Hit job on Gil & Gino by Chad Finn today

[QuantumMechanic]

In typical a--holeish Globe fashion, Chad Finn executes a Christmas drive-by on Gil & Gino today.

Now, to be fair there's much truth in the article and I also think that it's time for Gino to go. But geez -- how about waiting until the season's over for the hit piece?

And while I believe I can live with Zolak on color, if Idiot Tanguay replaces Gil, I think I'd rather listen to the opposing team's radio broadcast.

 

[BTTA]

While a couple of days before Christmas is bad timing indeed (and we don't know how much of that is Finn and how much is editor's decision), I read the piece saying to myself, "there aren't many writers left in Boston who would have the nerve to write this...good for him."

 

[IcyPatriot]

In typical a--holeish Globe fashion, Chad Finn executes a Christmas drive-by on Gil & Gino today.

Now, to be fair there's much truth in the article and I also think that it's time for Gino to go. But geez -- how about waiting until the season's over for the hit piece?

And while I believe I can live with Zolak on color, if Idiot Tanguay replaces Gil, I think I'd rather listen to the opposing team's radio broadcast.

Fair journalism is not always truthful journalism. There's is much truth in the article so you're 'hit piece' comment is way off base. The topic is relevant and necessary and the fans listening by radio deserve more - the announcers should reflect the team belief in excellence. Gil can still hang on as a pre or post show guy ... I see nothing wrong with the article. Sometimes a kick in the butt is needed to bring the reality of the situation more clear to all involved.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Sounds similiar to what happened here in the burgh with Myron Cope.

In his situation, a trusted friend came to him and told him it was time.

 

[PatsGuy]

Sounds similiar to what happened here in the burgh with Myron Cope.

In his situation, a trusted friend came to him and told him it was time.

Actually when I read the article my first reaction was to say that Finn was putting into words what many people are thinking but afraid to express. They're icons within Boston media and to the Patriots.
That's interesting about Cope. When did he first broadcast Steeler games?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

While a couple of days before Christmas is bad timing indeed (and we don't know how much of that is Finn and how much is editor's decision), I read the piece saying to myself, "there aren't many writers left in Boston who would have the nerve to write this...good for him."

Agreed
I'm a day one fan who YEARS ago stopped listening to these fine guys because like Brett Favre eventually we all get too far behind the curve to keep doing what you do. There was nothing nasty in the piece. Is news and opinion to go on hold because Christmas is a few days away?

I could live with Zo replacing Gino. And as long as that awful Meatperson from D&C doesn't get Gil's job I'm good.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Zolak replacing Gino would be fine (which is surprising, giving what a tool Zolak is when paired with Idiot Gresh on 98.5). But Tanguay would be TERRIBLE.

 

[PatsDeb]

These threads crop up every once in a while and I always defend Gil and Geno. I like them. I find Gil's regularly misidentifying players and plays, and Geno's gentle corrections of him endearing and entertaining. I also like that they are homers with a brain. They certainly cheer the Pats on, but they don't scream like lunatics when something great happens, and when the Pats are playing badly, they say so, but gently, and they don't keep harping on the Pats (or on how fabulous the opponent is) like the national broadcasters or other team broadcasters. There is something dignified about them and losing them to the likes of Zo and Gresh (shudder on that one, in a big way) or Tanguay (another shudder) would be a big loss to our "local color."

I admit I haven't had to listen to them this year, except at the very end of a few games, so I don't know if things have gotten a lot worse, but be careful what you wish for, I say.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Link.

A fairly reasonable story, and I agree that the little errors do add up and make it frustrating. I had the game on the car radio coming home from a family party Sunday and it was difficult to follow at times; things like being slow to say a receiver's name after a catch or where on the field a flag was thrown. (And I remember the Ochocinco call differently than Finn: It was more like "Guess who? (pause) (painful pause). TOM BRADY!! (pause) (pause). (Then ...) Chad . . . Ocho . . . CINCO!"

Santos and his voice have such an important role in the history of Boston sports — "pulse-pounding moment" and all that — and let's face it, I doubt ratings are down (a subject missing from Finn's piece). Maybe they can find some sort of way to keep him involved.

 

[Seacoast Fan]

I haven't seen the Globe article, but I started a thread here last week or so about whether it was time for Gil and Gino to go, and there was still alot of support for them in this forum. I've been listening to them for years, but I think its time for both to retire. Gil's voice is great but he makes alot of mistakes, and Gino has flat out lost it. On Monday night I was on the road and listened to the Pitt/SD game on the radio for about half the game. I dont know the play-by-play guy, but he was teamed with Dan Fouts, and they were way, way, way better then Gil and Gino, especially Fouts on the color.

