In the first edition of the new podcast format, I talk about the reaction to #MoreThanMean and Bomani Jones' thoughts on that subject. Plus, I talk with Brian McNally (106.7 The Fan, DC) on the Redskins recent moves and draft plans and Tim MacMahon (ESPN Dallas) on the end of the Mavs season. Lastly, I explain why Malachai Richardson should leave Syracuse and tell the tale of a two sport Sunday in New York.
Showing posts with label Craig Hoffman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Craig Hoffman. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Podcast: Eric Edholm on the NFL Draft
Looking for a 25 minute NFL Draft crash course? You've come to the right place! Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sport's Shutdown Corner blog talks draft with me. We cover the evaluation process, some of the big names and touch on the Josh Norman story.
Follow Eric on Twitter here and read his work here.
Follow Eric on Twitter here and read his work here.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
4/7 Hoffman Podcast: Sam Hinkie resigns (with Jeff Platt)
My former co-host and fellow NBA junkie Jeff Platt joins me to talk about Sam Hinkie's surprise resignation in Philadelphia. We also discuss the team Jeff currently covers, the Spurs, and their pursuit of perfection and home and ultimate mission of beating the Warriors.
For reference, Sam Hinkie's letter can be read here. His podcast with Zach Lowe is here. Lowe also did a podcast with Sixers coach Brett Brown recently that is very good. That can be found here.
For reference, Sam Hinkie's letter can be read here. His podcast with Zach Lowe is here. Lowe also did a podcast with Sixers coach Brett Brown recently that is very good. That can be found here.
Friday, March 18, 2016
The Battle of the Alma Maters
I left Riverside High School in 2008 bound for Middle Tennessee State University and a career in music production. That lasted about six weeks before I changed my major. Two years later I was a broadcast journalism major leaving Murfreesboro for Syracuse. The details of that aren't particularly relevant at the moment, but it was the best decision I ever made. Being an SU alum has opened more doors than I could ever imagine, but my time at MTSU was just as important, and basketball was an enormous reason why.
Syracuse is as big time as a program can get, which means that it's a little harder to get on the inside. Being a student reporter makes it near impossible. Jim Boeheim has a historical disdain for them and routinely humiliates them in press conferences seemingly for sport. Again, that's a different column for a different day, but I was never more than an educated observer as a member of the media at SU.
That was far from the case at MTSU.
While many of you reading know me as a football guy from my job at ESPN980, basketball is my first love. It's my passion. I love to watch. I love to play. I love everything about it.
That love was cultivated in many ways at Middle. I was incredibly lucky to have two coaches that not only were accessible, but let me into the inner sanctums of their programs. They trusted me. They allowed me to learn.
Rick Insell was an extraordinarily accomplished high school coach before taking over the MTSU women's program. Kermit Davis was one of college basketball's rising stars before he was hit with major violations at Texas A&M and had to rebuild his career, starting in junior college. He made his way back to the D1 ranks and took over MTSU in 2002.
While I watched from press row for much of my freshman year, I started early my sophomore year as both Insell and Davis allowed me to watch practices long before the season started and kept their doors open for the entire year.
It was inside the Murphy Center, where both teams held practice, that I learned more about the game of basketball than at any other point of my life. I learned how much goes into game preparation. I learned the detail with which a team had to execute to be successful. I learned how a coach instills an attitude in a team and a program.
While Coach Insell and the woman's program had more success when I was there, I learned much of that from Coach Davis. The intensity and tempo of their practices showed me what it took to win on the Division 1 level. I knew that if he was given the time, he would be able to build a team that could consistently compete, in large part because of how much Davis taught them to compete.
Not only is Kermit a great coach with an incredible depth of knowledge, but he was also incredibly open and approachable. He, and his staff, would happily answer questions I had about their team and about the game.
Simply put, my career would've played out differently if I didn't spend that time at MTSU, not only from a media standpoint where I was able to get invaluable reps in a less competitive student media program, but from a basketball standpoint where I learned more than I could bargain for.
I took that knowledge with me and was known as a basketball guy until I arrived in DC. I still am. I just have a football education now too.
