Warriors Fire Mark Jackson and Immediately Fans Flock to Internet and KNBR Talk Show; Predictably Dubs' Fitzgerald Gets Irritated with Callers

 While the news got out on Tuesday that the Warriors fired their coach, Mark Jackson, immediately, fans migrated to the Internet and Twitter and yes, of course the talk shows too.

On KNBR, Warriors TV Play-By-Play broadcaster and talk host, Bob Fitzgerald gauged feedback. It should be noted Fitzgerald works for the Warriors. There's a conflict there --a direct conflict and it reared itself once again, awkwardly too when a few callers who were able to get in and criticized the move. And immediately there was a fair amount of rancor by Fitz and his partner directed toward the callers. Not a good sound and nothing new.

Fitzgerald is a pretty good TV guy; matter of fact, a superior analyst too very adept with statistics and all but his performance as a sports-radio talk show host is abysmal. And I'm being kind which is a shame because we hate to rip a guy who is talented enough but should really refrain from the radio gig when it comes to the Warriors because the Warriors butter his bread.


*Follow me on Twitter

Stan Bunger Clarification; Fitz on TV better than Fitz on Radio; Randy Hahn; Carolyn Johnson; Mick LaSalle; Sunday Coffee Media Notes

SUNDAY COFFFE NOTES

Note to KCBS morning anchor, Stan Bunger: using the term, "slipping" wasn't meant as a knock; in fact, to address a reader who was rightfully ticked that I insulted Bunger, but really did not: I was actually complimenting him. Specifically, his banter work with Phil Matier and Willie Brown and John Madden.

Even the best occasionally slip. The greatest hitters in baseball who fail seven out of ten times make the Hall of Fame. Bunger hasn't really slipped but stumbles every now and then. It's OK. But a knock that seemed like an insult was not a knock. I hope we can all sleep now.

*On NBC's "Meet the Press", Sunday, panelists used the phrase, "At the end of the day" about 23 times. That's not good.

*As terrible a talk-show host on KNBR as he is, and he is, Bob Fitzgerald is actually a very good, candid, qualified, and yes, frankly entertaining and informative TV PBP broadcaster on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

After a healthy dose of NFL playoffs viewing Saturday night, I watched the Warriors annihilation by the LA Clippers. The whole game, in fact. Fitzgerald made cogent points, (with good help by underrated analyst, Jim Barnett). Fitzgerald knows his stuff and is often quite accurate on the nexus of various games. And better yet, his personality, unlike the smarmy, petulant and arrogant toad he is on radio, isn't anything indicative of his Knibber habits. Bottom line: "Fitz" is a better fit for TV--radio host not so good and we've noted that many times here. And so have you other Flunkster dudedetts.

*Timing is everything: The NHL, for those of you that care, reached a deal with its locked-out players early Sunday, and will play a condensed season Jan. 19. Locally, that means the San Jose Sharks will begin pucking the ice...More importantly, one of my favorite broadcasters, Randy Hahn, (he and color analyst, Drew Remenda), will begin broadcasting on Comcast...and Hahn will guest on my radio show on Monday from 1: 30 - 2 PM PT. Please listen and participate.

*A million times worth repeating: If you're going to take shots at me, fine, do so, but step to the plate, as I do and ID yourself. The basis of this site, from time to time, is that I rip people. Occasionally I do and that's why many of you come here. But when I do rip, I'm not HIDING under some fake name or obvious pseudonym--it's ME and me only. Don't use your staff workers, your interns, to take shots. You wanna take shots, go ahead and make my day, but have the pair to come forward. Like I do.

*Monday on radio:

Carolyn Johnson from ABC7/KGO-TV
Mick LaSalle from the SF Chronicle
Randy Hahn from SJ Sharks/Comcast Sports

The Rich Lieberman Show airs Monday-Friday from 1-4 PM PT and is Live. Podcasts available. You can access the show on the Internet via the web page here. Just scroll down and click on the streaming live mark or by clicking on the KOMY link at the very top of the blog here on the right.

*DONATIONS to 415 Media are appreciated: Click on the paypal site on the right and help support the Bay Area's only 24/7 media blog. Any amount is welcome and you do not have to have a paypal account to make a donation. Thank you.

*Follow me on Twitter