Post by michaelporter on Nov 15, 2005 17:56:31 GMT -5
Michael Porter's WrestleBeat SPECIAL EDITION-PART TWO (11-15-05)
Hello again, Wrestling Fans!
The emotions, ocurrances, statements and tributes following the death of Eddie Guerrero have been SO overwhelming that I felt the need to follow up yesterday's WrestleBeat with another SPECIAL EDITION here today!
Let me start out by saying that last night's RAW Tribute to Eddie was MAGNIFICENT! I am just ONE person...a person of very little importance, but I HAVE to say CONGRATULATIONS to WWE, Vince McMahon, ALL of the WWE Executives, Talent, Technical Crew and Behind-the-Scenes Personel for their WONDERFUL showing of genuine EMOTION, RESPECT, ADMIRATION and LOVE for "Latino Heat"!
Alright...I wish to SINCERELY THANK fellow www.WrestlingNewsWorld.com Columnist and Reporter, Ryan Clark for ALL of the following stories and articles! Ryan has put together the most complete and comprehensive set of reports in SEPERATE stories, articles and posts. I am ONLY combining many of them into this one WrestleBeat SPECIAL EDITION. This is due to my LOVE of Professional Wrestling and my UTMOST love, admiration and respect for one of the most gifted, talented, loved and highly-regarded performers in Professional Wrestling history..."Latino Heat" Eddie (Eddy) Guerrero!
THANKS to Ryan Clark for ALL of the following:
WWE.com posted the following:
After the untimely passing of Eddie Guerrero, WWE and the entire sports-entertainment community is steel reeling from the devastating loss of a champion. The initial autopsy reports on Guerrero have come in. WWE.com spoke with Eddie’s widow, Vickie Guerrero, earlier today.
“It was heart failure. It was from his past - the drinking and the drug abuse. They found signs of heart disease. She (the examiner) said that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past. And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that’s what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep.
As soon as they saw his heart, they saw the lining of his heart already had the heart disease. There was no trauma, and Eddie hadn’t hurt himself in any way. It answered a lot of questions. I knew Eddie wasn’t feeling very good for the last week. He was home and kept saying he wasn’t feeling good and we thought it was just “road tired.” So we thought he just had to rest. It answered a lot of my questions, too, because he was just so exhausted. She said it was normal because the heart was working so hard.
When he didn’t call me last night and the night before I knew it was for real, because he would call me every night. I miss his phone calls. I cried through the whole thing (last night).
I loved his laugh. His laugh was the best.
We just celebrated his four-year sobriety last Thursday. We just thought we had life by the handful. We thought we had it all figured out. He worked so hard to make a better life for us.
I’m just overwhelmed by how people are coming out. It’s touched my heart a lot.
Everybody was just in awe last night in how beautifully everything was put together.
All my life was wrestling. All he did was take care of them and live for that. And I don’t know what to do now.”
ESPN has added the AP article involving Eddie Guerrero's death that has gotten coverage in many other markets.
ESPN rarely covers deaths in pro wrestling, but they are covering the death of Eddie Guerrero. Here is a link to an article regarding Eddie Guerrero. It's filed under the "More Sports" section. It notes that an autopsy was planned today. <http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/news/story?id=2223654>
As noted earlier, "The Herd With Colin Cowherd", and Colin Cowherd said some rude comments about Eddie Guerrero's passing. He accused Eddie and other wrestlers of steroid use. Cowherd said, "who cares that he died" and that Guerrero's death was not "newsworthy." He also started speculation on the "unknown causes" of his death. Colin Cowherd has a subsite on ESPN.com.
Anthony Walters sent in a link to me if you'd rather e-mail the people in charge of ESPN radio instead of call them on the phone. <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html> to go to that page.
You can personally voice your thoughts to Colin Cowherd as a person sent me his e-mail address. You can e-mail him at cmcowherd@aol.com.
Michael Polzien notified me that the phone number to ESPN's customer service office as been disconnected. Apparently, they were getting thousands upon thousands of calls from angry wrestling fans. You guys definitely made your point. If you want to personally call them, try again tomorrow.
You can still <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html> to submit feedback to ESPN.