A lot has changed since I left both schools. None of the players are still at either school, unless you count Trevor Cooney who redshirted during my senior year at SU. Both teams are in different conferences as well. However the coaches are still the same and Sunday they'll play each other for a spot in the Sweet 16.
I've always felt more loyalty to Syracuse because I'm so personally attached to the university. I feel no such attachment to MTSU, and in many ways felt spurned by some of the academic types and administration there. However when it comes to the basketball programs, I certainly could justify rooting for either side.
I have a feeling I'll find myself rooting for the Orange, but if Kermit and company pull out another one, I'll certainly be proud of them. Just like I am now, despite them blowing my bracket to smithereens.
Syracuse is as big time as a program can get, which means that it's a little harder to get on the inside. Being a student reporter makes it near impossible. Jim Boeheim has a historical disdain for them and routinely humiliates them in press conferences seemingly for sport. Again, that's a different column for a different day, but I was never more than an educated observer as a member of the media at SU.
That was far from the case at MTSU.
While many of you reading know me as a football guy from my job at ESPN980, basketball is my first love. It's my passion. I love to watch. I love to play. I love everything about it.
That love was cultivated in many ways at Middle. I was incredibly lucky to have two coaches that not only were accessible, but let me into the inner sanctums of their programs. They trusted me. They allowed me to learn.
Rick Insell was an extraordinarily accomplished high school coach before taking over the MTSU women's program. Kermit Davis was one of college basketball's rising stars before he was hit with major violations at Texas A&M and had to rebuild his career, starting in junior college. He made his way back to the D1 ranks and took over MTSU in 2002.
While I watched from press row for much of my freshman year, I started early my sophomore year as both Insell and Davis allowed me to watch practices long before the season started and kept their doors open for the entire year.
It was inside the Murphy Center, where both teams held practice, that I learned more about the game of basketball than at any other point of my life. I learned how much goes into game preparation. I learned the detail with which a team had to execute to be successful. I learned how a coach instills an attitude in a team and a program.
While Coach Insell and the woman's program had more success when I was there, I learned much of that from Coach Davis. The intensity and tempo of their practices showed me what it took to win on the Division 1 level. I knew that if he was given the time, he would be able to build a team that could consistently compete, in large part because of how much Davis taught them to compete.
Not only is Kermit a great coach with an incredible depth of knowledge, but he was also incredibly open and approachable. He, and his staff, would happily answer questions I had about their team and about the game.
Simply put, my career would've played out differently if I didn't spend that time at MTSU, not only from a media standpoint where I was able to get invaluable reps in a less competitive student media program, but from a basketball standpoint where I learned more than I could bargain for.
I took that knowledge with me and was known as a basketball guy until I arrived in DC. I still am. I just have a football education now too.
A lot has changed since I left both schools. None of the players are still at either school, unless you count Trevor Cooney who redshirted during my senior year at SU. Both teams are in different conferences as well. However the coaches are still the same and Sunday they'll play each other for a spot in the Sweet 16.
I've always felt more loyalty to Syracuse because I'm so personally attached to the university. I feel no such attachment to MTSU, and in many ways felt spurned by some of the academic types and administration there. However when it comes to the basketball programs, I certainly could justify rooting for either side.
I have a feeling I'll find myself rooting for the Orange, but if Kermit and company pull out another one, I'll certainly be proud of them. Just like I am now, despite them blowing my bracket to smithereens.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Podcast: Kami Mattioli
I chat with The Sporting News's Kami Mattioli about the recent mock selection she participated in. Plus, we discuss the Peyton Manning story and the coverage.
Follow Kami on Twitter here: @kmattio and read her at The Sporting News here!
Follow Kami on Twitter here: @kmattio and read her at The Sporting News here!
Thursday, January 21, 2016
London's Calling...Don't Pick Up
A report from the BBC News says that the NFL still has an eye on London for a permanent franchise. I don't understand why.
Well, I do understand why. The NFL wants to make money and, in theory, could do so by expanding internationally to a new market.
However, there is a point, even in making money, of diminishing returns. Eventually, you have to remember that these aren't pieces you're moving around a game board to make money. There are people involved. A company with the resources of the NFL should surely be able to treat them as such.
