Michael Wilbon, ESPN

Welcome back it is the fourth and final hour Dennis and Callahan -- safely say Jerry without fear of contradiction. That no guest in Dennis and Callahan history. Has the ability to discuss a wide variety of subjects both sports and non sports with more aplomb but our friend from ESPN Michael will one part in eruption. Michael joins us on the phone lines -- right Estonia Manila aplomb and it's one word not a plot well applaud right. Michael good morning. You're paired with excel -- it it has been a long time I I just want you to I would repeat some of that to -- number of years ago. Viewers is only one of programs I set as -- series on my DVR you would Tony. Orders -- Michael do yourself a -- and it'll make you feel good about the message a little sun and the always in the Cheerios and stuff around -- house. It'll make you feel good about what will it. Optical so you're not -- your -- in Vancouver are you going to go.

Note note note the Winter Olympics are oh in my life I've done. For your 43. Well that went out there but no television life now keeps me from. When the Summer Olympics are still planned it to an Olympic.

Good choice by choice it is a lot of work it is it winners of the order Olympics it's a good TV. Thing Michael.

You know I don't like being -- going to fund the arts stories like what coral like. You know -- all the weird things. I I just I'm not gonna wash system. And and I are particular calling in BC's coverage lifetime TV. Because this just -- for. For me if not I'm not the audience they're looking for and -- not gonna get -- That's still -- doing I don't want us out critical because the businesses. -- you know whatever it is twenty some million night. But the lack of commitment to -- I want a hockey when the real sports. Policy gains -- not. You know soft interviews -- what did the what did dorm but there's they've lost people like me in the -- much air because. They're getting a bigger on.

I sent to my wife less than an American Idol is on the same time is figure skating -- taken. There have to be exact same move good good people.

But that's right it's the -- shuttle. Should. -- might wanna -- minute she watches. Television we're going to look into 1 company this morning I don't -- in BA and try to check on trade in the stuff that I care much more.

That this may be an unanswerable question Michael but to what extent do you think Dick Ebersol had a hand in rearranging the women's Alpine. So that. They they American Beauty contents key at least within some competitive fashion.

The same hand it up you know a million that would have. You know. No you'll ever admit it but I believe that apps to. And solicited. To Tony yes these are using a conspiracy MacBook or conspiracy is that unilateral decision -- 222. To get Lynn Barton. As much. I -- as I read her comments from yesterday correctly now they're getting involved but step it could sort of backfired but still. Whether or not she -- in the weather that is going to be comfortable they wanted her to be on in BC as much as possible.

Will issue. It may hurt her down the road in multiple events but the first event she's going to -- is the favorite is the -- she's the favorite to win gold in two would be a successful Olympics or if she wins gold today and doesn't win -- after that. Also. Right. Glimmer of that -- that downhill what are you guys gonna do Michael what time do you tape cause she's.

We're right around. Well what people -- up for thirty.

So you'll know whether she won.

Will only what time is gonna answer what.

It starts -- to what time that and a mere annual and before you know you probably know if you want and --

We'll wait I mean the world will look -- equipment be live week with a lot sometimes anyway it will will be -- we have to -- that. That is an over a couple of things in the in the Winter Olympics are Mexican Kara. And -- on one. For me that is the greatest hockey term in the world and people don't realize that because -- shuttle on the mother ship on the part of off somewhere but it's the best to meet -- that's like terminal I don't I don't. No it -- not like. The fighting including European ratio is an obstruction. I Ide despite tested and so what I could see. Artistry of the greatest players in the world. Over two term -- seen in person. A couple of times -- it its its its mesmerizing and I care about that artistic development department but it.

I assume retirement the men's.

Yes says that eighteen to 100 games. Yeah -- I -- with the women's hockey what do I think first Europe it was not you know. And it wasn't. I don't remember that Japan will be an awful team that wasn't the -- hundred role warlock but probably that the.

you're I'm in the same position as you because my partner here isn't. Really in the figure -- and back. -- I go to the same thing every day.

Yeah I'm just I'm not gonna want to I would go to Olympics and not watch. And that will be you know back in Dayton Newspapers that ten people one of the Winter Olympics. There were enough people want to go watch that that I wouldn't. I'll go over everything else that they ski and I look I understand speaking artistry is that these people are incredible act. But like the old Soviet sport.

Our Michael so you lose a bet with Tony and you have to spend two hours last night watching one of three programs would be American Idol. Westminster Kennel Club will be Olympic men's figure skating.

