We’ve avoided the whole Ben Roethlisberger case, along with the ESPN twist, for several days.
We really haven’t done it intentionally; we’ve had a few story ideas, but we’ve just never made it down that far on our running list of things to write.
As a result, we haven’t said anything about, for example, ESPN executive John Walsh’s mini damage-control media tour with Dan Patrick and Mike Francesa.
But we couldn’t ignore this one.
Dale Hansen reportedly quit his job at ESPN Radio’s Dallas affiliate after he was told during his show to ix-nay on the Oethlisberger-ray discussions.
As the Big Lead points out, it’s possible that Hansen’s decision was influenced in part by the fact that he had been working without a contract for six months. Still, Hansen is (to our knowledge) the only person to vote with his feet as a result of the mother ship’s inexplicable decision not to mention the Roethlisberger case.
It’s ESPN’s loss, in our view. He’s been a hero in these parts ever since we first saw his rant against the Cowboys’ decision last year to acquire Pacman Jones.
is it really a “rant” when he’s reading the whole time?
I grew up in Dallas … I always liked Dale Hansen, when he was doing sports for the (I believe) ABC affiliate there. He’s a consummate sportsman, and ESPN will miss his talents.
By the way, this, if true, proves Florio was right about ESPN’s conspiracy to keep this covered up, no?
So, a guy who was working without a contract decided to leave. This is the earth shattering news that made you pick this up again?
Yes you can rant off a script. Good for him.
who the hell is hanson,why are we talking about him
The only reason I know of him is because I’ve watched (and admired) that youtube clip several times.
If that editorial is a good indicator of what he’s usually like, I’m surprised he was under ESPN (actually any big media company) in the first place.
I agree ,good for him. You know that O saying,
I was looking for a job when I found this one
My favorite line from the clip is, “If character really doesn’t matter, why don’t they sign Osama Bin Laden to play wide receiver….
….he’s six-four and we know nobody can catch him.”
ESPN won’t bat an eye at Dale’s departure. There are literally hundreds of journalists ready to take his place. Sad, but true.
Dale just had an emo event. he’ll be okay.
That’s America’s Team! So are the Atlanta Braves. When the man in the hat left, so did the ambiance(sp) of the Cowboys. The owner is ruining them. I hate the Cowboys, but it would be a shame to see them at the level of Lions, Raiders, etc… that’s where they are headed.
HAHAHA the osama bin asspacker joke was funny!
Hansen has never been shy with his rants. The one man in all of Texas that stood up to Jerrah. My hat’s off to Dale.
ESPN only reports what they want. Dallas Cowboys were linked to the steroid prob with Barry Bonds and I never heard them talk about it. And not just one player lots of them. But the only thing these people report as about Favre,T.O.,Packman the list goes on. They stay away from certain teams.
I can’t believe Dallas F-ing Texas gets this extraordinary level of journalism on their LOCAL NEWS….
I’ve never heard of this guy, but I applaud you, sir. In this 3 minute rant he exposes the decaying reputation of the once proud Dallas Cowboys franchise, middle/upper class white mens’ obsession/hatred of black pro athletes, and even the ‘war on terror’
It’s difficult to find this kind of truth on national news programs, much less your “Wendy with the Weather at 6″ local broadcast….
If only there were an INDEPENDENT sports news website that NEEDED (hmm….yes, that means you, Aaron Wilson, you’re terrible) a good writer with an intelligent point of view.
Wow, I haven’t heard a better analysis of the team I root for to lose every Sunday, well done Dale! Jerry Jones is the next Al Davis with some George Steinbrenner sprinkled in for good measure. Never sell the team Jerry!
Yes, what this world needs is more ranting. That’ll change things.
There is no story here only the one advanced by Florio.
“”a result of the mother ship’s inexplicable decision not to mention the Roethlisberger case.”"
Wait a second. “Not mention” and “Instructing employees not to mention” are two vastly different concepts.
What is going on in Disneyland? Are the “owners” of Disney, who play a prominent role in the mind control of our children, blatantly racist?
I would love to hear a valid argument against the thought. The history of this company speaks volumes. A quick google search pretty much sums it up.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=disney+racist&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10
and this one.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/221275/?tag=Disney
?
ESPN is so full of crap! They initially said they wouldnt report the story because it was a civil matter. Thats BS!. Last year they were all over the civil matter between Randy Moss and another woman and the allegation never included rape. But they jumped on it and rode it for all the money they could make. Ther are numerous other examples of them reporting on civil cases. ESPN needs a competitor to keep them honest.
oh yeah i forgot to add!!!!
as the BIGBEN SEXGATE continues to roll……………….
