Best Wishes To Todd Wright
After dealing with Ophelia, I was listening last night to the AllNight show on ESPNRadio hosted by Jason Smith and he stated something about some changes that were going to take place as he was the new host. I thought that I was partially asleep when I heard that until I went to the AllNight page and read:
Jason Smith is the new host of AllNight, starting Sept. 16. Todd Wright’s contract was not renewed after a nine-year tenure at ESPN Radio. Smith comes to ESPN full-time as host of AllNight with Jason Smith (Monday-Friday from 1-6 a.m. ET). He joined the network as weekend- and fill-in host in December of 2003 as host of the Saturday and Sunday GameDay shows with Mel Kiper Jr., and in a solo capacity. He has guest-hosted several ESPN Radio shows on regular basis.
In fact, there is another page that gives the biography of Jason Smith. I really like Jason Smith as I had heard him as he filled in on other shows and also his work with Mel Kiper, Jr. We saw many sports-related issues alike. It is going to be interesting to see what happens with AllNight and to see if such segments as The Trot Nixon Show, Fourth and Longwell, Women of AllNight, Freedom of Choice, Larry Triplett, Monday Mornings with John Clayton (4:20 AM – 4:40 AM E.S.T.) , and the famous The Unnamed Segment Such Lavish Expirations (a.k.a. “The T.U.S.S.L.E.”) will remain and also if the rest of the ‘assemblage’ will remain intact.
I’m going to miss Todd talking about pro wrestling, his grandparents, his favorite women, and ‘the european sports car’ that he loved so dearly. To Todd Wright, I want to say thank you for the three years I have listened to you (since we got the ESPNRadio affiliate in my hometown) and best wishes to you in your future endeavors.
Will miss Todd Wright. Hopefully Jason Smith will stick to sports and not let his political comments interfere with what he is supposed to be doing.
Todd Wright is one of the few truly intelligent sports hosts in the business. Instead of lazily parroting what everyone else believed to be true (which is what most of the other guys do), Wright would challenge everyone else’s perceptions with his own thoroughly researched facts. Wright also did his best to avoid cliches while others relied upon them. (For example: “We don’t use that term [step up] here.”)
I listened to him for six years. I’ll miss him.
Todd was a hack with an exponentially inflated ego that was insufferably pointed inward. I, for one, am happy to be rid of this blubbering Miami grad.
I will miss the intelligent sports talk of Todd Wright. My purchase of a satelite radio system was in no small part due to a desire to hear Todd’s show wherever I was. Best wishes Todd and I hope to hear you on the late shift somewhere soon.
Five-year AllNight loyalist here. It’s pretty depressing to know that while the Assemblage/AllNight program and Mr. Wright still have their futures, that they’ll be separate ones. It just won’t be the same.
Good luck to the present and future Assemblage, and best wishes to Todd.
And if anyone remembers – 1) Who won the La Quinta Car Wash autograph contest, and – 2) The only 14-point ANAT question answered correctly, I’d like to know.
To Todd Wright: Sorry your very entertaining program is no longer on the air. It was the only sports show I enjoyed or even (ever) listened to. It was fun hearing an intelligent host make a boring subject (yes, sports) interesting. Hope you land another program soon.
I miss Todd Wright. I wonder what happened? I thought there would be some place for him in the big Disney/ABC/ESPN world.
Todd Wright was a great host not sure what ESPN was thinking by getting rid of him I now listen to wfan new york or 610 wip philly
Yeah… Eight years I listened to and loved his show, and then all of a sudden he’s just… gone. No other show on sports radio is or was quite so entertaining, and indeed, the lack of cliche and understated humour, combined with his extensive knowledge, made that show my favorite. I wish him the best of luck and hope he finds another job nationally so that I can find it up here in Canada.
Miss him already.
I thought Todd was the best radio host ESPN had, with the possible exception of Colin. I listened to Jason Smith a couple of nights and I’m done. He analyzed NFL games he obviously hadn’t seen. He’sa joke.