Many thanks to Chad Mosher and DaveCanada for taking time out to splice out the portion of the part where Eddie Guerrero is talked about on "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" radio show earlier today on ESPN Radio. You can determine for yourself if Colin Cowherd went overboard or not with his comments on Guerrero.
Click the link below to download the audio file. Then click the "Free" button on the page. Then it will take you to another page where you have to wait approx. 21 seconds before you can download the file. After the countdown ends, click the link to save it to your PC or listen to it on your audio player.
rapidshare.de/files/7650378/The_Herd_on_Eddie_Guerrero.mp3.html
You can be the judge on whether his comments where tasteless or not. If you feel they were, feel free to contact the ESPN staff <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html>
Brian sent this: I was just on ESPNradio.com and clicked on the Herd's subsite. Here is the link to their Email page where you can send comments directly to the show. <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
As far as ESPN Radio Host Colin Cowherd is concerned, I'm not exactly sure what will happen, if anything. I know the customer service line was shut down last night for a short time citing "all lines are busy". The feedback form has also experienced problems due to excessive traffic. The decision is not up to me to make but your feedback is being heard. Wrestling fans can call ESPN Radio at (860) 766-2000 and ask to speak to a customer service person or e-mail directly at theherd@espnradio.com, and radio@espn.com and let them know that as listeners of ESPN Radio, YOU care about Guerrero's passing and that Cowherd needs to be disciplined for these uncaring and inappropriate remarks. You can also use the feedback form on ESPN's website located at <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
The following is a transcript was written by WrestleView.com <http://www.WrestleView.com> in which the comments were made by Cowherd on his program yesterday that is currently archived over on ESPNradio.com:
"The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (November 14, 2005)
Part of show this takes place: 02:04:24
Colin Cowherd: Okay. I'm going to ask you a question. Compus (sp?) and I got into this argument earlier today. I did not know this. He is a big wrestling fan. I have no idea about wrestling. The last wrestling match I watched was my high school. It was dark and the only people there were girlfriends and family. It was high school wrestling and all the girls were dating the wrestlers.
A professional wrestler died over the weekend, Eddie Guerrero. I don't know anything about him. Apparently he is a big star. He was like 38 years old, died in his hotel room, nobody is quite sure why, blah blah blah, I don't care why. But I made the argument that there are certain careers, if I was the sports editor of a large major newspaper, I don't think I would put Eddie Guerrero's death in the sports page.
Now...you could say, whoa, that is insensitive. First of all, it's not sports, it is theater. They are decided before they play. Now somebody argues with me, what about Hulk Hogan? I wouldn't put Hulk Hogan's death in the sports section. He transcends sports. He is a cultural phenomenon.
(Another host interjects - I believe his name was Chad)
Except for his wonderful movie career (in a joking manner).
(Back to Cowherd)
Yes, it was quite promising (makes another joke).
(Other host interjects again)
But it is news, where do you put it?
(Back to Cowherd)
Not everything death is news. For instance...
(Other hosts again interjects)
But five million people watch it.
(Cowherd)
Lets say a cessna (plane) goes down carrying Martha Stewart, it's news. If it goes down carrying Jim Lewis, it isn't news. It isn't making USA Today. We as a society decided that certain people's deaths get in the paper and certain people's deaths do not.
(Other hosts chimes in)
Just because you don't know who Eddie Guerrero is doesn't make him any less of a celebrity to other people. Now if a hockey player died, it would mean nothing to me. But that would obviously go in the sports page because he is a professional athlete of some sort. Eddie Guerrero is a big star. Five million people watch him.
(Cowherd)
He is not an athlete.
(Back to other host)
He is an athlete. He isn't a sports figure.
(Cowherd)
Again, why would I put him in the sports page?
(Other host)
Where would you put him?
(Cowherd)
I wouldn't put him anywhere in the newspaper.
(Other host)
You wouldn't put him in the newspaper?
(Cowherd)
No. I would put The Rock in because he has done movies. He is bigger than sports.
(Other host)
What about a TV actor? What if a soap opera star died?
(Cowherd)
He goes into the Entertainment/Life section.
(Other host)
Then why doesn't Eddie Guerrero go in? He is on TV. He is a TV star.