It takes a lot to run a football team. There are players, coaches, trainers, video guys, marketing people, a public relations staff, executives of all of those things and so much more. Do you think any of those people want to live in London?
There's nothing wrong with London other than it's really far away. It's that simple. Most of us value some level of accessibility to our families, and even if we live across the country, it's not across an ocean.
Forgetting everyone but the basic football people, the thought that a London franchise could be consistently competitive is laughable. They would never get a top flight coach. Any coach with options would have to be grotesquely overpaid to pick leaving everything they know in the states to head to Britain.
The same would be true for top flight free agents, or even lower level ones. Any players with options would not live in London if given the choice. That holds true for draft picks as well. Even if the London franchise hit on absurd level of picks, they'd have to build up so much loyalty while the players were on their rookie contracts that they wouldn't want to leave the instant they got the chance.
Drafted players are mostly 21-23 year old kids, many of whom have never left the country in their lives. You are absolutely insane if you don't think some flat out wouldn't sign, even if drafted. Would most? Probably. Having to sit out a year isn't fun, but there are absolutely players who would refuse.
This is all before you get to the scheduling and travel logistics. Could you really ask players to travel back and forth across the pond for eight road games? Getting across the ocean takes long enough, but what about that first Londoners game in LA? That's another six hours in the air for enormously large men who barely fit in an airplane seat to begin with. Then you want them to perform athletically at a high level, turn around and go back without time to recover? Good luck with that.
You could just split the schedule. They could host 8 games, have a bye, and then travel the states like nomads for the final 8 games of the regular season. I'm sure the folks in London will love that. "Hey guys, is our team coming back?"
The NFL owns the American sporting landscape and apparently that's not enough. I fully understand the desire to expand because who doesn't want to make more money, but there are limits to all things. I could make more money if fraud, theft and tax evasion weren't illegal. Just because there's a way, doesn't mean it's a good idea bereft of consequences.
The problem isn't about some xenophobia or even American exceptionalism that we're not willing to share our game. It's simply the constraints of space and time. Scheduling would be a disaster and London's a long ways away.
Don't overthink this one NFL. Unless you've got a teleportation machine you're hiding. In which case can I borrow it? I hear there's a lot of snow coming.
Well, I do understand why. The NFL wants to make money and, in theory, could do so by expanding internationally to a new market.
However, there is a point, even in making money, of diminishing returns. Eventually, you have to remember that these aren't pieces you're moving around a game board to make money. There are people involved. A company with the resources of the NFL should surely be able to treat them as such.
It takes a lot to run a football team. There are players, coaches, trainers, video guys, marketing people, a public relations staff, executives of all of those things and so much more. Do you think any of those people want to live in London?
There's nothing wrong with London other than it's really far away. It's that simple. Most of us value some level of accessibility to our families, and even if we live across the country, it's not across an ocean.
Forgetting everyone but the basic football people, the thought that a London franchise could be consistently competitive is laughable. They would never get a top flight coach. Any coach with options would have to be grotesquely overpaid to pick leaving everything they know in the states to head to Britain.
The same would be true for top flight free agents, or even lower level ones. Any players with options would not live in London if given the choice. That holds true for draft picks as well. Even if the London franchise hit on absurd level of picks, they'd have to build up so much loyalty while the players were on their rookie contracts that they wouldn't want to leave the instant they got the chance.
Drafted players are mostly 21-23 year old kids, many of whom have never left the country in their lives. You are absolutely insane if you don't think some flat out wouldn't sign, even if drafted. Would most? Probably. Having to sit out a year isn't fun, but there are absolutely players who would refuse.
This is all before you get to the scheduling and travel logistics. Could you really ask players to travel back and forth across the pond for eight road games? Getting across the ocean takes long enough, but what about that first Londoners game in LA? That's another six hours in the air for enormously large men who barely fit in an airplane seat to begin with. Then you want them to perform athletically at a high level, turn around and go back without time to recover? Good luck with that.
You could just split the schedule. They could host 8 games, have a bye, and then travel the states like nomads for the final 8 games of the regular season. I'm sure the folks in London will love that. "Hey guys, is our team coming back?"