First the Sports Doctor and now Todd Wright. I enjoyed both hosts immensely and it will not be the same. I live in Canada and listen faithfully to ESPN at night on the Fan 590. The nights will not be the same with Todd. Thanks for the ride.
I also would like to know the real story behind Todd Wright’s contract not being renewed. His show was the one bright light in terms of overnight sports talk shows, and (no offence to Jason Smith) I’ll be less likely to turn on ESPN in the early morning. I had noticed a gradual freezing out of his show (i.e. the cancelling of the Lavish), and I had heard that he was subject to unwarranted scrutiny from the powers that be in Bristol.
Hopefully, Jason will continue the segways so popular with All Night loyalists (4th & Longwell, Freedom of Choice, Trot Nixon show, the Women of All Night, regular guests such as Brandon Noble & Larry Triplett, and even Beano Cook).
I miss Todd. He always asked the questions that I was thinking of and no one else would ask. I hope that he lands on his feet some where and I look forward to hearing him again really soon.
I for one really liked Todd Wright and have listed to him for years. Jason Smith = not very good. After just a few nights I’ve already found I don’t like him and think ESPN made a big mistake.
Anyone know if Todd has landed anything else?
I’m truly p***** that they got rid of the perfect allnight host. They bring in Jason Smith who quite frankly puts you to sleep (I guess I should be happy since waking up hasn’t been this easy in quite a few years). Shame on ESPN… First The V Show goes to Weekends only and now they ruin AllNight… way to go Disney.
I will miss Todd. I loved his show and listened for 4 years. The last year I would listen whenevr my infant child was also up all night…
Good luck in your future endeavors.
Don’t you think the decision to not renew his contract had to do with his DUI from 4-6 months ago?
I can’t believe ESPN fired their best host. I like many of the ESPN hosts—Cowherd is brash and counterintuitive, and Mike & Mike are amusing—but Todd Wright was by far the best. He is both knowledgeable and intelligent, expressive but understated, and just plain fun. He likes women and always manages to express his appreciation in a classy, not drooling, way. His reviews of popular culture were fresh and thoughtful. Contrary to a previous commentator, I did not find him too much of a Miami or Florida homer. He was widely traveled and seemed to have something good to say about many places, without being bland or a milquetoast. In fact, that’s probably what I liked best about him–his cheerful outlook. I’ll probably get more sleep, but my nights will be a lot duller without Todd Wright.
Todd, please google your name and find this blog and tell us where you are. You and me have been driving trucks for 3 years, and now I’m lost.
This is a very disapointing end to what I feel was the most entertaining and unique sports radio show ever. I will now be finding something else to listen to. Good luck Todd with two Ds.
Todd Wright is a bland, untalented, whitebread radio hack. Guys like
Wright are a dime a dozen. It is a g**d*** miracle he lasted 9 years at
ESPN. He was able to hide in the undemanding, non-ratings driven
overnight time slot. However, sooner or later ESPN was bound to
discover that he was dead wood, and when they did, they got rid of his
a**. Good riddance. Jason Smith is a definite upgrade in the all night
spot.
It seems like they’re trying to turn espn radio into espn news; get rid of anyone with a full, human, non-sports personality (Wright, Chuck Wilson, Valvano) and replace them with guys who can only talk about the day’s box scores. Color me annoyed.
Why the h___ didn’t they let Bob Valvano take over the show for the whole week? He was the best of the subs that Todd had the times he was absent, and I suspect he’d carry on the segments we’ll all miss from Todd’s show. Jason Smith is tooooo dry for my taste.
DISNEY SUCKS!!!!!
Anyone know or hear what Todd’s future plans are?
We’ve got a morning host on the ESPN affiliate (AM1270) here in Detroit who is absolutely terrible. I wonder if Todd would be interested in a local gig or if he’d only consider national (Fox Sports Radio and Sporting News Radio I think are the only other major networks besides ESPN). I think he’d really like working in Detroit. Say what you want about Detroit, but we are one of the top three sports towns in America.