(Cowherd)
Oh...boy...that is wobbly. I've never even heard of him.
(Other host)
Again, what do we say all the time on this show? Don't assume everyone thinks the way you do.
(Cowherd)
Everybody clearly does, but go ahead.
(Both hosts laugh)
(Other host continues)
I instantly knew this guy and I would love to read more about it. So if you are a newspaper, you have an audience.
(Cowherd asks someone else in studio if he heard of Eddie Guerrero)
I thought it was Eddie Guardado, I told you this morning, Eddie Guardado, Mariners closer.
(Other host)
Eddie Guerrero dying is far more signifcant than Eddie Guardado dying.
(Cowherd)
Here is the problem. Sports fans know him, but it's not an athlete in sports. Entertainment people don't...sports fans who watch wrestling don't read the Entertainment section. So you are wasting space in the Entertainment section. I'm not...it's nothing against him, but we decided as a society, certain people get in the newspaper when they die. Here is a prime example. When I was doing my little show in Portland, and if I had gotten hit by a bread truck, I wouldn't make the USA Today. If I got hit by a bread truck today, and it's entirely possible in my neighborhood because bread trucks drive way too fast, but if I was run over today, I might get a little blip. It would be like a line. The Herd, obnoxious, not a very nice guy, got run over by a bread truck. Now lets continue on to more important news. But I'd probably make it, there would be a line in USA Today. So, I could die the same way, I could die in the same city, but becuase you are more renoun, it affects where it's going to be put. Now the Compus (sp?) was incredibly offended by this and I know what you are saying, Colin, it is wrestling. I know it's wrestling. I don't like wrestling. I don't ever watch wrestling. I vaguely know the Hulk wrestled, there is a guy named Jimmy Superfly Snuka when I was a kid, I liked him a lot. First of all, he invented the sleeper hold, don't let anyone tell you anything differently. I'm not into wrestling, but I'll make an argument right here. Toughest man who ever lived. Including Mike Ditka. Jimmy Superfly Snuka. Don't screw with me on that one. Alright Brian, you are the editor of a major newspaper, the New York whatever, where do you put the story?
(No response from a caller)
He is a wrestling fan and he can't even figure out the radio business. (Another caller comes on named Tim). Alright Tim, where would you put the story?
(Caller)
Way back. Bury it some where.
(Cowherd)
Sports or non-sports?
(Caller)
Non.
(Cowherd)
See. I'm the same way. It's not sports to me.
(Caller)
Yeah. Those guys are not athletes. 90% are probably juiced up and they just run around. Like you said it is theater. It's not a sport.
(Other host in a sarcastic manner)
Because yeah, sports guys don't juice. Baseball guys don't do that.
(Cowherd laughs and adds)
God if that is the ruling, Sosa will never get on the sports page. George you are in The Herd, go ahead.
(Second caller)
Hey Colin, I actually work for a newspaper. I'm kinda in between on this one though.
(Cowherd)
So you work at a newspaper right?
(Caller)
Yeah.
(Cowherd)
Where did your newspaper put the death of Eddie Guerrero?
(Caller)
If there was space, it was put on or put some where else. Our obiutaries are paid obituaries. I don't even think there is space for Eddie.
(Cowherd)
Lemme say this. Why can't you do this? You know in the obituaries section where they have like Gert passed away, Palm Springs, 1984. And Hank passed away. Why couldn't you put Eddie Guerrero's picture in the obituaries with a big mask on. He would be like the wrestler, passed away doing steroids.
(Another caller, Cowherd asks him same question)
It depends. It ranks up there with Junkyard Dog's death. I think it would go in the Entertainment section. You struck a cord with me though. Jimmy Superfly Snuka was not tougher than the British Bulldog or JYD. I mean you wanna go old school wrestling, we can do that.
(Cowherd laughs and adds)
When it comes to pro wrestling, I'm old school.
(Caller)
Here is the thing. Our generation, and you kinda move past my generation as you move into your 60's (says jokingly), we grew up with wrestling. At some point, you passed out from a sleeper hold wrestling with a brother. Your brother put you in some hold you saw on TV. Somone has done a top rope move and then your parents came in to break it up. That is our generation. That is what we went through.
