana Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal

Undisclosed Relationship Conflict: The discussion covers the controversy surrounding the New England Patriots head coach, Mike Vrabel and former Athletic sports reporter, Dianna Russini.
Vrabel's Intended Defense: Subsequent reporting highlighted that Vrabel originally wanted to issue a stronger public statement directly defending Russini’s journalistic ethics and reporting integrity before settling on a minimal response.
The Athletic's Internal Investigation: The Athletic completed an extensive review of over 900 articles, videos, and podcast appearances by Russini, concluding her relationship with Vrabel was a clear violation of newsroom conflict-of-interest standards that should have been disclosed.
No Material Bias in Reporting: The podcast hosts noted that despite the conflict of interest, the internal investigation found no evidence that Russini’s reporting was compromised, inaccurate, or intentionally slanted to favor Vrabel or his teams.

Big Ten Officiating & Replay Controversy

Michigan vs. Western Michigan Replay Drama: Analysis of the contentious finish where Western Michigan outplayed Michigan, leading to controversial Hail Mary plays and time management issues.
Big Ten Command Center Audio Release: Discussion on the Big Ten releasing synchronized video and command center audio showing a digitized clock discrepancy versus the official stadium clock.
Mike Pereira’s Expert Analysis: Features an excerpt from The Joel Klatt Show featuring former NFL VP of Officiating Mike Pereira, who emphasized that replay officials must rely on the transparent TV broadcast feed rather than hidden command center video
Broadcast Coverage Insights: Praise for Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge on NBC for immediately referencing historical clock precedent like the 2013 Iron Bowl.

SEC vs. LSU Legal & Conference Conflict

LSU Roster & Court Injunction: Breakdown of Lane Kiffin and LSU's decision not to roster players returning from NFL training camps despite securing a favorable Louisiana state court ruling.
SEC Nuclear Option: The Southeastern Conference holds an emergency meeting to address potentially expelling LSU over ongoing roster litigation.

College Football Broadcast Breakdown & Off-Field Drama

FSU vs. SMU Power Outage Delay: Details on the 1-hour and 45-minute delay during the Monday Night ACC game in Tallahassee, highlighting ESPN reporters Taylor Tannenbaum and Taylor McGregor for their on-air coverage.
Coaching Headlines: Coverage of Deion Sanders and Colorado's opening victory over Georgia Tech, Greg Schiano at Rutgers, and the ongoing investigation surrounding Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi at North Carolina.

LIV Golf Bankruptcy Filing

Breakdown of LIV Golf's bankruptcy filing, detailing itemized creditor lists, unpaid player contracts, and the long-term legal ramifications for professional golf.

NFL Opening Week & International Expansion

Super Bowl Rematch: Preview of the NFL season opener featuring the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots on NBC.
NFL Melbourne Game: Analysis of the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup in Melbourne, Australia, broadcasting globally on Netflix.

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Tony Romo Apologizes, College Football Season/Coverage Cranks Up And More With Nick Couzin! | LWOS Media Podcast Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

We are back in a brand new month, as the NFL and College Football get ready to dominate the sports calendar and coverage. And, we are ready to discuss that and more with a guest on the "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives returns with Nick Couzin of Roundtable Sports and his "Couzin's Conversations" shows on Youtube, etc.
The guys go over-
Toiny Romo releases a statement basicially admitting painkilling drug and alchohol problems and wanting to return to his role on CBS, but the Network has no comment? What does this mean for his future and the CBS main coverage?
Next, Nick talks about interviewing the great Kevin Harlan who calls NFL for CBS and Westwood One Monday Night Football, as well as the NBA and college hoops. They go over a portion of getting to talk with Harlan about his career, his calls, etc.!
The guys then discuss the start of the College Football season in full with over 50 games this weekend. Nick is covering the OK State Cowboys for Roundtable, but the guys have takes on the season and also the controversy with TCU trying to ban the Ft.Worth Star Telegram newspaper from covering their program. This after the outlet broke the story of a lockerrom fight that seriously injured one player, who had to go to urgent care and the football program and coach, Sonny Dykes, didn't like it. There's great debate about it all, including where is the Big 12 conference stepping in to tell TCU they can't ban an outlet for doing its reporting job?
There's also discussion on the storylines for the season like Indiana trying to repeat as champs, Lane Kiffin now playing the villian at LSU and more!
And, Nick covers the PGA Tour and golf for Roundtable and has more on the Scottie Scheffler pehnomenon for TV audience and his winning? Is this the new "Tiger Effect" for audience? And, would the top LIV golfers like John Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau be great to help that, if re-instated?
Hear it all on the newest "Last Word on Sports Media Podcast!" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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TJ Bucs Radio Goodbye + Karl Ravech ESPN Goodbye and LIV Golf Goodbye, For Good? | LWOS Media Podcast Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