Well I actually -- the Westminster Kennel Club Nokia that was that was that was lot of mountains like god would at a table and got to another top. And then it was sort of all basketball well.

Pay a UN Tony at the change the subject away from the Olympics for you and Tony the other day were debating the merits. A trading expiring contracts in the NBA this week Tony seems to think it's unfair of the season ticket holders who show up NC a team that's been stripped the ball the value you say it's the other team trying to get better and that team. Getting better for the future. Any idea any guess as to whether you think Ray Allen will finish this year with the Celtics.

Why are we a week I didn't think so. I didn't think so and I think that the Celtics. Art to get better they got it -- meet Robin yeah. You know that our contest tape and then they can. Nick can help from the little of the name Robinson I don't. If they don't they don't trade rate for something. That'll you know the Philippines in. Can be in the big picture yet. I believe -- round playoff barely. If they finish fourth they get they can certainly be upset by. Placed in the disputed. That did think he kissed me help you there at that point that we've seen the commodities. There's just too little to do that now at its its a shame because -- them and I'd -- you know expressing reality reality is to simply. One of my favorite people -- gotten though congress works in my whole thirties to one. -- essentially Ray Allen -- really for him his success. But I I I don't know how facilities to this without making it.

And what what are you here do you hear that that Allen goes to force them to some other team.

Well after all these guys. I don't know -- but. The more things that I kept checking up -- last nine talking a couple people a little bit about report so in the longer in unity in the old beat -- do that but. And talk of people it it is so those things sort of cool now that was such further rumors about. You know other people -- people who really talk in more obviously about what. Rock has been with -- should -- contract in Nixon what you know certain teams that do but you know for a while you heard it. That the Celtics were interested in certainly in the perhaps Kirk Hinrich Tyrus Thomas and certain combinations of people. I think that they need to. Know younger. More social players and play a lot of minutes and several things that it -- our All-Star turn. You need to diet helped the couple positions. In the playoffs I don't think that would help greatly especially if cracked -- and -- And upkeep populace is best therapy. Well -- mr. I can speak to stop is to help themselves that they did -- not -- I think -- I also think apple way to reality. Could help a team. Given where -- where he might go but I you know I don't know which room's up Levy because so many rooms trade rumors of of baseball basketball. Rated in the baseball. Approaching their tree line and just sit there Vodafone which happens. I don't I again I it is still not Celtics to. Advance playoffs they have some sort of deal to.

We're talking with the ESPN and beat Diaz Michael will one Michael is ridiculous it's a statement may seem on the surface. Is it possible to make you case but the Los Angeles Lakers are better team emphasis on the word team without Kobe in the lineup and old sound outrageous to say don't.

And it it'd be better. The sixteenth in the regular season they finished that they win their image of course that last like violent.

Who do in the game winner lakers -- What is on -- onions.

Okay I'm being prepped for a without -- yes IE that they can do that the regular season they they could not and that they couldn't win. They couldn't win two games. Are in the playoffs without precedent that may be in the for for. That they are back they would pay if they got them like Oklahoma City. For -- Pepsi Melamine in the regular season sure it's nice they -- and Coby. I think it would be about you. It is still in the nation you know you know code comes back but don't play -- that could not to co -- I'm sure despite -- little success on the.

On the heels of the All-Star weekend in particular the dreadful Saturday stuff. Any ideas how how to tweak this thing I know you've talked about. David Stern not being interested in USA versus the world ice figure out of your old enough remember the old by tell us one on one.

Yes hey out that I -- enough if you ever used the products I don't know. What about a fields.

Eight or sixteen which eventually gets winnowed down to all I don't know Kobe vs LeBron in a one on one contests to eleven I.

He has the one that -- they won't do it now because the injury to the possibility. That I black people I -- getting into note in the war so that image in practice was to. I I love that that was great watching network that yes I mean it's like -- really the best they are really important ethnic. Now I've -- rocket at. -- I really do believe that the USA versus world format its dimensions that chips sold many terrific international players and the lead sort of missed the window and that spec it would be. And great three years ago. -- don't agree it will be -- again until we use an actual work. They have this they have to be inventive and they don't wanna be they're not adjusted net. Just invested in -- sort of protecting what -- I think I think. All leaves could steal what they do that -- all got all about it's we and then and then decide it's. Overhaul of -- is going to work and it's much better product but you also Saturday now used to be open. Our attractions draw can't wait to see -- now to particularly if and so.

about Michael as you know these Super Bowl set a record beat the -- match became the highest watched TV most watched show ever we're already predicting that that will be topped. In April if tiger is involved in the in the final group of the masters. That'll that'll -- the Super Bowl. Well we're not quite sure when he's coming back and if you have any insight on that but I door talked about you don't actually you actually had an original take on this. Which is hard to do with -- all the tiger talk. You've never seen an athlete who's the best in his field. Who is faithful to was what was not a -- Hollander was not. The -- of slander other than Jackie Robinson.

