Wertheim: "Mary Carillo will be conspicuously missed at ESPN"

Mortifier

Mortifier

Hall of Fame
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jon_wertheim/12/28/2011.predictions/index.html

I never thought those words would be spoken in modern media, but apperently I was wrong.

Tennis predictions for 2011 by Jon Wertheim

6. Mary Carillo will be conspicuously missed at ESPN. No sport does conflicts quite like tennis, a culture personified by former agent Donald Dell, known to provide commentary of matches involving players he represented and tournaments his firm owned and managed. Carillo, however, was never compromised. And her bold, I-don't-care-who-might-be-chapped-by-what-I'm-about-to-say approach separated her from too many of her colleagues. Unfortunately, she parted ways with ESPN late last year. If I'm Tennis Channel, I have her agent on speed dial.
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Please discuss.
 
S

slice bh compliment

G.O.A.T.
It's easy to confuse Mary and Pam if you go by looks, swagger and popularity (lack thereof).
But Mary's much, much smarter, and her ease of delivery is really impressive.

Though she is outspoken to a fault, Mary is way more self-aware, too. Not safe, but savvy. She would never have gotten into it with James.

As much as I don't like Mary, I respect her knowledge and commitment. She's got a lot of Frank DeFord in her, and I only mean that figuratively.

EDIT:
You guys think The Tennis Channel will offer her a job?
 
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single_handed_champion

Professional
slice bh compliment said:
It's easy to confuse Mary and Pam if you go by looks, swagger and popularity (lack thereof).
But Mary's much, much smarter, and her ease of delivery is really impressive.

Though she is outspoken to a fault, Mary is way more self-aware, too. Not safe, but savvy. She would never have gotten into it with James.

As much as I don't like Mary, I respect her knowledge and commitment. She's got a lot of Frank DeFord in her, and I only mean that figuratively.

EDIT:
You guys think The Tennis Channel will offer her a job?
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I hope not. She is bearable when there is a more knowledgeable person in the booth with her who she defers to, so she can rack her brains to say something constructive. It would be a crime to see her obliterate Morariu or Lindsay or the mild whatshisname (Shiras/Arias) just by pumping up the volume.
 
F

FloridaAG

Hall of Fame
I am very pleased I don't have to listen to her babble on about irrelevant things in the middle of points
 
Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill

Hall of Fame
I know a lot of people don't like her. It's odd considering she's one of the few that can construct a proper sentence, is smart, was a good player, and makes logical points about interesting topics. Pam Shriver may be a nice person, but she is nowhere near as competent as Mary Carillo.
 
R

Richards19

Rookie
Commentators should not talk during the points. That's why I dislike Mary C as a commentator. And I love Goodall and Koenig...
 
darrinbaker00

darrinbaker00

Professional
AM95 said:
she got sacked because of james blake obv.
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First of all, Pam Shriver got into it with James Blake, not Mary Carillo. Second of all, Carillo wasn't fired; she asked ESPN to let her out of the last year of her contract, and ESPN agreed. Please get your facts straight next time.

Meanwhile, back on topic.....I somewhat agree with Jon Wertheim. In an industry with a tradition of professional incest (agents' wives commenting on matches involving their husband's clients, Davis/Fed Cup captains commenting on matches involving team members), Carillo was one of the few truly independent voices in the game. The only problem was, that independent voice was often heard while the ball was in play.
 
hoosierbr

hoosierbr

Hall of Fame
MC could at times be annoying but I always appreciated what she brought to the table - insight, experience and a dry sense of humor. She and John McEnroe were a great pair at the USO with her constant ribbing of him!

She was also incisive in ways that others weren't. In this clip, from the 1995 USO SF epic clash between Agassi and Becker, the panel get into a discussion of the new racquet and string technology. Carillo refutes the common thinking at the time that it would make the serve and volleyers more dominant but that it would actually help baseliners hit passing shots and find angles that they couldn't before.

Say what you will about her but that was a very brilliant and wise remark when you consider where the game is today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-CNNI98ez0&feature=related
 
S

Spin Doctor

Professional
I agree with Wertheim. Not surprising, as I also consider him one of the more intelligent sports writers. I see Mary more as a "color" commentator rather than the dry analyst or play-by-play announcer. I like that she is opinionated and doesn't tongue-bathe every player. She is definitely too smart for her audience. Americans are repelled by intelligence.
 
TheTruth

TheTruth

G.O.A.T.
darrinbaker00 said:
First of all, Pam Shriver got into it with James Blake, not Mary Carillo. Second of all, Carillo wasn't fired; she asked ESPN to let her out of the last year of her contract, and ESPN agreed. Please get your facts straight next time.

Meanwhile, back on topic.....I somewhat agree with Jon Wertheim. In an industry with a tradition of professional incest (agents' wives commenting on matches involving their husband's clients, Davis/Fed Cup captains commenting on matches involving team members), Carillo was one of the few truly independent voices in the game. The only problem was, that independent voice was often heard while the ball was in play.
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Great post.