We're back for the final time in August for the latest in sports media news, info and newsmakers and numerous "goodbyes" taking place for broadcasters, as part of the "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives is ready to go over-
The start of College Football with "Week Zero" coverage on the games in Ireland, L.A. Las Vegas and more! Is this the beginning of the end, again, for Bill Belichick at UNC? What about the other storylines and matchups this weekend and whom are calling the games on the networks, too?
Next, T.J. talks about his own situation with leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio broadcast after 21 seasons and plays an excerpt from a Tampa Bay show/podcast that he appeared on for Tuesday to explain the "why" on his decision and most importantly, what's next?
Then, it was a goodbye for ESPN's Karl Ravech after a 33 year run there, as he worked for the final time on Sunday Night Baseball from the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. We play the audio and T.J. gives his thoughts.
Also, the LIV Golf tour may be done for good and they signied off their final broadcast of the 2026 season and maybe ever, due to financial problems. We play and discuss that goodbye, too.
And, has Netflix made mistakes and miscalculations of the interest from their audience for MLB programming, as the "Field of Dreams" game in the Iowa cornfield did very poorly in the audience numbers. What does this mean for the streaming services in the ongoing debate of them taking over for network TV?
Hear it all on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify,, etc.!
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Jeanie Buss Family Feud Over Lakers Sale And End of LIV Golf This Weekend? | LWOS Media Podcast Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Host T.J. Rives welcomes back Jason Powers of the "Powers on Sports Podcast" on this week's show to go over some interesting sports media subjects.
It's been a wild week for the NBA off the court, as the Lakers are being sold, AGAIN, this time 11 months later for another record $12.5 Billion or quick $2.5 Billion profit. But, there are lots of moving parts and controversy about it, including current managing partner Jeanie Buss fighting the sale and her own family to remain in her position
The guys weigh in on it all and the drama may nix the sale of the team and send things into even more chaos in L.A.
And, then, is this truly the end for the LIV Golf ttour at their final event of this season in Indianapolis? Signs are pointing to the floundering rival league to the PGA Tour shutting down for good due to finincial problems. Jason and T.J. give their takes on survival, where did LIV go wrong and how many of their players would end up back on the PGA Tour?
It's all part of the "LWOS Media Podcast" from this week and make sure for more great content to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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Lakers Sale Circus + Clippers/NBA Salary Cap Controversy, CBS Done With Romo? And More With Jason Powers | LWOS Media Podcast Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

We have much to go over from pro basketball to more on Tony Romo and CBS drama, plus the WNBA continues to self inflicted issues and what about college football preseason polls? We discuss it all on the latest "LWOS Media Podcast!"
Host T.J. Rives welcomes back Jason Powers of the "Powers on Sports Podcast" with more on all of it.
It's been a wild week for the NBA off the court, as the Lakers are being sold, AGAIN, this time 11 months later for another record $12.5 Billion or quick $2.5 Billion profit. But, there are lots of moving parts and controversy about it, including current managing partner Jeanie Buss fighting the sale and her own family to remain in her position.
Also, the Clippers still have a mess with whether owner Steve Balmer and the front office circuvented the salary cap to keep star Kwahi Leonard under contract five years ago or not? ESPN reports that the team and owner won't be punished, but others say not so fast? Also, Leonard is supposedly traded back to the Toronto Raptors... or is he?
The guys also go over CBS getting ready for the start of the NFL season without Tony Romo as lead analyst, for now, and maybe, for good. Also, there's plenty of talk on golf and CBS showing Scottie Scheffler's latest romp in a PGA Tour playoff win in Memphis. Plus, is this truly the end for the LIV Golf ttour at their final event in Indianapolis?
And, there's discussion on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA and the uselessnes of college football preseason polls and what coaches might be on the "hot seat" from a prominent program already?
Hear it all on the "LWOS Media Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
Follow, Like and Comment on the Show:
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