Never seen it won't likely be. I mean the amiga but of the iconic -- look on the list and -- this entry are. I don't know I've never heard -- about Jack so that would be. I know I've never heard that at all about Jack. And Jack of course was on top. So maybe I I think I think -- did I figured that Jackie Robinson technically only two with the -- this year he's seeing. About those guys then of course Jackie Robert completed to -- we often did here which is about room. And there were -- the meteor.

No you don't list you go -- let's don't really want to chat about it you know Magic Johnson -- yeah Jordan.

Yeah I probably count single guys like you will and Jim Graham didn't you know wanting -- know that they certainly you know what would -- qualified as green as separate and it talked. I -- just that the notion that this is somehow surprising unlike -- talk. To people and our business. Who start you know these sermons as well as slapped that you know one out. You know it's just it's like you can you can pick the position on this critical that the acts surprised that -- like it's news.

Michael there's a lot of speculation that the insulated venue that would be the have a stock you know known reverses -- worth is where he'll come back bay hill were Arnie might be able protect him a little bit tickle me off when I go to Houston and and play a masters might be the schedule being that as it may. Also scenario not a mean schedule it was a scenario how you think. He engineers and we know he and his people do that better than anybody else his comeback is comeback but the media is comeback but the galleries his comeback to competition and has come back to the majors how do you see -- out what does he do how does it make it happen.

But really what -- can control that is sort of how he -- the world -- You know the first -- we thought it was you know Hello World was the second time which is going to be next. He's gonna tap into -- or something where it's before we could do it. I don't know if you can do it with all well sort of I think you're -- it in live time. And if not take questions you don't have to have a long statement and to hear from him that he can he can control back to some degree. Cannot and a controlled political play and that's what that's it works I mean no matter what. You know Kobe Bryant says after a Colorado it's -- Colorado episode. He comes back into the game winning shot in the playoffs that's that's what you get beat galleries or the crowd back with you and people have been able to. This is so much more. Magical ride and I -- mystery. And I'm at and and there are a lot there a lot more I mean that Mike Tyson read it you know they're they're people who. Have been accused of crime. Tiger Woods is not. An insult the notion to meet you can get people win people back. But when when he does best is like so many others before him. That's -- like two million people -- so nice about this that that people look at the content and a lot of people I think. Who maybe didn't like -- we will gain some sort of human credibility with you know it is not the -- gonna be comfortable causes all gonna be incredibly uncomfortable. I'm gonna play out and international public stage which is gonna make as you know their people giggle or went to whatever it is. But I feel the same scenario -- I think -- I don't I I keep hope -- I keep hoping he won't miss the master I want as he tackled was the call it the reasoning I've gotten. Just unparalleled joy out of in my life from sports watching perspective just worked right watch. Ali fighting out the kid Michael Jordan playing basketball which which I've got to chronicle quotes inside the ropes alt --

And -- where skating with that yeah.

I mean we're. An end and I was playing without the -- those three things that that I have gotten so much to add up but I'd I'd change. I didn't really planting -- plan my wedding around. Old basketball playoffs that I could not certain things and so. You know I feel about web while watching tiger and watch -- company -- when he comes back and I hope it's about a I don't know that we're all think. In the -- well he wins at the national I don't know -- we know what you know he's reached would like to me. And so I I I I know we're just thought yes and I talk to people normally know like what's gonna do when they don't know we'd. So I think -- just brought to sit and wait in the open it is simply.

Michael what is there any doubt in your mind that when he does combat can when he meets the media whether he does the Oprah sit down -- this this large press conference that once that is done and out of the way there will be a rule read in every golf media room from here to you know. The Ryder Cup at the Celtic manor in Wales. That says. He's taking golf questions only if the question comes up about his personal life you'll get up and walk out.