That was one thing in Mary's favor, she was (almost) an independent, it's hard to be independent when you run in a clique. You must respect the other voices in the clan, and in that way you compromise yourself, to keep your job and your "status."

But Mary was clever, moreso than the other ladies, but with her shrewdness came an uncanny gift of doling out the negativity, that's never good, no matter what you're saying.

Me? I'm glad she's gone, because she never quite understood that her rights ended when other people's began. She said what she felt like saying without regard to professionalism or fairness. In that regard she wasn't a good commentator because she focused more on personalities, rather than on the tennis being played on court. Good riddance to her, and I hate to say that, but her departure is well deserved.

Professional incest. Awesome line.
 
Tshooter

Tshooter

G.O.A.T.
"Americans are repelled by intelligence."

It's her diarrhea mouth and cackling that repel me. And I'm American. So there goes that theory.
 
JeMar

JeMar

Legend
Uh, I think half these people missed that Wertheim is making predictions. Mary Carillo is still very much employed by ESPN.
 
jamesblakefan#1

jamesblakefan#1

G.O.A.T.
JeMar said:
Uh, I think half these people missed that Wertheim is making predictions. Mary Carillo is still very much employed by ESPN.
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No, ESPN released her from her contract at the end of 2010.

ESPN's Mike Soltys confirmed Sunday that Mary Carillo is no longer a part of its tennis coverage: "After the U.S. Open, she asked out of the last year of her deal, and we agreed to it."
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http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colu...-hiestand-nfl-pundits-washington-mcnabb_N.htm
 
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monique s

Rookie
TheTruth said:
Great post.

That was one thing in Mary's favor, she was (almost) an independent, it's hard to be independent when you run in a clique. You must respect the other voices in the clan, and in that way you compromise yourself, to keep your job and your "status."

But Mary was clever, moreso than the other ladies, but with her shrewdness came an uncanny gift of doling out the negativity, that's never good, no matter what you're saying.

Me? I'm glad she's gone, because she never quite understood that her rights ended when other people's began. She said what she felt like saying without regard to professionalism or fairness. In that regard she wasn't a good commentator because she focused more on personalities, rather than on the tennis being played on court. Good riddance to her, and I hate to say that, but her departure is well deserved.

Professional incest. Awesome line.
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I agree. Good riddance.
 
S

Spin Doctor

Professional
From Jon Wertheim's mailbag column, as follow up to his original column:

Why did Mary Carillo leave ESPN? Was it her decision to do so? In my humble opinion, there is no one like her, with her style and knowledge of tennis. I can't imagine watching any tennis matches without her commentary. I really enjoy her and she will be sorely missed.
--Junior, Victorville, Calif.

• I was surprised how much mail -- overall, firmly pro Carillo -- this generated. Honestly, I was under the impression that this was somewhat old news. (If you DVR'd the U.S. Open Monday men's final, you'll note that once the broadcast switched from CBS to ESPN Carillo had mysteriously vanished.) There was a philosophical difference and Carillo very much left on her own. She'll be missed on ESPN, but she'll still be working for other outlets. Let's just hope someone can pick up the slack and provide unvarnished, objective views/criticism without worrying about insulting a constituent, jeopardizing a paycheck or being branded a "hater." As for replacing Carillo's wit and wordplay, well, that's a taller order.
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Would love to know what those "philosophical differences" were. From the rest of his response it sounds like ESPN was asking Mary to be less opinionated and she wouldn't play along.
 
fedfan08

fedfan08

Professional
Hmm...I wonder if ESPN will replace her or if they'll just make due with what they have. My worst fear is Chris Fowler will do even more match calling than he already does. And we'll get Hannah Storm for all the other stuff. :oops:
 
B

BLACKOUT

Rookie
If having to hear Carillo in the middle of the point is the biggest complaint about her, I'll take it because she is without a doubt one of the best in the business. She not allied with anyone, she speaks here mind, she's highly intelligent, a great mind and well respected. That's why she has been able to land jobs covering other sports stories as well. I'LL TAKE CARILLO IN THE BOOTH ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
 
A

Amelie Mauresmo

Banned
Of course, Mary Carillo got fired many tennis fans have complained about her unprofessionlism and her racism. Carillo is a nasty racist she always had negative to say about the williams sisters and James Blake.
 
TBrady

TBrady

Banned
Yeah heres the thing. Carillo loves commentating on tennis except too many people think she is the most annoying awkward creature on the planet.

Thank god ESPN woke up. I applaud their decision.
 
8

813wilson

Rookie
monolith694 said:
Until I hear a call like this again I'm never gonna miss anyone from today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He81C9YjNJk#t=0m9s
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Take away the "cheeky" British accent and that is exactly the type of glossy, Hallmark Card, description she'd give.....

I've come to enjoy most of her commentating. I think she got better along the way.

My favorite of hers from years ago was calling a men's match and she said: "his backhand is his better side but today it has been grossly undisplayed."
 
