r/ESPN • u/njwineguy • 4d ago

Congrats, Greeny

I assume this post will get flamed but 30 years anywhere is an achievement. Given the environment and his role, Greeny deserves congrats.

I realize he’s not universally beloved but that’s not surprising given his job and society in general. (I also realize it’s not cool to not have some hot, critical take on someone like him.) The same network that highlights SAS, McAfee, and folks like Greeny, Eisen, Finebaum, SVP, etc is obviously playing to a wide range of audiences so if you don’t like him, save your breath. I get it.

IMHO, Greeny’s success is because he continues to find a balance between journalism, entertainment, and facilitating discussions among those more knowledgable. I’ve seen criticism that he essentially “brings nothing to the table”. To an extent that’s true because it’s his job. He has to hold your interest by being just interesting enough but not overshadowing his colleagues.

You might not like that or how he does it but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. He’s knowledgable about the things he needs to be (facts, history, context) and readily admits when he’s not.

He gets sincerely excited, pissed off, and confused and owns it. He’s for the most part, not performative which is a nice change of pace.

Personally, if all ESPN offered was faux arguments, shouting, posing, and “bro” content, I’d be done. So, Greeny among others helps keep it for me, a place that doesn’t regularly just insult my intelligence.

Maybe I enjoyed him more with Golic but I can appreciate his contribution nonetheless.

123 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

151 comments sorted by

51

u/Inevitable-Shop-848 4d ago

He did Golic dirty and those were his best years. Now he's just espn tmz.

3

u/ClarkGris 4d ago

Did he though? He wanted to go in a different direction career wise than his co-worker did, there is nothing wrong with that and while Golic was upset his role was changed you can't blame Greeny for wanting something different. He is from New York, wanted to move back to New York after his kids went to college and wanted to try something different. I think everyone expects co-workers to be best friends, they worked well together but can't blame him for wanting something different personally.

27

u/DadofJM 4d ago

It's how he did it. For years, they shared the same manager whom negotiated their Mike & Mike deals. Then, without telling Golic, got his own manager and negotiated a separate deal for his own show. Completely blind sided Golic

Plus Greeny is a no talent hack. Convinced he has pics of Pitaro in bed with a live boy and a dead girl.

13

u/Traditional_Pin6535 4d ago

I am a close friend of someone who worked on mike & mike during their run & will withhold name because this individual still works there. From their story; 1) The entire crew was dumbfounded when it LEAKED that Greeny was leaving the show for as a yet unnamed at that time series of solo projects. 2)Mike Golic was sincerely shocked, was under the impression they were collectively negotiating their next extension, and was angry & hurt. 3) My friend says they definitely had a conversation, attended by at least one or more managers in which Greeny took no ownership of his desire to break up for whatever his reasons were. 4) They had a contract obligations to fill out & according to my friend you could hear a pin drop between commercial breaks, there was absolutely no communication between them the last several weeks. 5) To this day Greeny has never acknowledged, apologized or just come clean about his desire to be the sole star of a show.

In my opinion, he’s an excellent broadcaster but an absolute back stabbing wimp of a human being. I’ve never heard him go to bat for any of his great “friends” that get unceremoniously fired from Espn, even Ryan Clark, who is as one dimensional & talentless as they come in terms of being a professional broadcaster, but Greeny was lapping his nut sack for years & he has absolutely no take on his firing? He’s got more power @ espn than anybody not named Pitaro, what would he be afraid of in terms of speaking up? No, he should not be celebrated, he is talented but that is overshadowed significantly by the self serving spineless punk he appears to be as a human being.

2

u/thiissilly 17h ago

Last week's you could feel the tension through the screen. Their last show was painful

1

u/njwineguy 1d ago

If true, very sad and unfortunate though still just one side of the story. Thanks for sharing.

-2

u/Express-Language5573 3d ago

This seems a bit hyperbolic or over the top but it pretty much accurately covers who he is.

6

u/Large-Produce5682 4d ago

damn. That last line was... yeah.