The NFL owns the American sporting landscape and apparently that's not enough. I fully understand the desire to expand because who doesn't want to make more money, but there are limits to all things. I could make more money if fraud, theft and tax evasion weren't illegal. Just because there's a way, doesn't mean it's a good idea bereft of consequences.
The problem isn't about some xenophobia or even American exceptionalism that we're not willing to share our game. It's simply the constraints of space and time. Scheduling would be a disaster and London's a long ways away.
Don't overthink this one NFL. Unless you've got a teleportation machine you're hiding. In which case can I borrow it? I hear there's a lot of snow coming.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Here We Go Again
In an effort to not bury the lede, my position was eliminated today with ESPN980 and I am no longer with the station. It was made clear to me that this was a business decision that had nothing to do with my performance. That is the lede. That is over.
Now, woah.
The outpouring of support today has been somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, it's been the only part that's been overwhelming. That is to say, I'm actually okay. For those that don't know, I've been through this before. I was sent packing in Lawrence, KS after a similarly short time on the job in an eerily similar circumstance to here, where the person who hired me left the company and I was gone shortly thereafter.
I had moved my life across the country and started to really settle in to a new place when my world was turned upside down. I survived. I moved on and wound up moving up. There's a lot farther up to go when you're in Lawrence, KS (as a radio market...I absolutely loved the town) than there is in Washington, DC but if I'm able to move on and stay at the same level I was here, I'll be perfectly happy.
And I know I can do it, which brings me back to the woah.
The support today came from all over. It came from colleagues. It came from friends. It came from "competitors" who were always kind no matter what. It came from people I worked along side day in and day out on the beat. It came from people who consumed what we did and apparently quite enjoyed it.
Redskins fans are by far the most passionate fans I've worked with, and that's no small feat considering where I've been. It's a passionate, intimate fandom spread literally around the world. I got emails from Europe and South America from people listening. I was blown away by the passion from the moment it was announced I was coming, and while many were skeptical as I made my way up from Dallas, apparently I did alright.
Of the hundreds of twitter replies I got today, there was one that was negative and it had to do with me coming from Dallas and it literally made me laugh out loud. What really got to me though is how many of you not just took time to reach out and say "hey, I'm sorry" but instead "hey, I really enjoyed what you did." That means the world. I don't know how else to say it.
Everyone works to achieve a goal. In the media business, our goal is to produce a product that the consumer enjoys. Apparently I was able to do that on a level I wasn't quite sure about until today.
In the meantime, thanks again for everything. Off to the next one.
Now, woah.
The outpouring of support today has been somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, it's been the only part that's been overwhelming. That is to say, I'm actually okay. For those that don't know, I've been through this before. I was sent packing in Lawrence, KS after a similarly short time on the job in an eerily similar circumstance to here, where the person who hired me left the company and I was gone shortly thereafter.
I had moved my life across the country and started to really settle in to a new place when my world was turned upside down. I survived. I moved on and wound up moving up. There's a lot farther up to go when you're in Lawrence, KS (as a radio market...I absolutely loved the town) than there is in Washington, DC but if I'm able to move on and stay at the same level I was here, I'll be perfectly happy.
And I know I can do it, which brings me back to the woah.
The support today came from all over. It came from colleagues. It came from friends. It came from "competitors" who were always kind no matter what. It came from people I worked along side day in and day out on the beat. It came from people who consumed what we did and apparently quite enjoyed it.
Redskins fans are by far the most passionate fans I've worked with, and that's no small feat considering where I've been. It's a passionate, intimate fandom spread literally around the world. I got emails from Europe and South America from people listening. I was blown away by the passion from the moment it was announced I was coming, and while many were skeptical as I made my way up from Dallas, apparently I did alright.
Of the hundreds of twitter replies I got today, there was one that was negative and it had to do with me coming from Dallas and it literally made me laugh out loud. What really got to me though is how many of you not just took time to reach out and say "hey, I'm sorry" but instead "hey, I really enjoyed what you did." That means the world. I don't know how else to say it.