(Cowherd)
So you would put it in the Entertainment section?
(Caller)
Yeah, they are entertainers. It is a nitch entertainment business now. We all assumed it was fake and now we know that. But I agree with Chad, a lot more people watch this stuff than we give credit for. Plus, Chad is right, not everyone thinks like you. If we did, Monday Night Football would only last a quarter because you go to sleep.
(Another caller chimes in and says Guerrero's death doesn't belong in the newspaper at all since they don't post results for pro wrestling matches or WrestleMania. They then move on to the next segment)
Now that a transcript is out of what is said, it may shed some light as to just what Cowherd said. It is incredibly obvious from the start that Cowherd doesn't like pro wrestling and quite frankly doesn't care about the tragic death of Eddie Guerrero. We are aware of a petition making the rounds asking for the firing of Cowherd from ESPN Radio.
There have also been reports stating that ESPN was overwhelmed with negative feedback about the comments, so much so that other people from different departments were brought in to handle the large of phone calls coming in about the situation. Cowherd's show started 40 minutes ago on ESPN Radio and it remains to be seen if he will respond to the situation at hand.
You can submit feedback on ESPN's website located at <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
Some people have been arguing as to whether or not Colin Cowherd's comments on ESPN radio yesterday where tasteless, although, it goes without saying that the following comments made on a Boston radio show earlier this morning were most definitely tasteless as the host(s) made crass comments on not only Eddie Guerrero, but Owen Hart as well. Here is what was said on that radio station. Thanks to PhoenixofZion for tipping this off.... On Denis & Callahan on WEEI out of Boston this morning they mentioned Eddie's death, ragged on him for probably doing steroids, and then said "Well, at least he didn't fall out of the rafters like some of them do...SPLAT!" WEEI 850 AM Sports Radio out of Boston has a phone number you can call at (617)779-3500 if you'd like to voice a complaint. The site also has a e-mail form which you can fill out if you have to something to tell them online. The "contact us" link is below. <http://www.weei.com/contactus.asp>
ESPN.com sent me the following just moments ago:
"While some comments attributed to Colin Cowherd were taken out of context and are innacurate, we do apologize for a statement implying that Eddie Guerrero's death was steroid-related."
Before I post this, ESPN did issue an apology earlier today. I don't want to take away from the matter at hand here and that is the passing of Eddie Guerrero. Various news outlets and programs such as these try to stir up controversy. I know many of you will likely be getting emails back from these stations as well. Both stations have taken notice of the comments and will likely be talking with the hosts of both shows. I know there are tons of petitions online as well. I will post the feedback links at the bottom one last time at the bottom of this report.
Don sent this one: Ryan, This was the response I got back from the director of WEEI programming after I sent a letter chastizing them for Dennis and Callahan's behavior. The more that make complains the more likely they are to take action on this matter. Thanks.
Don, Thank you for your email. I'm sorry if you were upset by what you heard. I did not hear the comments, but I will certainly look into it and talk to Dennis and Callahan about them. Again, I apologize if you were upset in any way. That is certainly not our intention on this, or any of our programs. Jason Wolfe, Director of Sports Programming, Entercom Communications, 617-779-3541.
Email WEEI in Boston (Dennis and Callahan) <http://www.weei.com/contactus.asp>
Email ESPN Radio (Colin Cowherd) <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
(URGENT PLEA FROM THIS COLUMNIST...MICHAEL PORTER)
I URGE...NO, I BEG EACH EVERY AND EVERYONE OF YOU, to call, write or e-mail the individuals responsible for these contemptable, heartless, rude and vile statements! Show them that WE, Wrestling Fans and Fans of Eddie Guerrero, despise their rude and discusting statements and DEMAND an apoligy to Eddie, his family, his friends and his fans, as well as to the Industry of Professional Wrestling. I KNOW that I will be! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
Alright...that does it for THIS SPECIAL EDITION of WrestleBeat. I'll be back again SOON.
So...until then...KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT! Later, Michael.
(You can contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)
Hello again, Wrestling Fans!