I will miss Todd. His show was very entertaining. What was ESPN thinking?
ESPN has cured my insomnia!!! Jason Smith did the trick!! I’m not sure the advertisers wanted to know that. I mean, if you are letting Todd go the way of his mentor the Fabulous Sports Babe, at least replace him with the Sports Doctor or Bobby V… not another sleep inducer.
I hope Fox Sports Radio picks you up, Todd…
I had heard from Todd (before he no longer worked at ESPN) on the old Todd Wright AllNight show about some part-time work with a local sports tv show in the Tampa area. Weeks ago, he had talked about going to the WWE’s live presentation of RAW IS WAR in Tampa and talked about meeting Candace Michelle. There was a guy in the front seats that held up a sign that said ‘SportsCenter Is Next”. I always wondered if that was Todd Wright.
Man I miss his wit.
The nation’s highways just got a little dimmer at night. A bright light that kept you thinking and aware so as to catch that extra insight has been put under a basket somewhere. Here’s hoping that like Tony K. that Todd Wright will reemerge somewhere, maybe within the XM system. Will miss the candid and occassionally offbeat views into sports and what ever else is rambling around inside that free spirited mind. Thanks and come on back to late night.
What the h*** does ESPidiot think they are doing. For us who work at night Todd was the light that gave us some sort of entertainment. I can not believe that they would replace him with some blabbering idiot that makes you fall asleep. Sorry to see you go Todd you really got me through the nights. I’m really going to miss the show.
Could not stand it when that alarm clock would go off but i was cool once all night was on. Todd had a great early moring show its just is not the out there.Now i listen to the crew on fox radio.
The Assemblage hears you and feels the same way.
I just found out about Todd not being on air. My local station WRBZ-850 was a former ESPN affliate and dropped them to go to Fox. The reason was because ESPN wanted them to carry more of the daytime programming and not just overnights….so for a month I have had to get used to not hearing Todd’s great program. I have listened to him since he started on ESPN2 and then took over the overnight program. This sucks…..Todd used to come to Raleigh all the time and he was very candid about the things he would say about the powers that be in Bristol….. I do not think they got along much. So, time was coming…. I will say that ESPN radio really sucks without Todd he had a very entertaining program. He will resurface like Tonk Kornerheisr hopefully on XM. If you have noticed ESPN is terrible now everwhere you look …..or listen. Yuck…Dan Patrick, the 4pm guy, Cowherd is a blowhard. Good luck Todd, and thanks for many nights that kept me sane! I will miss you.
Hello. I’ve already written to say that I wish Todd well and hope to hear him soon. I agree that Jason isn’t doing the job that well. When I tuned in the other day all I heard him talk about was NFL there is no way that he saw all of the games.
My point is that each of us should e-mail at radio@espn.com and explain why we won’t be listening to Jason and his show. I just did and I’m not expecting a comment back but I do feel better.
I just wanted to ditto Jay’s comment that I also miss Chuck Wilson. He was the class of Game Night and now that jerk Gottlieb has the run of the place. Talk about a blowhard and a homer.
Jason Smith=Sominex.
It’s sad to see ESPN let go the people such as Todd Wright yet give a TV show to Steven A Smith.
I stumbled upon this site somewhat by accident tonight. I put on ESPN Radio online to listen to some TW because I just assumed he was on vacation last week. I heard Jason Smith’s obnoxious voice once again (he seriously has to be one of the 3 or 4 worst radio hosts I’ve ever heard) and went to the site. I see AllNight with Jason Smith. Not good. Anyway, I searched to try and find some answers and found this.
I started listening to sports talk radio regularly in the summer of 2001. The first national shows I really heard were Todd’s and Jon Chelesnik’s (hope I spelled that right). They were the most entertaining on the radio (along with Dan Patrick when he had Dibble). They’re both gone now. I will be listening to Sporting News overnight from now on.
Does anybody know what the Sports Doc is up to these days? Has he found a new gig anywhere?
