His infantalism has really become tiresome. During last Tuesday's broadcast, he thought it would be funny and entertaining to spend the whole show poking fun at Lindgren for not winning a bracelet. The bit might've worked if Chad had the sense of humor greater than that of a grade schooler, but, sadly, he doesn't.

ESPN needs to put someone more professional in there, as Chad makes the whole thing into a joke.

Yet you were watching. That's another set of eyes for ESPN to sell advertising to. I'm going to go with fail here.

I dont understand all this hate about him. I think he is very funny

I appreciate his coming out of the closet, as evidenced by his comments about PA.

Why is that?? PA is good looking and we all envy him big time. But it doesnt mean we gay!

I'm watching to see the poker, not the announcer. Chad makes me not want to watch. He's a little attention whore who wants to make the show about him, and it's not. It's about the players. Why does the audience need to know how many time Chad has been married. Who cares?

Do you think it was professional for Chad to spend the entire show making fun of Lindrgren for not having a bracelet? Why was it such a big issue for Chad? Could you imagine a baseball announcer make fun of a player for being in a slump?

I should mention now that this is going to contain a spoiler, so if you haven't seen that episode or don't know who won already, don't keep reading.



I am pretty sure the whole point of that riff was that Lindgren did win the bracelet, finally. Whether you think it's funny or not, I am fairly certain it wasn't meant to be mean-spirited, and he wouldn't have gone that route had someone else won

No one cares about the commentators, especially ESPN, cuz if they did they would have someone with actual poker insight. I'll be watching anyways.

Do you think it was professional for Chad to spend the entire show making fun of Lindrgren for not having a bracelet?



YES THAT WAS INSANE FUNNY!!!!!

Anyone remember "The Nuts" segment last year where Chad went over to Lindgren's house to play HORSE? Basketball horse that is.

It's difficult to tell with Erick because he has a pretty caustic personality anyway but it seemed like he was about ready to jackhammer Chad into the ground after each joke he made. I'm sure a lot of it is his personality but you can tell there's some definite hate for CHad with Lindgren.

If there's someone who needs to be replaced it's Lon McEachern. Norman is over the line once in a while but I was entertained and the guys at the final table made a good show themselves.

Norman is funny, and knows enough about the game for his purposes...

I look forward to each new episode, in part because Norm entertains...

yo i think hes absolutely hilarious and atleast his jokes dont seem so fake and corny like the wpt

Makes me not want to watch....He is terrible if i here one more ex-wife crack I'm gonna puke. After 5 years of the same dumb ass remarks ESPN needs a new voice. Sexton is way better on the WPT at least he gives some insight.

I have show tunes going off in my head...

I also like Norman Chad and find him reasonably funny overall, assuming it's something new. (I could do without the "my last marriage" cracks.) In fact, I think I have more laugh-out-loud moments watching the WSOP than I do with many sitcoms.

That said, I would like to see ESPN bring in a new crew.

At the time that Norman and Lon started in the WSOP booth, the poker-viewing public was not very educated at the game. You'll remember those "how to play Texas Hold 'Em" intros during the WPT and WSOP broadcasts. It made sense to have two guys who could call the action while keeping the viewers amused as they watch what is to many "just a card game."

Half a decade later, I think it's fair to say that the overwhelming majority of WSOP viewers have at least a basic knowledge of poker. It would make sense to bring in someone who can provide a little bit more strategic insight.

I swear, when you watch a baseball game now, you get inundated with stats with abbreviations for LIPS (late-inning pressure situation) and RISP (runners in scoring position). A batter steps in, and I can immediately know what he hits against left-handers and such. I admit that it can go a little overboard sometimes, but as a baseball stats wonk, I enjoy seeing it.

My dream for a poker broadcast would be to have similar statistical information listed below the players' names, not unlike the online HUDs. So we as a viewer would know why a player seemed to make such a tight fold -- the bettor's VPIP may have been damn near miniscule. (Logistically, I'm not sure how one would compile that for a televised final table, but a man can dream, dammit.)

OR... I'd like to one day have the option of an alternate audio (like a commentary track on a DVD or the SAP option). One option would have something for the non-poker audience, while the other would be better suited for the poker-savvy viewers.

But something tells me that realizing either vision is still a long, long time away, if it ever happens at all.

From your comments, I'm guessing you think Chad was surprised when Eric won.

Oh great!! Now, I know who won and will have to watch the Show only for Norman Chad's great one liners.....

Norman is usually right about the whole marriage thing, BTW.

Thanks for the advice

Mute button FTW?

I do this regularly with sports broadcasters I can't stand. If it's that big of a deal to you, just turn it down and make up your own commentary. Entertaining and hilarious!

i love norm. wtf is wrong with you people

Norman is hilarious. Where else do you get to hear a guy drool over other guys on TV?

I'm ****ing sick of him too, and it seems to only be getting worse. You would think someone from ESPN broadcasting would have a talk with him or something. He's like more annoying than Dennis Miller was the year he got the Monday
Night Football job.

Whoever they brought in would have at least as many (most likely more) people complaining about him.

I've found that most people find him amusing and entertaining. If you are in the minority, hit mute or turn the channel. ESPN isn't going to change anytime soon based on a few posts on a message board.

Unless there is a huge ratings drop or Chad says or does something to get fired, he will be there.

he was terrible in 05 and 06. but surprisingly in 07 and 08 i think he was on fire and was actually funny. he also ridicules himself and his lack of poker skill, makes fun of players etc. lon is the one who is horrible imo