The emotions, ocurrances, statements and tributes following the death of Eddie Guerrero have been SO overwhelming that I felt the need to follow up yesterday's WrestleBeat with another SPECIAL EDITION here today!
Let me start out by saying that last night's RAW Tribute to Eddie was MAGNIFICENT! I am just ONE person...a person of very little importance, but I HAVE to say CONGRATULATIONS to WWE, Vince McMahon, ALL of the WWE Executives, Talent, Technical Crew and Behind-the-Scenes Personel for their WONDERFUL showing of genuine EMOTION, RESPECT, ADMIRATION and LOVE for "Latino Heat"!
Alright...I wish to SINCERELY THANK fellow www.WrestlingNewsWorld.com Columnist and Reporter, Ryan Clark for ALL of the following stories and articles! Ryan has put together the most complete and comprehensive set of reports in SEPERATE stories, articles and posts. I am ONLY combining many of them into this one WrestleBeat SPECIAL EDITION. This is due to my LOVE of Professional Wrestling and my UTMOST love, admiration and respect for one of the most gifted, talented, loved and highly-regarded performers in Professional Wrestling history..."Latino Heat" Eddie (Eddy) Guerrero!
THANKS to Ryan Clark for ALL of the following:
WWE.com posted the following:
After the untimely passing of Eddie Guerrero, WWE and the entire sports-entertainment community is steel reeling from the devastating loss of a champion. The initial autopsy reports on Guerrero have come in. WWE.com spoke with Eddie’s widow, Vickie Guerrero, earlier today.
“It was heart failure. It was from his past - the drinking and the drug abuse. They found signs of heart disease. She (the examiner) said that the blood vessels were very worn and narrow, and that just showed all the abuse from the scheduling of work and his past. And Eddie just worked out like crazy all the time. It made his heart grow bigger and work harder and the vessels were getting smaller, and that’s what caused the heart failure. He went into a deep sleep.
As soon as they saw his heart, they saw the lining of his heart already had the heart disease. There was no trauma, and Eddie hadn’t hurt himself in any way. It answered a lot of questions. I knew Eddie wasn’t feeling very good for the last week. He was home and kept saying he wasn’t feeling good and we thought it was just “road tired.” So we thought he just had to rest. It answered a lot of my questions, too, because he was just so exhausted. She said it was normal because the heart was working so hard.
When he didn’t call me last night and the night before I knew it was for real, because he would call me every night. I miss his phone calls. I cried through the whole thing (last night).
I loved his laugh. His laugh was the best.
We just celebrated his four-year sobriety last Thursday. We just thought we had life by the handful. We thought we had it all figured out. He worked so hard to make a better life for us.
I’m just overwhelmed by how people are coming out. It’s touched my heart a lot.
Everybody was just in awe last night in how beautifully everything was put together.
All my life was wrestling. All he did was take care of them and live for that. And I don’t know what to do now.”
ESPN has added the AP article involving Eddie Guerrero's death that has gotten coverage in many other markets.
ESPN rarely covers deaths in pro wrestling, but they are covering the death of Eddie Guerrero. Here is a link to an article regarding Eddie Guerrero. It's filed under the "More Sports" section. It notes that an autopsy was planned today. <http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/news/story?id=2223654>
As noted earlier, "The Herd With Colin Cowherd", and Colin Cowherd said some rude comments about Eddie Guerrero's passing. He accused Eddie and other wrestlers of steroid use. Cowherd said, "who cares that he died" and that Guerrero's death was not "newsworthy." He also started speculation on the "unknown causes" of his death. Colin Cowherd has a subsite on ESPN.com.
Anthony Walters sent in a link to me if you'd rather e-mail the people in charge of ESPN radio instead of call them on the phone. <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html> to go to that page.
You can personally voice your thoughts to Colin Cowherd as a person sent me his e-mail address. You can e-mail him at cmcowherd@aol.com.
Michael Polzien notified me that the phone number to ESPN's customer service office as been disconnected. Apparently, they were getting thousands upon thousands of calls from angry wrestling fans. You guys definitely made your point. If you want to personally call them, try again tomorrow.
You can still <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html> to submit feedback to ESPN.