Oh, and someone mentioned Todd got a DUI recently. What’s the story on this?
I sure will miss Todd and the Assemblage. Too many years and sleepness nights to count…all of them enjoyable thanks to you all. All my best.
Hmmm, I like Marky Mark’s suggestion re: Todd coming to Detroit – anything would be an improvement over Mike Valenti (I assume he’s the 1270 morning show host MM is referring to). Failing that, let’s hope he DOES end up on Fox (remember, that’s what happened to JT The Brick).
I also agree with Al Chapman’s comments – I had also corresponded with Todd a while ago, and Al is right re: ESPN & Todd not seeing eye to eye. Todd had mentioned he was asked to to go to Bristol once for re-training in the art of broadcasting! The Nerve of ESPN to even think Todd would need that!
Oh well, gotta go – will be following Christiana’s suggestion re: sending an EMail.
Count me as another all-night listener who’ll miss Todd Wright. Todd always had something intelligent to say about sports, and he did it without the meanness and player bashing that seems to have become all to common in the sports-talk world. I much preferred Todd’s show to Dan Patrick’s.
As for Jason Smith, he was OK as occasional stand-in but doesn’t seem to have enough substance to go on night after night.
Todd was great!!!!
ESPN continues to screw up its radio line-up!!
First Mr. Tony & now the best of the best Todd Wright!
There is a reason Smith was a fill in……HE CANNOT DO THIS JOB EVERYNIGHT! I now have to find something entertaining to listen to while working allnight!
Jason Smith is a boring JOKE!!!!!
Thanks 4 nothing ESPNRADIO!
Todd W. was a male chauvinist and damn irritating to listen to for an enlightened female sports fan. He lusted after starlets and teen queens like a dirty old man. I want SPORTS talk, not egotistical lust. I appreciate Jason and am overjoyed that Todd is gone!
I too bought xm to listen to todd. I have tried to listen to jason and find myself screaming at the radio. He is a hack. Todd and the assemblage we miss you dearly. Thankfully i will also be ending my night gig soon and won’t have to be angry at espn every night.
Found todd on Kfan subbing 9/26 and 27 from 12-2 cetntral time. left him a note ..hope he knows how much he is loved.
Todd was guest hosting on KFAN in the Twin Cities and said that he decided that he was going to leave talk radio at the end of the year. ESPN just cancelled his deal. In the menatime, he’ll be writing for Pro Football Weekly and working for the Sun Sports network.
I’ll miss the show. It got me through a lot of late night study sessions.
Re: BJ’s comments, I was referring to the “L” of S and L in the Morning. Lund is an idiot, I can’t even imagine why anyone would hire him for any job that requires him to ever have to speak. Valenti can be grating, but at least he is coherent, if not lucid, much of the time. I think John Lund worked in Phoenix before he came to Detroit. Is anyone else aware of him and can concur? Bring Todd Wright to Detroit and pair him up with Marc Spindler or just jettison Spindler too. Todd has proven more than able to carry an entire show by himself.
I miss Todd very much. I loved his pro wrestling comments as well as the Women of AllNight. I too liked Jason Smith as a ‘fill-in’ but now can not stand him everynight.
I think it would be a disgrace for Jason Smith to continue the segments Todd created. Those are Todd’s possesions if you ask me. He had an unmatched talent for creating diverse segments and programming that sports fans talk about. The amount of high profile regulars and ANC’s he assembled is a testament to how good he is at what he does. I echo all comments about the current ESPN Radio line up. I too turned to JT the Brick. Thanks, TW
Oh yeah, someone needs to check on Arlo in Wyoming to see if he is ok!!!
Thank God this guy is gone. I bet if Jason Smith used the same show material that Todd Wright used he would be done in 90 minutes. Todd just rambled and rambled and rambled about the same thing over and over again in order to kill time. The King of the run on sentence. Good Riddance, and Jason Smith sounds like a great replacement so far. Good move ESPN, hopefully DP is next.
Secomd week of listening to Jason Smith and that’s enough. He is lousy.