Dale Hansen knows nothing about football, and his show and commentary were absolute crap with a capital C.
As for ESPN….you suck too!
DevilsAdvocate is right, if this were a story including someone from the Patriots, ESPN would have non-stop coverage. I get all my football news from this site and direct from NFL network. All other sources are like every other big conglommerate media outlet-it’s about gossip, not the who, what, when, and where (ie. the facts). Gossip about the Pats is a big seller. Belichick is especially an easy target because everybody hates him. Big Ben and the Steelers, like the Manning brothers, are the Darlings of the NFL. Notice how ESPN hasn’t even attempted to save face? No accountability.
After reading entries, one after another, it’s comical to see some narrow minded soul blast a man who has made a life in the sports world. My guess is, proV is not only a cowgirl fan, but also a fan of these self-absorbed, over paid criminals pretending to be football players…. and he’s just upset because he now has to buy a new T.O. poster for above his bed
He’s a self-important blowhard that left because he was making a measly “$2000 a week” for 5 hours of radio. Seriously?
Anybody else notice the “civil suit” against Jeremy Mayfield now they throwing in our faces. Like oh, we’re not racist anymore we’re going to throw every civil suit imaginable on our news reports to cover our *sses.
“After reading entries, one after another, it’s comical to see some narrow minded soul blast a man who has made a life in the sports world.”
So you won’t be “blasting” anybody that has made a life in the sports world?
I’m glad at least one man had the balls to tell ESPN to shove it.
Hosstyle, well put!!
Vox, read again…
[quote]MasterShake says:
July 30, 2009 1:09 AM
That’s America’s Team! So are the Atlanta Braves. When the man in the hat left, so did the ambiance(sp) of the Cowboys. The owner is ruining them. I hate the Cowboys, but it would be a shame to see them at the level of Lions, Raiders, etc… that’s where they are headed.[/quote]
Just desserts and long long overdue.
The cowgirls were getting preferred treatment even when landry was there. Check out the girls versus the Cardinals in the 70′s and 80′s as well as the infamous Vikings playoff loss.
Florio, you write, we (at profootball talk) and ESPN have had no recent interest in covering the Roesthlisberger Civil Rape Case in Nevada(You are a Lawyer). Has PFT gotten the same memo that ESPN employees got also. ESPN is irrelevant in my eyes now. As a hard core NFL fan, I believe they have been derelict in their duty related to the Civil case of Roethlisberger. I will not support any print or TV programming related to ESPN FROM THIS DAY FORWARD. World Wide Leader. What a joke that organization has become. Ruined reputation to be in bed with Big Ben.
As for PFT, Florio you have built this site to the point were I fill it important enough and respect it enough to visit it daily to get information and perpestive that I might not other wise get elsewhere even if I happen to disagree with it. Is Ben Roethlisberger worth risking the relationship you have developed with us as fans that visit your site everyday?
Shout out to Dale Hansen, your’e a dying breed. Hope like hell you get work immediately, if you already haven’t.
It’s not racism, it’s nepotism – or some sort of favoritism. Due to “Steeler Nation’s” overwhelming visibility (i.e. fans willingness to spend money) the NFL does everything it can to advance the franchise. (How else do you explain the officiating for their last 2 superbowl wins – especially SB XL).
ESPN just knows who butters its bread.
dale hansen and the cowgirl fans down in texas way take their football WAAAAAAYYYY too seriously.
comparing mccarthyism to jerry jones?
osama bin laden as a wide receiver?
If comparisons are to be made at least stick to entertainment figures and not use illogical comparisons to world changing events, of which the cowgirls are not and never will be a part of.
But perhaps that’s all texas cares about.
“The cowgirls were getting preferred treatment even when landry was there. Check out the girls versus the Cardinals in the 70′s and 80′s as well as the infamous Vikings playoff loss.”
hahaha oh please.
Yeah I guess you missed the time that the Giants were awarded a safety against the Cowboys on a kickoff, Jerry Kramer offsides in the Ice Bowl, bad phantom interference call on Everson Walls against Pat Tilley, bad call against Mel Renfro in the Super Bowl against the Colts, same guy making a bad call against Benny Barnes in the Super Bowl against the Steelers and I could go on and on.
HA hansen is clownin on both the jones. He makes sense pacman is a worthless thug not to mention he MAYBE has the skills and awareness to play nickelback in the NFL
This is a non-story seriously who cares? The guy will find another job somewhere. If ESPN wanted him he would have had a contract. From what I’ve seen the guy is a grandstander and a drama queen. As for Mike Florio he is absolutely the worst. The two should be best buddies.