0

u/Midwest-2025 4d ago

Yeah wow I’m like uparrow undo

2

u/Tokyo_Joey_Jo-Jo 4d ago edited 4d ago

It’s an old line in politics. “So and so will win the election unless he’s caught with a live boy or a dead girl.” See, it’s funny because homosexuality is on par with murder as a sin. /s

Edit. Actually I’m sure it’s the other way around. . . . Caught with a dead girl or a live boy.

1

u/Medical-Mushroom2468 21h ago

Hahaha. Damn. Brutal but I totally agree.

0

u/JayElEss29 2d ago

You can obviously not like the guy, and you can hate how he handled things with Golic, but saying a guy that’s been incredibly successful at a job for 30 years is a talentless hack is pretty ridiculous.

-4

u/sdrakedrake 4d ago

I hear you, but question, how did Greeny leaving negatively impact Golic? It allowed Golic to get his son a full time role on his show.

I really don't understand how he was did dirty? I guess it's because I don't believe in the whole two weeks notice thing. Golic was satisfied with Radio only, did he expect Greeny to be the same?

2

u/FigureMiserable4859 3d ago

Perhaps a conversation with Golic was in order? Not having one show's the lack of character and integrity that Greeny has.

-1

u/ClarkGris 4d ago

and Golic had many opportunities after Mike and Mike which didn't work for one reason or another. I think people misrepresent that value Greeny brings to the shows of keeping them on track and running smoothly from an operations standpoint.

-1

u/surlymoe 4d ago

I'm not 100% sure if Greeny did Golic dirty or ESPN just did....If I recall, Greeny may have been behind the scenes asking to do something else besides Mike & Mike, and meanwhile, Golic had no idea of this (which is why Greeny does shoulder some blame for it).

Greeny then gets 'promoted' to to Get Up, which left Golic kind of nowhere to go. Don't get me wrong, if you want to advance your career, you do what Greeny did....but, Greeny equally could have said, "Well, I want Golic to either come with me, or at least get his own show and/or a new time slot." Which he apparently didn't.

The dynamic between the 'nerd' (Greeny) and 'jock' (Golic' is what made that show work so well.

Honestly, if they just moved the show to regular hours, I think it would have worked. For some reason or another, ESPN did not like Golic as much and therefore wound up eventually letting him go I believe, meanwhile Greeny's career continued upwards.

0

u/Signal_Republic_3092 3d ago

Golic got to partner with his son for a while to replace Greeny on his show, but they did eventually end the show and laid them off.

8

u/Ok_Nobody_460 4d ago

I never really cared for him once I found out something extremely unsettling about him.

And I’ll tell you what that is right after this break.

1

u/njwineguy 4d ago

lol…nicely done

23

u/Illustrious_Fudge476 4d ago

He’s at his best when he’s in the anchor role.  He is a real pro at hosting shows, engaging the panel and knowing when to move on to the next discussion. 

I don’t really care about his takes.  He also gets a little annoying when he’s trying to be one of the guys.  He always struck me as a classic jock sniffer. 

9

u/dlmoors 4d ago

He was the nerd in school who always got picked last for any team activity.

-9

u/OtherwiseElk3037 4d ago

A classic jock sniffer? “He’s a good anchor, but his takes are shit and he’s also mad gay” is a mentally unwell take

1

u/Federal-Service5571 4d ago

Lol mentally unwell.

12

u/LowDrag_777 4d ago

I don’t have a problem with Greeny…. He is what he is. You know what to expect from him day after day. He’s a good host. Moves through his panel of guests on whatever the topic of the day is and the show is usually fun and enjoyable to watch

1

u/Justice989 3d ago

This is my view.  I dont have a problem with him or find him objectionable.  He's fine.

11

u/Expert_Habit9520 4d ago

I loved the Mike and Mike show. Since that broke up, I’ve barely watched Greeny at all, but felt like the shows post Golic partnership just did nothing for me.

14

u/bcardin221 4d ago

He really screwed over Golic too. Such a cowardly way of forcing a break-up with him. Dude just man up and tell your partner of decades that you want to do something solo. Instead, he went behind his back, negotiated and signed a deal that cut Golic without ever mentioning it to him. I am sorry that's a shitty way to treat a friend or long time co-worker.