Joe Pike

Joe Pike

Banned
Amelie Mauresmo said:
Of course, Mary Carillo got fired many tennis fans have complained about her unprofessionlism and her racism. Carillo is a nasty racist she always had negative to say about the williams sisters and James Blake.
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To say negative things about Blake?
How could someone does this??
 
FuriousYellow

FuriousYellow

Professional
The networks need to take this opportunity to get rid of all those old windbags: Drysdale, Shriver, Enberg, etc.

Start bringing in some new talent, especially the color commentators. I'm sure there are a lot of younger, former tour players who could provide more insightful and up to date commentary than this group that played in the 60s and 70s. Seriously, how many times do we have to listen to one of Drysdale's anecdotes on playing against Rod Laver?
 
mcenroefan

mcenroefan

Hall of Fame
Although we rightfully complain at times about some of the commentating in tennis, we should thank our lucky stars that Jim Nance has never entered the fray. The guy has absolutely ruined the Masters with his syrupy absolutisms....Tiger's the greatest and this is the most important putt on the planet, yada, yada, yada.

Look buddy, it's just a sporting event in the end....we don't need you to convince us that we are watching the most important event since the fall of Rome in order to enjoy the moment.

This also is one of the reasons that I feel that the way the network marketed Fed's 15th victory at Wimby was such a travesty....the contrived passing of the torch. As much as I love Fed, I thought that post-match stuff felt like so much BS and hype...it kind of ruined the whole deal and I felt a bit sorry for Sampras, Laver, et al. It fely very awkward IMO.
 
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mcenroefan

mcenroefan

Hall of Fame
FuriousYellow said:
The networks need to take this opportunity to get rid of all those old windbags: Drysdale, Shriver, Enberg, etc.

Start bringing in some new talent, especially the color commentators. I'm sure there are a lot of younger, former tour players who could provide more insightful and up to date commentary than this group that played in the 60s and 70s. Seriously, how many times do we have to listen to one of Drysdale's anecdotes on playing against Rod Laver?
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I agree on the Enberg comment but I think Drysdale offers alot of intelligent stuff. For instance, last night he steered Gilbert into an interesting discussion regarding Murray's backhand and why he ever chooses to use the slice when he has one of the best two handers in the game. BG recounted that Agassi made the same point to Murray and Murray ended up by responding that he hits the slice simply b/c he gets bored hitting so many two handers. Agassi told hium that boring was good when it came down to his two hander (i.e., stop hitting the slice). Gilbert would have never gone there if Drysdale hadn't pressed him on it.
 
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darrinbaker00

darrinbaker00

Professional
FuriousYellow said:
The networks need to take this opportunity to get rid of all those old windbags: Drysdale, Shriver, Enberg, etc.

Start bringing in some new talent, especially the color commentators. I'm sure there are a lot of younger, former tour players who could provide more insightful and up to date commentary than this group that played in the 60s and 70s. Seriously, how many times do we have to listen to one of Drysdale's anecdotes on playing against Rod Laver?
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As many as Mr. Drysdale would like to tell. Quit complaining, listen, and try to learn something.
 
MotherMarjorie

MotherMarjorie

Banned
Amelie Mauresmo said:
Of course, Mary Carillo got fired many tennis fans have complained about her unprofessionlism and her racism. Carillo is a nasty racist she always had negative to say about the williams sisters and James Blake.
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Mother Marjorie has a special place in her heart for those from the lower gene pool.

90% of the people in this forum who cry "racism" don't even know what the term actually means. So, let's lookie-lookie, Mother Marjorie-style.

rac·ism   /ˈreɪsɪzəm/
[rey-siz-uhm]

–noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

Mary Carillo is not a racist and has never exhibited any hatred or intolerance towards other races publicly or otherwise. Mary Carillo was not fired from ESPN. Mary Carillo continues to enjoy success well-beyond ESPN.

Stop race-baiting and using it as a battering tool during honest and open debate. It makes you look a little cuckoo.

Mother Marjorie Ann
Queen of Talk Tennis Warehouse
 
MotherMarjorie

MotherMarjorie

Banned
FloridaAG said:
SI's media columnist just posted a column calling her the best commentator in the business - what a joke.
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Mary Carillo is one of the few left who have an independent voice while analyzing tennis matches. All the other commentators are controlled by conflicting business interests, which affects what they say and how they critique players on television.

Rock-on, Mary!

Mother Marjorie Ann
Queen of Talk Tennis Warehouse
 
F

FloridaAG

Hall of Fame
MotherMarjorie said:
Mary Carillo is one of the few left who have an independent voice while analyzing tennis matches. All the other commentators are controlled by conflicting business interests, which affects what they say and how they critique players on television.

Rock-on, Mary!

Mother Marjorie Ann
Queen of Talk Tennis Warehouse
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If you say so and if you like inane rambling having nothing to do with the match actually occuring during the points - then I agree she is the greatest
 
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