I liked AllNight with Todd because he had few, if any, call-ins. Late night callers to sports talk shows are the worst. Rest of his show was outstanding most of the time. ESPN overnight with Smith has now sunk to the level of Fox and SN.
Only problem I had with Todd was his need to say his name over and over and over……. ” This is Todd Wright at ESPN AllNight”. I know Wright rhymes with AllNight, but enough is enough. One time he must of said his name 30 times in a one hour segment. Todd – we know who you are.
Wish Todd good luck in his future. Hope ESPN gets their head out of their a**. Find someone other than Jason Smith for AllNight.
Get Jason off my radio now. I listened this am, and he pre-recorded some segment that the play-back malfunctioned. Not to mention boring. Todd ’s show had intersting blend of sports/entertainment and pop culture. Jason is reading the box score…stupid. Nice job ESPN you lost many listeners.
Cristina, I just took you up on sending a email as well. I am sure i will not get a response. Todd will be missed. I live here in the Bay area. I bought a xm radio to hear him as well. Hopefully he will resurface.
To Marky Mark – good point re: Lund, as he is not very lucid. But he’s still better than Wojo (who’s the reason I stopped listening to WDFN). Spin-dog should stay no matter what. As for Todd Wright, I’d like to see him be brought into the Fox fold, and replace that other inane host that does their overnight show (George Cedano???). Or even better, have 1270 dump ESPN, and have TW come and do the overnight show locally!
I’ve had enough of Jason Smith. A fill-in, he’s ok, but everynight just grates on my nerves. I’ve cut off AllNight now and am now sleeping better at night.
Best Wishes to Todd wherever you are.
Do The T.U.S.S.L.E.!!!!!!!
I am so glad i am quitting my night job so i don’t have to pissed off every time Jason smith opens his mouth. His stupid laugh makes me sick. Of course the most fourth quarter comebacks are with QB”S from the bottom of the barrel or from lousy teams. The good QB”S w/ good teams don’t need foruth quarter comebacks because they’re winning in the fourth q most of the time. How dam dumb can you be?
Have written a few letters to the idiots at espn but of course no reply. Anyone want to buy an xm cheap?
Big Todd (with 2 D’s) Wright fan from Tampa now living in AZ…loved getting to listen to his show at 10pm. For those that are wondering…he did get a DUI in Tampa about 320 in the AM on Kennedy Blvd about 6-8 months ago…unfortunate incident, but it happened. Hope he pops up somewhere soon…missing the TUSSLE!
Jason Smith has not annoyed me as much as some of those preceding me….but I don’t want to hear him use Todd’s ideas or ROdney’s horn from Caddyshack
Todd brought us the other side of athletes. Yes he talked x’s and o’s but he also allowed these guys to be human beings. What movies, music, video games they are into…I’ll miss his show. I was glad to have an entertaining sports radio show w/ zero to very few call ins. ESPN goes down a few notches in my book.
Espn, you have made some moves over the years , good and bad, Losing Todd wright BAD!!!. His way of delivering what sports fans want to hear will be missed . I think his interviews and guest list are second to none. I find myself listening elsewhere now, in the morning , areal shame.
I do not know what is going on at ESPN. First, it was Tony Kornheiser and his sidekick Andy Pollin ( I miss the ANDY POLLEY clip). Then Dibs was gone and went over to Fox. Then one of my favorites Dan LeBatard (even though he harped over and over again wanting to be the first sports journalist to help a gay athlete ‘come out’, that I did not care for) was replaced by that freak Mark Madden (I remember him on WCW Wrestling even though the Ric Flair autobiography he edited was an excellent work).
I hope ESPN is listening or we will go to listen to either Fox Sports or Sporting NEws Radio (aka Fox Sports).
Neil:
I too miss “ANDY POLLEY” (check your e-mail) and I too agree about the Flair book. It is the best of the wrestling books written because he explains the old school of wrestling and the evolution to the current product. In fact, I am awaiting Shawn Michaels book in mid-November to see if he talks about his new-found Christian spirituality in some way, shape, or form.