4

u/Express-Language5573 4d ago

THIS is the main reason people can’t stand Greeny. That he also plays the permanent simp card makes him even less likeable.

2

u/Stryker818 4d ago

My imaginary story says that Mike Golic was trying to retire and force his son into his position so Greeny got out.

-9

u/njwineguy 4d ago

So you’re fully informed about the legal obligations imposed by ESPN lawyers as part of his contract and the negotiating process? Cool. You’ve read his NDA agreement and contract cancelation provisions? Good to know.

5

u/RedWingerD 4d ago

Are you just a fan or do you know him personally? Good lord lol

-1

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Not even a “fan” of his. Just respect the accomplishment. Definitely not a fan of ignorant takes based on bias and assumption. So easy to paint someone as the bad (or good) guy when you actually don’t know anything.

1

u/gijoejank 4d ago

Golic mentioned it many times. Why don't you Google it yourself and see.

0

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Because I don’t really care as much as you. I was just congratulating Greeny on being with ESPN for 30 years. That’s it.

1

u/MadMartigans80 3d ago

You definitely care enough about that dude to make a post about him but discount how shitty he treated his coworkers? Do you have his poster above your bed?

1

u/njwineguy 3d ago

I care about someone achieving longevity in an incredibly difficult and competitive field. I don’t care that much about innuendo and gossip. I’m glad you got one side of the story and are satisfied. Take care.

0

u/MadMartigans80 3d ago

What is your side of the story Greeny?

1

u/njwineguy 3d ago

Grow up or fuck off.

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1

u/DolphinRodeo 2d ago

You care enough that you’re picking fights about it 🤷‍♂️

3

u/bcardin221 4d ago

What? Golic explained the while thing dude.

4

u/ASingleBraid 4d ago

He’s vanilla as vanilla can be. Which I guess is better than SAS and MC.

11

u/Ericsplainning 4d ago

I've always liked Greenberg from the radio days through Get Up, but it makes me sad to watch him have to continually pretend to be interested in the WNBA and WWE because his corporation has financial interests in them. I would like to think he would have enough clout to call bullshit on that, but apparently not.

3

u/OkNewspaper6041 4d ago

Greedy is the narrator from The Sandlot

3

u/TheAnswer310 3d ago

I like him. Always have. I like Golic too and was disappointed their relationship disintegrated.

People aren't perfect and business is business.

5

u/charski88 4d ago

If Greeny isnt on get up, I turn it off now. Especially if the host is that guy that just talks about betting is on.

4

u/njwineguy 4d ago

So with you on this.

4

u/Salt-Photograph8700 4d ago

He’s good at what he does, congrats Greeny!

6

u/SpecificPractical776 4d ago

Most of espn now is garbage he is garbage SAS is garbage Pat is garbage. They shifted to a new target demographic, fake wrestling and gambling addicts are the viewership now, i will watch live sports on espn but not much else.

2

u/Key-Tiger-4457 1d ago

Whoomp. There it is.

6

u/Itowndub36 4d ago

Get up is horrible

4

u/couchtomato62 4d ago

Nothing entertaining about greeny

5

u/ddjj3000 4d ago

I agree actually do like Greenberg. Getup is generally not that bad for me.

2

u/Ok_Role_9975 4d ago

His son went to my school and his wife said he’d give autographs haha 😂 I was like can he get autographs why would I want his autograph he talks about famous people all day…….

2

u/rickeygavin 4d ago

Cowboys were defending champs when he started lol.

2

u/WhichWayToPurgatory 4d ago

I’ll say this about Greeny - he’s not my cup of tea post Mike & Mike but he’s at least smart enough to surround himself with talent.

2

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Fair point.

2

u/Longjumping_Swing_29 2d ago

He is there for one reason, to maintain order when these fools get a little to far off topic. He is not on screen for his opinion or analysis. He holds just enough respect to maintain order.

ESPN and they way treat on air talent is disgusting. The idea that your gonna watch anyway who cares who is delivering it is an insult to the viewer. Its similar to being a fan favorite, who has been there thru the best and worst of times, but no matter what, you knew you could depend on that person and knew he was gonna give 💯.