 

[xmarkd400x]

I think most everyone agrees that Gil & Gino are due for replacement at some point, probably in the not-too-distant future.

That said, why write this article two days before Christmas? I think if is were written at another time, this article would seem like objective analysis. Written now, it seems like a personal attack.

 

[DarrylS]

Difficult to let go of the both of them, as during the 90's they were a beacon of light on Sunday's when I worked and had to listen to the radio or when they were always blacked out. He has been doing it since 1966.. that is a long time in that business.

Neither of them are sexy or will not twitter, but they know the Patriots, their subtleties and the game.

I do not care for the current folks mentioned, would really like to see Troy or Tedy on the color part of the broadcast... Zo is ok, but there are much better choices.

The play by play person should have "pipes" comparable to Gil... not sure of who can fit that bill. Tanguay is a pyss poor choice..

 

[cstjohn17]

In typical a--holeish Globe fashion, Chad Finn executes a Christmas drive-by on Gil & Gino today.

Now, to be fair there's much truth in the article and I also think that it's time for Gino to go. But geez -- how about waiting until the season's over for the hit piece?

And while I believe I can live with Zolak on color, if Idiot Tanguay replaces Gil, I think I'd rather listen to the opposing team's radio broadcast.

It is funny, the Globe prides itself as being a beacon of integrity but when push comes to shove they have to move products. Remember Jackie MacMullen's article on Ted Johnson right before the Superbowl. It was a well written piece that highlighted the dark side of the sport but its timing made the article sensational.

Most of the media are sheep and would never have the stones to write a piece like this. As I read it I didn't have any issue with the content, Gil and Gino are pretty brutal but brutal in a old fashioned kind of humorous way.

I wish they could have gone out with a little more style and dignity, but very few of us will be able to choose our exit, when the reaper shows up, it is time to pay.

 

[The Boston Patriot]

A graceful exit along with the accolades from a couple of generations of faithful fans would be the right thing for these two fabulous icons of Patriots football broadcasting. Father Time has caught up to them like it will do with everyone. Please Gil & Gino, don't stay until the haters start flogging you.

 

[Mark Morse]

I was crucified when I started a thread about this subject a year ago. Its obvious that CBS knows its time for Gino to go, thats why Zo is a sideline reporter. Zo has had to correct them many times and fill in when Gino is stumbling. I actually find Zo's opinions and analysis refreshing.

I could see Gil staying on for a few years, or THEY could decide to go out together. How would someone like Sean McDonough be as the announcer?

 

[Raymond]

Gino is 77 years old. How many of us could expect to hold onto our lively hood/profession for that long without being pushed out by a more capable replacement.

They have been blessed. It's time to go.

Imagine how much he has in his 401k.

 

[patfanken]

I could see Gil staying on for a few years, or THEY could decide to go out together. How would someone like Sean McDonough be as the announcer?

Actually that's a great idea. McDonough has the pipes, the experience, the professionalism, and the Boston roots. It would be a great segue from Gill and Geno and much better than some of the names already mentioned.

 

[shmessy]

i was crucified when i started a thread about this subject a year ago. Its obvious that cbs knows its time for gino to go, thats why zo is a sideline reporter. Zo has had to correct them many times and fill in when gino is stumbling. I actually find zo's opinions and analysis refreshing.

I could see gil staying on for a few years, or they could decide to go out together. How would someone like sean mcdonough be as the announcer?

cbs???????

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Actually when I read the article my first reaction was to say that Finn was putting into words what many people are thinking but afraid to express. They're icons within Boston media and to the Patriots.
That's interesting about Cope. When did he first broadcast Steeler games?

Myron was a beat reporter in the 50's and 60's.

He had a really interesting opinion of Roberto Clemente'.

He started doing Steeler's radio in the 1970's, I believe (he was in his 40's). He actually was the inventor of the Terrible Towel.

2004 was his last year and he was in his 70's.

He died a few years ago.

 

[DaBruinz]

Personally, I think it would be better to bring in some local fresh faces who have never been affiliated with the team but are knowledgeable about football. Personally, I can't stand Zolak. The times I've heard him, he's sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard and just as dry..

The idea that only former football players have the ability to announce games is just silly. A younger voice who can show the same dignity and professionalism as Gino but with their own flair is what is needed.