I forgot about LeBatard and Dibble leaving along with Valvano moving to the weekends. I usually did not agree with LeBatard but seeing a different viewpoint of sports was interesting to say the least. I miss Chris Casilias (one half of the Sports Brothers) for Eric is ok, but his brother complimented him so much.
As long as ESPN does not take Mike and Mike in the Morning off (Golic, come to my town and I will buy you a dozen of Krispy-Kremes) and they do not fire Dan The Duke Davis and Bob Picozzi, I will be happy. The local ESPN affiliate here replaced them with a local morning show but one week later, Mike and Mike and Picozzi was back on as the local advertisers pulled their spots and the local show replaced CowTerd.
About a week into the new AllNight Jason Smith completely misrepresented an email I’d sent the show. Funny, Todd Wright never did any of that. ESPN really fumbled this time. There are plenty of other shows to listen to at night.
todd sucked …good riddance!!
Jason Smith? Stephen A Smith?What are you guys thinking of?????My name is Brian Smith and I hope im not related somewhere down the family tree!!!!!!!
I too bought XM radio to get away from only local sports talk. Now, I have to suffer through Jason Smith’s lightweight version of local call in shows. I guess Louise stabbed Todd in the back after all Todd did for her.
another Allnight loyalist…not happy
I’ve listened to more FM radio in 2 weeks than in the previous 8yrs…Jason Smith has a long way to go
todd wright is the best!!!
Jason Smith does suck!!!
Aha, Bamadog raises an interesting question – was Louise involved in TW’s dismissal. After all, she disappeared from the TUSSLE many months ago, and maybe she was exacting her revenge! I’m also wondering what the other regular members (Jay Reynolds, Rob Kelly, Vince Cates) think about the abomination that is the departure of Todd Wright.
As for Jason Smith, I hear he’s started a few new segways (i.e. a version of Family Feud), but I cannot ever see him becoming as smooth and probing as TW!
i can’t say i was the biggest TW fan that ever existed….and thought he spent a little too much time talking about himself. and he’s not the only person on planet Earth who’s seen the Killers.
But, I still think he was unique in the genre and i’m stunned that ESPN didn’t renew his contract. he’s still better than 90% of the sports talk out there. JT the Brick? he’s a loudmouthed knucklehead.
i think it’s big loss and mistake for ESPN. and thanks for some of the other posts reminding me of the Sports Doctor–John Chelesnik (?)….i used to like his show. With Fox Sports gaining more market share and the whitewashing of ESPNradio….the future doesn’t look good for intelligent sports talk radio.
hang in there Todd.
Lousie receieved a promotion and was no longer available for the overnight segements. Todd told me this himself in e-mail. I have e-mailed jason smith 2 times asking he do the tussle and I have not even had the courtsey of a reply. I will miss Todd a lot, on those 5:00 am walks with my dog.
Jason Smith is a dry, uninteresting commentator. Thank goodness we have micheal kay here in New york and his crew.
I may have to start listening the wfan again
Todd Wright is the best. I have stayed up many nights just listening to him and enjoying the show. Jason Smith should be working at Footlocker. I used to think someone had to be a judge to get picked for the Supreme Court and that ESPN was interested in providing quality shows (Tony K, Chuck Wilson, TW), but now I know better. I’d rather listen to Ronnie Woo Woo at Wrigley Field yell Cubs! Woo! Cubs! Woo! for 4 hours than listen to Jason Smith. Maybe Napster has some old TW shows that I can download. If not, I’ll be getting more sleep. Rock on, Todd – I loved your show and you are missed.
Todd was the man. To anyone who says he rambled, I say he carried a conversation with his guests instead of asking them the same lame canned questions. He had style. I especially liked his cross-sports comparisons, which obviously demonstrates a great breadth of sports knowledge.
“Re-training in the art of broadcasting” sounds like a euphemism for learning to be a good ESPN company boy shil. I respected Todd for maintaining the independence and integrity of his show.