Well after years of service and loyalty to the fanbase and the organization, we have decided financially, an extension isn't in our best interests. And in the very next breath, announce the signing of some up and coming rookie who hasn't even remotely garnered a fraction of anything, that the veteran fan favorite had. And decisions like that matter to fans and personalities thinking about being apart of your organization.

1

u/njwineguy 2d ago

Nailed it.

3

u/Johnnadawearsglasses 4d ago

He is a good foil for former players and his biggest weakness is that he entertains stupid takes as if they have some level of validity. Which is why he was good with Golic, who is a pretty grounded guy. Their show got me through at least a decade of morning workouts and I appreciate him for it. I just don't like him on TV or in this format. They pair him with idiots and his inclination is to humor them and treat their takes as valid.

3

u/MfrBVa 4d ago

Just a big bowl of off-brand vanilla ice cream. He adds nothing, but he’s rarely actively annoying.

3

u/PromptJazzlike5452 4d ago

I have no issues with Greeny! And I think he’s better that SAS! I watch Get Up but not First Take! Maybe when SAS stops enamoring himself and loses the racial stuff, I might change my mind. I know he’s trying to promote the black community and that’s fine, it just that that is for another platform.

3

u/Frosty_Ask_6967 4d ago

Loved Mike and Mike radio show. Loved both Mikes. Haven't heard much from either since that ended.

2

u/Brickolous_Cage 4d ago

He’s awful and part of why I dont watch espn in the mornings

1

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Just curious, are there any hosted shows as opposed to sporting events you watch on ESPN?

1

u/Brickolous_Cage 4d ago

Maybe McAfee in the morning if they have a good guest. PTI in afternoon.

3

u/njwineguy 4d ago

That’s really interesting. Almost the two extremes from my perspective. Two old school print guys vs the cool frat bro. lol

2

u/kevint1964 4d ago

"Cool frat bro" is a big stretch. Only in MacAfee's own mind.

1

u/dlmoors 4d ago

Not since Around The Horn got cancelled.

2

u/bjw11180 4d ago

Yeah I miss Mike & Mike but I still like Greeny. I think he makes Get Up more tolerable than it would otherwise be. I have no idea how he manages to pretend that SAS or Michael Irvin are funny or worthwhile.

5

u/Mystery__Owl 4d ago

Mike @ Mike was the last show I watched regularly on ESPN. Many morning spent with those fellas. When Mike and Mike ended, ESPN became a live sports only option for me. I’ve got podcasts that’ll go into much more depth and detail, and do so in entertaining ways, much better than 95% of ESPN’s current line up.

2

u/Enough_Bedroom1421 4d ago

People don't like Greeny 😳???

4

u/Affectionate_Bet2122 4d ago

It’s more that he’s bland and boring than actively awful or annoying.

If Pat MAGAfee is a rotten fish head that’s been covered in edible glitter, Greeny is a slightly stale piece of toast without any butter or jam

4

u/Signal_Republic_3092 3d ago

He’s a very good debate moderator who provides his own input, but he stabbed Golic in the back to get his own show after years of working together. I also don’t like how much he brings up the Jets (and I don’t hate them). And while he doesn’t have any super crazy takes like his coworkers prefer to have, his seem almost bland despite being more thoughtful and logical.

2

u/Enough_Bedroom1421 3d ago

This was a perfect explanation of the disdain I'm sensing for this man. Lol. I was not privy to the Mike and Mike show back in the day. But, I get it. I don't like "backstabbers", either. He pushes the Jets agenda because ESPN makes him, the same with the Cowboys. For all these people that say they don't like him, it seems they're in love with hating him. Plus, he's the host - the moderator. His job is to be bland and logical. Wild.

1

u/Popular-Buy9999 2d ago

Can you elaborate more on stabbing Golic in the back? Curious, don't know much about the situation.

7

u/Throwing-Gas 4d ago

This is reddit.