Many thanks to Chad Mosher and DaveCanada for taking time out to splice out the portion of the part where Eddie Guerrero is talked about on "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" radio show earlier today on ESPN Radio. You can determine for yourself if Colin Cowherd went overboard or not with his comments on Guerrero.
Click the link below to download the audio file. Then click the "Free" button on the page. Then it will take you to another page where you have to wait approx. 21 seconds before you can download the file. After the countdown ends, click the link to save it to your PC or listen to it on your audio player.
rapidshare.de/files/7650378/The_Herd_on_Eddie_Guerrero.mp3.html
You can be the judge on whether his comments where tasteless or not. If you feel they were, feel free to contact the ESPN staff <http://sports.espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/radio.html>
Brian sent this: I was just on ESPNradio.com and clicked on the Herd's subsite. Here is the link to their Email page where you can send comments directly to the show. <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
As far as ESPN Radio Host Colin Cowherd is concerned, I'm not exactly sure what will happen, if anything. I know the customer service line was shut down last night for a short time citing "all lines are busy". The feedback form has also experienced problems due to excessive traffic. The decision is not up to me to make but your feedback is being heard. Wrestling fans can call ESPN Radio at (860) 766-2000 and ask to speak to a customer service person or e-mail directly at theherd@espnradio.com, and radio@espn.com and let them know that as listeners of ESPN Radio, YOU care about Guerrero's passing and that Cowherd needs to be disciplined for these uncaring and inappropriate remarks. You can also use the feedback form on ESPN's website located at <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
The following is a transcript was written by WrestleView.com <http://www.WrestleView.com> in which the comments were made by Cowherd on his program yesterday that is currently archived over on ESPNradio.com:
"The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (November 14, 2005)
Part of show this takes place: 02:04:24
Colin Cowherd: Okay. I'm going to ask you a question. Compus (sp?) and I got into this argument earlier today. I did not know this. He is a big wrestling fan. I have no idea about wrestling. The last wrestling match I watched was my high school. It was dark and the only people there were girlfriends and family. It was high school wrestling and all the girls were dating the wrestlers.
A professional wrestler died over the weekend, Eddie Guerrero. I don't know anything about him. Apparently he is a big star. He was like 38 years old, died in his hotel room, nobody is quite sure why, blah blah blah, I don't care why. But I made the argument that there are certain careers, if I was the sports editor of a large major newspaper, I don't think I would put Eddie Guerrero's death in the sports page.
Now...you could say, whoa, that is insensitive. First of all, it's not sports, it is theater. They are decided before they play. Now somebody argues with me, what about Hulk Hogan? I wouldn't put Hulk Hogan's death in the sports section. He transcends sports. He is a cultural phenomenon.
(Another host interjects - I believe his name was Chad)
Except for his wonderful movie career (in a joking manner).
(Back to Cowherd)
Yes, it was quite promising (makes another joke).
(Other host interjects again)
But it is news, where do you put it?
(Back to Cowherd)
Not everything death is news. For instance...
(Other hosts again interjects)
But five million people watch it.
(Cowherd)
Lets say a cessna (plane) goes down carrying Martha Stewart, it's news. If it goes down carrying Jim Lewis, it isn't news. It isn't making USA Today. We as a society decided that certain people's deaths get in the paper and certain people's deaths do not.
(Other hosts chimes in)
Just because you don't know who Eddie Guerrero is doesn't make him any less of a celebrity to other people. Now if a hockey player died, it would mean nothing to me. But that would obviously go in the sports page because he is a professional athlete of some sort. Eddie Guerrero is a big star. Five million people watch him.
(Cowherd)
He is not an athlete.
(Back to other host)
He is an athlete. He isn't a sports figure.
(Cowherd)
Again, why would I put him in the sports page?
(Other host)
Where would you put him?
(Cowherd)
I wouldn't put him anywhere in the newspaper.
(Other host)
You wouldn't put him in the newspaper?
(Cowherd)
No. I would put The Rock in because he has done movies. He is bigger than sports.
(Other host)
What about a TV actor? What if a soap opera star died?
(Cowherd)
He goes into the Entertainment/Life section.
(Other host)
Then why doesn't Eddie Guerrero go in? He is on TV. He is a TV star.