Yep that there's no question in my mind then localism and it'll it's somebody will. Com and they'll be some against intense moments ago these. Moments but. And it and it was fraught and floppy at this -- this stuff too I mean I accept those things with. With -- I remember. I remember David Cook replied that the need to run and it was that it was in the Kobe was gonna shut the quote -- I it was they had him -- you don't gotta have stuff we we act that act -- it's -- this world and I believe -- we talk about this now. I want to have you back on the show in April we get the playoffs what we don't talk talk with 2003. It. -- I I would appreciate that and we we what we did that we get that there was -- got to a time if you talk about it thoroughly. That -- well you don't want everybody want to say. One -- is so ridiculous album you know six seconds after transmission happened that was what we want noted that. That we have it on -- on yet. That they can get to that point and I don't know witnessed with tiger aspect going to be you're.

Yeah it'll be longer than the than any of the other guys you mentioned -- we we wonder who -- how he's gonna make is comeback. Appear and not on the golf course off the golf course indeed those convince its Oprah uptick in -- may five good minutes.

I. Sorry you -- probably true of thirty minutes you know we would kill for whatever program we got that -- week. If tiger was talked about it you know we. -- met with abuse in. But because the real I think he's got to it maybe would be. I think he's got to sit and and in some -- I think it'd be in the room. Q do you know sit with old time and so Euro or you know wherever. Should raise I don't I don't -- you can't help.

We'll -- to address to be ice breaker moment where he does all this visceral way. A-Rod did with Peter Gammons and and get that one on one thing out of the way and then meet the media and -- they.

Let's work we want got to. He used act appeal to me that yeah otherwise. It would if you run the risk if you don't. We step in the waddle off press conferences or -- can block or control and so. Seek to control and certainly -- would then solidity term it. So what the sponsors they would want with that awkward instance I think you have to with a you know -- waters several. -- the -- that that that the exit. -- from.

Speaking of of awkward and I've been watching your career and shortly PT -- for a long time I am not sure it may be wrong but I've -- more irritated or more annoyed or more -- Venue were with Floyd Mayweather is comparison of himself to Martin Luther king and and Malcolm Mexico -- didn't say it was. Floyd Mayweather is just like Malcom Floyd Mayweather and -- itself the third person and good Michael.

But then that it broke but it used because the box yeah I it it didn't you know. -- a -- sport guy I would've been much more but boxing you know it's as won't say it's boxing. That's that you get the big asterisk which allowed you to have an exception to whatever that. You know that you would be absurd. It's brilliant that that's what it is like Floyd Mayweather I'm I'm. I am Warren bullet with Floyd Mayweather and really deeply offended that you canceled would seem to be the last -- fight American history. I've been to teach in in the ring. And captives to. Norton's part -- I was ready for. And I don't of the that it is boxing is that I wrote Bob -- and import in my life and Floyd Mayweather is stopping this. From -- sort of the official burial boxing one more rate east.

Our Michael -- this just for fun. -- DVR the -- long program today zoom through all of it get to Johnny weir I'm telling -- theater of the absurd it's exactly that. You may look at the clock. And it is an -- but you will be entertained and you'll be interested in it only utility can have a lot of fun and don't like. You know like Tony loves because he labeled as opposed to have.

The we it was an American Idol guy as well a young yeah I think this whole package deal yeah -- you know and I don't want I've never seen -- episode of American. Not Yugoslavia -- appears. Shelled out.

He Tony and I are -- some Monaco and.

You guys aren't -- you look -- my up my brother army we look in the same house. -- EU -- you know diversity you've been very -- never missed an episode of American Idol is -- will call me. You know in the Mitt looks from being -- in the support that. -- home watching opposing change yeah not enough to watch American Idol side. I feel the same -- about it -- men's short program whatever it -- and Evan -- felt with me yeah we got solitaire.

I skipped it last -- he did it he's still McNamee -- how could you -- Johnny -- my blog doesn't exactly.

Invest two hours meant longer through passport reserve acted to protect your money should keep total. Is it just Johnny -- we got.

He's sixth place he's not gonna win the -- so again it's just costume and and flamboyance Ian eccentricities that the leader in mixed singles and Connecticut. I got it up thirty that's true yeah that's true Michael we appreciate the time this morning thanks very much god thank you have -- Michael lobotomy ESPN imparted an eruption joining Dennis and Callahan on the AT&T outlined AT&T a better three G experience.