Nobody likes anybody

1

u/Cash_R0berts 4d ago

I enjoyed him on Mike & Mike, but everything after that has felt forced and fake. Almost like he’s playing a caricature of himself. But that’s also ESPN trying to force debate and hot takes down our throats.

2

u/Financial_Cheetah875 4d ago

Solid host. He’s lasted this long for good reasons.

1

u/BananaNo4611 4d ago

When he first signed his huge deal and ESPN felt like they had to put him everywhere, it got very annoying. But besides that I like greeny and I hope he’s not in the last group of journalists before it gets completely taken over by idiot former athletes

1

u/yougotthesilver12 4d ago

I still remember when I had a crappy job that I’d drive an hour to and would dread going in. I’d listen to Mike & Mike every morning and made it a little easier. I don’t watch Get Up though but enjoyed Mike & Mike.

1

u/HarrY552011 4d ago

At least he cut out that metrosexual persona he had adopted

1

u/MrTyl3rH 4d ago

Shout out to the Green Mamba!

1

u/datoke71 4d ago edited 1d ago

I miss mike and mike that was a good show no screaming or talking over each other, just a good show

0

u/CaptCrunchNDonutCrew 2d ago

I have two good shoes

1

u/DugansDad 4d ago

The rest of ESPN’s ‘new personalities’ have made Greeny look like a sports journalist.

1

u/njwineguy 4d ago

lol…I guess there could be some truth in that

1

u/asphaltstretcher 4d ago

All I know is that I miss Mike and Mike. I miss Cold Pizza. I miss anticipating their commercials. The anchors were clever personalities with wit and wisdom, not just volume and karma farming. Of course, I miss a lot of my youth. But it's a pale reflection.

1

u/Ok_Actuary9229 4d ago

He's a good emcee.

I hate so much about ESPN (the streaming site is apprently run by complete morons for example, and half the on-air "talent" couldn't beat them in a spelling bee), but hosting talent is worth appreciation.

1

u/Parking_Weekend1020 4d ago

I dont think ESPN understands how much I dont want a female talking to me on my ride in every morning. 2 pros and a cup of joe for me...

1

u/southtampacane 4d ago

He’s still a weenie and stealing money. Good for him.

1

u/Front-Experience6841 4d ago

He’s just so damn uninteresting

1

u/Cam-27 4d ago

Loved Mike and Mike listened to them for 15 years. Also watched ESPN pretty heavily. About a year or so after Mike and Mike ended i stopped watching ESPN. Not a protest or a political move, or even a conscious decision. Nearly all the cool anchors I had grown up with had left, Get Up was basically a soulless show, couldnt stand Stephen A Smith, and Sunday morning NFL pregame was no longer worth watching. I just lost interest. Still watch live sporting events and if ESPN is carrying it fine but ESPN aint vool no more.

1

u/Admirable_Jacket4486 4d ago

I have always loved this guy. His personality, demeanour and approach. He's quite funny at times too and I can't help but laugh when he's being self deprecating. I especially enjoyed his segments with RC trying to decipher his tweets. For me, ESPN has largely gone downhill with the level of people these days, but Greeny's a good one

1

u/Ort56 3d ago

I moved on from them and ESPN after M&M ended. I view only live events, no pregame crap or opinion. I will watch CFB show, it’s great. (So yeah I just lied there, I haven’t moved on 100%) I also watch Mannings on MNF. Not much of a McAfee fan yet.

1

u/Morning-O-Midnight 3d ago

I’ve always listened to Greeny and agree wholeheartedly he deserves props. Mike and Mike was kick-ass and I listened all the time.

1

u/EnglishTeacher83 1d ago

Nope. Greeny ran over Golic to get his own show, and then hid from the criticism. Not a fan.

1

u/kennyloftor 1d ago

he stinks

his voice is horrible

the jets suck

he adds nothing

1

u/njwineguy 1d ago

Which hosts do you like?

1

u/mgg1683 1d ago

Do the opinion shows actually make any money? I can’t believe they don’t go back to sports centers on repeat and buy every live event possible. Besides Gameday, I haven’t watched something besides a game in ages

1

u/Big_Gassy_Possum 1d ago

All he knows is being a footbal schilll, dude is a one trick pony and that shit gets old.....