(Cowherd)
Oh...boy...that is wobbly. I've never even heard of him.
(Other host)
Again, what do we say all the time on this show? Don't assume everyone thinks the way you do.
(Cowherd)
Everybody clearly does, but go ahead.
(Both hosts laugh)
(Other host continues)
I instantly knew this guy and I would love to read more about it. So if you are a newspaper, you have an audience.
(Cowherd asks someone else in studio if he heard of Eddie Guerrero)
I thought it was Eddie Guardado, I told you this morning, Eddie Guardado, Mariners closer.
(Other host)
Eddie Guerrero dying is far more signifcant than Eddie Guardado dying.
(Cowherd)
Here is the problem. Sports fans know him, but it's not an athlete in sports. Entertainment people don't...sports fans who watch wrestling don't read the Entertainment section. So you are wasting space in the Entertainment section. I'm not...it's nothing against him, but we decided as a society, certain people get in the newspaper when they die. Here is a prime example. When I was doing my little show in Portland, and if I had gotten hit by a bread truck, I wouldn't make the USA Today. If I got hit by a bread truck today, and it's entirely possible in my neighborhood because bread trucks drive way too fast, but if I was run over today, I might get a little blip. It would be like a line. The Herd, obnoxious, not a very nice guy, got run over by a bread truck. Now lets continue on to more important news. But I'd probably make it, there would be a line in USA Today. So, I could die the same way, I could die in the same city, but becuase you are more renoun, it affects where it's going to be put. Now the Compus (sp?) was incredibly offended by this and I know what you are saying, Colin, it is wrestling. I know it's wrestling. I don't like wrestling. I don't ever watch wrestling. I vaguely know the Hulk wrestled, there is a guy named Jimmy Superfly Snuka when I was a kid, I liked him a lot. First of all, he invented the sleeper hold, don't let anyone tell you anything differently. I'm not into wrestling, but I'll make an argument right here. Toughest man who ever lived. Including Mike Ditka. Jimmy Superfly Snuka. Don't screw with me on that one. Alright Brian, you are the editor of a major newspaper, the New York whatever, where do you put the story?
(No response from a caller)
He is a wrestling fan and he can't even figure out the radio business. (Another caller comes on named Tim). Alright Tim, where would you put the story?
(Caller)
Way back. Bury it some where.
(Cowherd)
Sports or non-sports?
(Caller)
Non.
(Cowherd)
See. I'm the same way. It's not sports to me.
(Caller)
Yeah. Those guys are not athletes. 90% are probably juiced up and they just run around. Like you said it is theater. It's not a sport.
(Other host in a sarcastic manner)
Because yeah, sports guys don't juice. Baseball guys don't do that.
(Cowherd laughs and adds)
God if that is the ruling, Sosa will never get on the sports page. George you are in The Herd, go ahead.
(Second caller)
Hey Colin, I actually work for a newspaper. I'm kinda in between on this one though.
(Cowherd)
So you work at a newspaper right?
(Caller)
Yeah.
(Cowherd)
Where did your newspaper put the death of Eddie Guerrero?
(Caller)
If there was space, it was put on or put some where else. Our obiutaries are paid obituaries. I don't even think there is space for Eddie.
(Cowherd)
Lemme say this. Why can't you do this? You know in the obituaries section where they have like Gert passed away, Palm Springs, 1984. And Hank passed away. Why couldn't you put Eddie Guerrero's picture in the obituaries with a big mask on. He would be like the wrestler, passed away doing steroids.
(Another caller, Cowherd asks him same question)
It depends. It ranks up there with Junkyard Dog's death. I think it would go in the Entertainment section. You struck a cord with me though. Jimmy Superfly Snuka was not tougher than the British Bulldog or JYD. I mean you wanna go old school wrestling, we can do that.
(Cowherd laughs and adds)
When it comes to pro wrestling, I'm old school.
(Caller)
Here is the thing. Our generation, and you kinda move past my generation as you move into your 60's (says jokingly), we grew up with wrestling. At some point, you passed out from a sleeper hold wrestling with a brother. Your brother put you in some hold you saw on TV. Somone has done a top rope move and then your parents came in to break it up. That is our generation. That is what we went through.