Everyone works to achieve a goal. In the media business, our goal is to produce a product that the consumer enjoys. Apparently I was able to do that on a level I wasn't quite sure about until today.
This note is already longer than I wanted it to be, but I'd be remiss if I didn't thank everyone at 980 who made the last 5 months an amazing experience, in particular Sheehan and Cooley. Kevin was always available to make sure I was good and to answer any question I had. That's a hell of a resource for a kid trying to figure out this market on the fly. If you liked what I did, thank Kevin. Seriously, he deserves it.
As for Chris, let me put this bluntly. The work I got to do with Cooley will literally shape my life from here on out. How I look at sports is different because of him. He probably won't read this. That's okay. I told him. I sincerely hope everyone realizes how lucky they are to have him. Other markets don't have guys like that. I'm privileged to have worked with the dude and count him as a friend as I move forward.
My family and girlfriend have been amazing in their support and I know they will continue to be. It's part of the reason I know I'm gonna be okay. I'll be employed again, hopefully soon and life will go on. I sincerely hope the passionate Skins fans who have loved what we've done continue to have an outlet that produces the content you crave and deserve. Because make no mistake about it, you deserve it.
All updates on what I'm doing will be here. I'll also probably start writing here and we'll see if we can dust off the "Funemployment Podcast" for old time's sake.
In the meantime, thanks again for everything. Off to the next one.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Work Samples
Below are some samples of my work. For resume and references, please contact me here. For a full archive of my ESPN980.com blog, click here. Please also check out my new website: HoffmanShow.com.
Interview (In Studio):
Talk Show (Solo, Un-Scoped Hour):
Want more of me on TV? Click here or here! Plus, Follow @craighoffman
Talk Show (Co-Host):
Talk Show (As Reporter):
Interview (Phone):
A Conversation With a Coach On a Couch:
Archive of coach conversations: http://www.espn980.com/?s=conversation+with+a+coach+on+a+couch&submit=Search
Reporter Montage:
Talk Show (Game Sample - Headline Jukebox):
Essay (On Rape in College Athletics, from 4/19/14)
Original Imaging Montage (Rejoins, Opens, Bits, etc):
Original Voiced Bit:
Sportscenter Update:
Event-centered Special:
Interview (In Studio):
Talk Show (Solo, Un-Scoped Hour):
Want more of me on TV? Click here or here! Plus, Follow @craighoffman
Talk Show (Co-Host):
Talk Show (As Reporter):
Interview (Phone):
A Conversation With a Coach On a Couch:
Archive of coach conversations: http://www.espn980.com/?s=conversation+with+a+coach+on+a+couch&submit=Search
Reporter Montage:
Talk Show (Game Sample - Headline Jukebox):
Essay (On Rape in College Athletics, from 4/19/14)
Original Imaging Montage (Rejoins, Opens, Bits, etc):
Original Voiced Bit:
Sportscenter Update:
Event-centered Special:
Saturday, August 1, 2015
8-1 DJ and Hoff: The Last Hurrah
The final edition of DJ and Hoff essentially started with 20 minutes of Jason Garrett talking. I cut that part out and replaced it with a funny 2 second edit of Jason Garrett talking. You're welcome.
During the rest of the show we talked about the Rangers, the Cowboys and had some fun at each other's expense. We also talked with Amin Elhassan and Adnan Virk before I say goodbye.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
7-18 DJ & Hoff: Scott Van Pelt from St. Andrews
Scott Van Pelt checks in from Scotland to talk about The Open Championship.
At the end of the interview, I was able to share some thoughts with Scott on his recently ended radio show. I've always thought it's important to show appreciation where it's due and I learned more from listening to Scott and Ryen Russillo do their show than I did from anywhere else about radio. Simply put, to have the opportunity to share that was pretty damn cool.
At the end of the interview, I was able to share some thoughts with Scott on his recently ended radio show. I've always thought it's important to show appreciation where it's due and I learned more from listening to Scott and Ryen Russillo do their show than I did from anywhere else about radio. Simply put, to have the opportunity to share that was pretty damn cool.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Jenny Taft on WWC
Fox Sports USWNT Insider Jenny Taft talks to me on the eve of the final, where the US looks for revenge against Japan.