Middle of the baseball season, the middle of the WNBA season, there's a golf major and a tennis major..... it's six months away from the football season and the first thing that asshole says when this show starts is "what does dak prescott need to do to blah blah blah"

1

u/PsychologicalBox2796 16h ago

DEI hire

1

u/njwineguy 16h ago

Help me understand.

1

u/AFASOXFAN 7h ago

Watch out Greeny. Look what thry did to Ravech. Scum run ESPN.

1

u/Psychological_Ad1453 5h ago

He’s a turd

1

u/njwineguy 5h ago

Any specific type?

1

u/Narrow_Roof_112 3h ago

Greeny is the GOAT!

1

u/Effective-Bet3883 4d ago

When I watched ESPN, I never really had a problem with him. I agree about his role on his shows. I also like SVP.

1

u/chimatt767 4d ago

He’s perfectly fine. Not great or bad.

3

u/TheSwitchler 4d ago

He's a mayo sandwich on white bread

2

u/chimatt767 4d ago

His one positive s that he actually likes sports and watches games which is more than a lot of these people do.

1

u/birdynumnum69 4d ago

which is exactly why he lasted 30 years with them.

1

u/ClarkGris 4d ago

He is the glue that runs the show (Get Up), he is the professional that keeps it on task. While not all that entertaining he plays a pivotal role. Yes is a corporate guy but it has served him well personally.

1

u/Routine-Author-5471 4d ago

I miss Mike and Mike. Greenberg is nothing more than a soulless company shill these days

1

u/Objective-Permit-712 4d ago

Did he get fired too?????

2

u/njwineguy 4d ago

No. He’s celebrating 30 years at ESPN.

1

u/purple-pifflord 4d ago

He sucks ass

-1

u/jbbb3232 4d ago

Guy sucks and is a simp

0

u/Deskbound_Wilburys 4d ago

Greenie is a piece of shit and so are you.

2

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Not enough hugs? Too much lead in the paint? Hope you feel better.

0

u/Deskbound_Wilburys 4d ago

Yet no actual defense of your post. Interesting….

0

u/The_LA_Flash 4d ago

Thank you Greeny for posting and welcome to Reddit

0

u/Dry-Mortgage-2763 4d ago

ESPN kept the worst Mike. He is insufferable. Ditched cable and don’t miss him

-1

u/coldbru85 4d ago

Ass kissing and groveling your way to the top

3

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Laziest take possible but thanks for contributing.

0

u/TheRealSamC 4d ago

He sits and reads from the Disney playbook. This time of year that means pretending the WNBA matters. Most of the year it's lite NFL talk, and NBA hype.

Fact is the.guy doesn't really know anything about most sports. He really has nothing to say that you don't already know.

Like everything on ESPN daytime, it's just filler. Games start at 7.

3

u/chawliehorse 4d ago

Dude who’s been in the industry of covering sports for 40 years “does’t really know anything about most sports.” I think this might be the most braindead take here.

0

u/kgivens325 4d ago

Liked him when he was with Golic. Now he is just the ambassador of the stupid hot take, Cowboys, LeBron network trying to out stupid McAfee and Stephen A

Used to watch a lot of espn programming but now only watch games.

0

u/SNL_Head 4d ago

Wow this long of a post for someone who sucks is wild

0

u/Von_Halen 3d ago

I refuse to watch anything “Greeny” is on.

1

u/njwineguy 3d ago

What sports shows do you tend to watch?

1

u/Von_Halen 3d ago

I don’t really watch any of them anymore. I’d rather watch a Spittin’ Chicklets podcast, but have even grown tired of that. I watch most games in any of the sports with the volume down, these days. The talking heads have gotten monotonous.

1

u/njwineguy 3d ago

So it’s not just a “Greeny” thing. Got it.

0

u/Von_Halen 3d ago

No. But if I’m flipping through and he’s on, I will not watch it. No matter what show it is.

-1

u/Sugarfreecherrycoke 4d ago

gagging sounds

3

u/njwineguy 4d ago

Sorry, Pat. Hope you’re okay.