(Cowherd)
So you would put it in the Entertainment section?
(Caller)
Yeah, they are entertainers. It is a nitch entertainment business now. We all assumed it was fake and now we know that. But I agree with Chad, a lot more people watch this stuff than we give credit for. Plus, Chad is right, not everyone thinks like you. If we did, Monday Night Football would only last a quarter because you go to sleep.
(Another caller chimes in and says Guerrero's death doesn't belong in the newspaper at all since they don't post results for pro wrestling matches or WrestleMania. They then move on to the next segment)
Now that a transcript is out of what is said, it may shed some light as to just what Cowherd said. It is incredibly obvious from the start that Cowherd doesn't like pro wrestling and quite frankly doesn't care about the tragic death of Eddie Guerrero. We are aware of a petition making the rounds asking for the firing of Cowherd from ESPN Radio.
There have also been reports stating that ESPN was overwhelmed with negative feedback about the comments, so much so that other people from different departments were brought in to handle the large of phone calls coming in about the situation. Cowherd's show started 40 minutes ago on ESPN Radio and it remains to be seen if he will respond to the situation at hand.
You can submit feedback on ESPN's website located at <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
Some people have been arguing as to whether or not Colin Cowherd's comments on ESPN radio yesterday where tasteless, although, it goes without saying that the following comments made on a Boston radio show earlier this morning were most definitely tasteless as the host(s) made crass comments on not only Eddie Guerrero, but Owen Hart as well. Here is what was said on that radio station. Thanks to PhoenixofZion for tipping this off.... On Denis & Callahan on WEEI out of Boston this morning they mentioned Eddie's death, ragged on him for probably doing steroids, and then said "Well, at least he didn't fall out of the rafters like some of them do...SPLAT!" WEEI 850 AM Sports Radio out of Boston has a phone number you can call at (617)779-3500 if you'd like to voice a complaint. The site also has a e-mail form which you can fill out if you have to something to tell them online. The "contact us" link is below. <http://www.weei.com/contactus.asp>
ESPN.com sent me the following just moments ago:
"While some comments attributed to Colin Cowherd were taken out of context and are innacurate, we do apologize for a statement implying that Eddie Guerrero's death was steroid-related."
Before I post this, ESPN did issue an apology earlier today. I don't want to take away from the matter at hand here and that is the passing of Eddie Guerrero. Various news outlets and programs such as these try to stir up controversy. I know many of you will likely be getting emails back from these stations as well. Both stations have taken notice of the comments and will likely be talking with the hosts of both shows. I know there are tons of petitions online as well. I will post the feedback links at the bottom one last time at the bottom of this report.
Don sent this one: Ryan, This was the response I got back from the director of WEEI programming after I sent a letter chastizing them for Dennis and Callahan's behavior. The more that make complains the more likely they are to take action on this matter. Thanks.
Don, Thank you for your email. I'm sorry if you were upset by what you heard. I did not hear the comments, but I will certainly look into it and talk to Dennis and Callahan about them. Again, I apologize if you were upset in any way. That is certainly not our intention on this, or any of our programs. Jason Wolfe, Director of Sports Programming, Entercom Communications, 617-779-3541.
Email WEEI in Boston (Dennis and Callahan) <http://www.weei.com/contactus.asp>
Email ESPN Radio (Colin Cowherd) <http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/story?page=herdmail>
(URGENT PLEA FROM THIS COLUMNIST...MICHAEL PORTER)
I URGE...NO, I BEG EACH EVERY AND EVERYONE OF YOU, to call, write or e-mail the individuals responsible for these contemptable, heartless, rude and vile statements! Show them that WE, Wrestling Fans and Fans of Eddie Guerrero, despise their rude and discusting statements and DEMAND an apoligy to Eddie, his family, his friends and his fans, as well as to the Industry of Professional Wrestling. I KNOW that I will be! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
Alright...that does it for THIS SPECIAL EDITION of WrestleBeat. I'll be back again SOON.
So...until then...KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT! Later, Michael.
(You can contact Michael Porter by e-mail at kmichaelporter@yahoo.com or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)
