Yep - it's amazing how this is tolerated by the network.

After a while - you can't even blame the analysts ... they are clearly being allowed to 'get over' by the higher ups.

The only ones who actually do any real work are Perloff and Carrouthers.

When Stauffer's on - at least you're getting a 'Sheets' perspective. I know A LOT of people don't care about hearing about sheet patterns, form cycles, and that type of analysis ... but I've always said any national racing network should have one guy employed who takes that approach to the game.

I know a lot of people hate Matt C and Vic - but they're really 2/3rds of the best they have to work with when they're not trying to act like a jackass.

Is it so hard for the higher-ups to tell these guys "look - no one thinks you're entertaining and certainly no one - other than maybe your mother - thinks you're interesting. Just talk about up-coming races - or racing and handicapping in general. Nobuddy cares about the other bullsh!t."

Instead - it's almost like higher-ups encourage some of these guys to behave like complete fools. I doubt it was Matt Carouthers idea to suddenly start acting like Jim Cramer.

Carothers is grating, but seems to at least understand the game. TVG could definitely do worse. Oh wait, they do.

I'm personally not a big fan at all of the handicapping approach Carothers takes - but he does do some work and he prepars.

Basically, he does his job.

'National Racing Report' on NYRA's website has become the most watchable national racing recap show.

New episode today on right hand side: http://www.nyra.com/index_aqueduct.html

yeah...Rudolph, Wolf, Schrupp are absolutely horrible. But TVG never has been concerned with the real horseplayers. They are a gimmick channel. So to them having idiots babble on about nothing to do with racing is their goal. Simon Bray is an embarassment....you would think a guy who was a trainer (an average one at best) would have some horse racing knowledge....but he doesn't.

Right now it's 2 min to post Race 3 at AQU and Shcrupp and Wolf are on tv talking about coffee.

TVG lays off several staff members
By Matt Hegarty

Television Games Network has fired approximately 20 workers, including several of its on-air commentators, as part of an effort to reduce costs, the company’s chief executive confirmed on Thursday. Although company officials would not comment beyond a statement acknowledging the firings, the biographies of four television hosts – Bob Baedeker, Chris Kotulak, Frank Lyons, and Frank Mirahmadi – were no longer available on the company’s website on Thursday.

:eek:

THAT sucks.

This is devastating news!

Charlie Sheen. Fired.
Bob Baedeker. Fired.
Frank Lyons. Fired. Two months later: Dies in a pool of his own vomit, piss, and s.hit.

I love Frank Lyons.

You need a spanking for that one. :D

Hey he needs to put the bottle down. Plus there were times towards the end where he seemed to be on xanies.

Yeah I know but you know i always like the druggies. :p

It just works out that way.

You've got to admit, he's got a lot of personality and charm.

Can't exactly say that for some over in TVGLand.

And they kept Vic?

Crazy right.

I'm sure Les Onaka is the life of the party.

Dave Weaver is probably the most entertaining of all the analysts.

I would rather party with Les than Ken.

Mr. B probably won't sue because he is flush...BUT he would have a solid case considering his age and the fact that the revenues were up about 90 million.

Franky Lyons was easily the most tolerable to listen to.

They've had a couple of chicks though that probably should be, or should have been, on camera more.

I believe Stauffer has ended his association with TVG.

that was fast

I'm going to get caned after I get skinned and tarred and feathered but I thought he did a decent job.