Coverage is at 4pm on your local Fox station.
Coverage is at 4pm on your local Fox station.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
5-3 Mavs Magazine
This is the final edition of Mavs Magazine for the 2014-15 season! Thanks to all for listening all year long, and especially to those of you here. It's one thing to listen because you're in your car and I'm on the station you normally listen to, but to actually take the time to find the podcast is a whole other level of dedication as a listener. I appreciate that. I'll try to write on occasion in absences of the show during the off-season, so keep checking back!
Segment 1 - The End of an Era?
Segment 2 - Jay Allen, Rip City Radio (Portland)
Segment 3 - Marc Stein, ESPN
Segment 4 - Marc Stein, thank you and goodbye
Segment 1 - The End of an Era?
Segment 2 - Jay Allen, Rip City Radio (Portland)
Segment 3 - Marc Stein, ESPN
Segment 4 - Marc Stein, thank you and goodbye
Sunday, April 26, 2015
4-26 Mavs Magazine
Seg 1: Where Rondo Went Wrong
Seg 2: Mike Meltser, SportsRadio 610 Houston
Seg 3: The Problem With Rebuilding
Seg 4: Free Agency Questions
Sunday, April 19, 2015
4-18 Mavs Magazine
The playoffs are here!
OPEN - "A Season of Change"
2:20 - Three Things I'm Looking For
11:30 - Chuck Cooperstein, Voice of the Mavs
26:00 - Amin Elhassan, ESPN NBA Front Office Insider
36:13 - Tim MacMahon, ESPN.com Mavs Reporter
46:24 - Calvin Watkins, ESPN.com Rockets Reporter
56:30 - Mike Tirico, ESPN
1:12:46 - Closing Thoughts
OPEN - "A Season of Change"
2:20 - Three Things I'm Looking For
11:30 - Chuck Cooperstein, Voice of the Mavs
26:00 - Amin Elhassan, ESPN NBA Front Office Insider
36:13 - Tim MacMahon, ESPN.com Mavs Reporter
46:24 - Calvin Watkins, ESPN.com Rockets Reporter
56:30 - Mike Tirico, ESPN
1:12:46 - Closing Thoughts
Sunday, April 12, 2015
4-12 Mavs Magazine
Segment 1 - The Magical Spurs
Segment 2 - Mike Breen, ESPN
Segment 3 - Baxter Holmes, ESPN The Magazine
Segment 4 - Kristen Ledlow, NBA TV
"Good At Math, Bad At People" by Baxter Holmes: http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/12587848/old-questions-surface-new-dallas-mavericks-point-guard-rajon-rondo
Monday, April 6, 2015
4-5 Mavs Magazine
Segment 1 - Are we taking the 2015 Mavs for granted?
Segment 2 - Ethan Strauss, ESPN.com
Segment 3 - Lee Jenkins, Sports Illustrated
Segment 4 - Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio
Sunday, March 22, 2015
3-22 Mavs Magazine
Seg 1 - A Maverick Reality
Seg 2 - Jeff Platt on getting "Pop'd" and the Mavs
Seg 3 - Jorge Sedano on the West
Seg 4 - Marc Stein on Steve Nash
Sunday, March 15, 2015
3-15 Mavs Magazine
Segment 1 - The Box Score Comparison Game
Segment 2 - Nancy Lieberman
Segment 3 - Dirk's Decline
Segment 4 - Amar'e Steps Up, Marc Stein
Sunday, February 8, 2015
2-8 Mavs Magazine
Seg 1 - Mavs comeback to beat the Blazers
Seg 2 - Marc Kestecher
Seg 3 - Dean Smith thoughts, Al-Farouq Aminu's emergence
Seg 4 - Stein on Clippers, Parsons rebounding, calls
Sunday, January 25, 2015
1-25 Mavs Magazine
Seg 1 - Rick Carlisle gets defensive
Seg 2 - Kevin Pelton, ESPN.com
Seg 3 - ESPN's Amin Elhassan on Carlisle
Seg 4 - Elhassan on Rondo, Ellis and more
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