Matt Vasgersian, the Brewers' TV play-by-play announcer
since '97, has been named NBC's play-by-play announcer for
its Saturday night XFL broadcasts beginning February 3. He
will be teamed with color commentator and MN Gov. Jesse
Ventura. Chicago-based WMAQ-NBC Sports Dir Mike Adamle and
L.A.-based KNBC Sports Dir Fred Roggin will be reporters
during the broadcasts (XFL/NBC). Vasgersian, on taking the
new role: "I made it clear from the outset that if they were
looking for a Ronnie Radio-type, I was the wrong guy. I'm
really excited to be part of something that doesn't require
cliched sports-speak at every turn. ... I can't wait to give
the governor a harumph" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 11/22).
Vasgersian: "The perceived legitimacy of [the XFL] certainly
was a concern [with the job]. ... What sold me on that was a
conversation I had with [WWF Chair Vince] McMahon when he
said, 'You know if something is bull, call it bull. You are
the arbiter in the booth. If something is weak, you can
call it weak.' That's not limited to players. If one of
our sideline guys fumbles something on the field, call him
out, goof on him, bust his hump" (JOURNAL SENTINEL, 11/22).
VENTURA SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT: In Minneapolis,
Robert Whereatt cites Ventura as telling a KFAN-AM radio
audience yesterday that if the XFL had a franchise in MN,
"he would not have taken the job" as an analyst with NBC.
Whereatt adds that Ventura "did not explain why that would
make a difference" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/22).
START ME UP: BRIDGE NEWS' Jennifer Allen noted the WWF
reported yesterday that the XFL's startup costs, half of
which will be paid by partner NBC, "could double in the
third quarter" from the $6.5M reported during the second
quarter of 2000, and will "ramp up in the fourth quarter."
XFL costs for the six months ended October 27 were $8M.
Meanwhile, Allen added that XFL advertisers "are being
guaranteed ratings" of 5.0 for NBC broadcasts, and 3.5 to
4.0 for games on cable (BRIDGE NEWS, 11/21).