JStamp: I wonder if you’re one of the over-the-road drivers who got spooked every time the hockey siren went off during the lavish.
I don’t know a d*** thing about Jason Smith personally, but I can’t listen to his show. He’s much better suited the for call-ins and blowhard style of a local show.
I heard one segment he did called “Pitchers With The Same Last Name as Presidents.”
And 2 of them were named Johnson.
yuk.
I’m assuming we’ve all read Todd’s latest column this week? Ridiculing the partying that went on after San Diego’s embarrassing win of the NL West? http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Commentary/Columns/2005/wright093005.htm
I came upon this site just like everyone else, wondering what the heck happened to my favorite ALLNIGHT host. I see how we all seem to identify with the same shows, i.e. Allnight, Mr. Tony, etc. I think it is sad that ESPN would get rid of another of their hosts that offered a different perspective. I will miss Todd and hope he ends up on XM like Tony. Forgot to mention that MArk Madden drives me nuts as well. I miss Dan on Sunday mornings. I guess I have to find another station.
I truly miss Todd Wright. I’ve been an All Night Loyalist for the past five years and it’s nearly impossible to get used to Jason whatever his name is. I started listening to Todd when I was eleven years old and now listening to this other guy sucks. I have no idea how they could justify not renewing his show after so long. The worst thing about it is that they filled the timeslot in with some unknown guy. Todd talked about everything great sports, wrestling and even music. I highly doubt the new guy will ever get sixteen time world heavyweight champion Ric Flair or any other wrestler for that matter on his show. I would just like to say that Todd Wright revolutionized what I thought of as sports radio and now there will be a void that will never be filled. He will be missed.
Yikes! Todd Wright was an interesting, articulate, entertaining host. A breath of fresh air. I can’t believe they’ve replaced him with a loudmouth blowhard with nothing to say but a screeching, run-on, rat-a-tat-tat voice to say it in. This is the worst programming decision ESPN radio has ever made by far. I can’t stand the Foxclone new host so my radio “dial” will be tuned elsewhere….and that probably means it will stay elsewhere at other hours when I would have otherwise naturally been listening to ESPN radio programming.
I was worried about why they had so many fill-ins in the months before TW got canned. I figured they were trying out some people for a replacement, since it seemed he was gone more than usual during this year. JS’s laugh is the only thing I remember about him filling in, he was doing it all the time and yes, it’s annoying. And the reason I never liked the Fox shows is because of the constant call-ins. Maybe a petition drive is in order. I don’t think JS is going to be a long term host after the ratings drop.
I was never been much of a late nite radio listener till I heard Todd about 3 years ago.
With Jason now patrolling the late night hours I’ll be getting a lot more sleep.
All the best Todd in your latest endeavors! You are sorely missed.
Great news to hear about the exodus of the irritating Mr. Todd “DWI” Wright from ESPN radio. Now Mr. Driving While Intoxicated Wright will have an opportunity to sober up and fly Wright. Ha! Ha!
I thought that Todd Wright was opiniated, way too interested in beig “hip”, and his interviewing style of run-on, leading questions drove me nuts. But. The show was immensely entertaining, and the contrast with the new guy is like nails ona chalkboard.
I only heard the mornings, but if he bad-mouthed the Mouse, then a “vacation” was bound to happen.
I’m back to NPR in the morning.
Unbelievable. Without repeating the same thoughts you all have so thoughtfully contributed, i’ll just say I am incredibly disappointed about Todd’s unceremonious departure.
I’ve listened to him for 8 years. Between Mr. Tony, Bobby V, and now Todd….I have little else to listen to on ESPNradio.
Todd thank you for everything.
It seems Disney is hell-bent on dumbing down its ESPN’s radio talent…Kornheiser, gone. Andy Pollin, gone. Chuck Wilson, gone. Todd Wright, gone. They are rolling out more stiffs than a mortuary…this is what happens when guys in suits start making sports-related decisions…at least we get an hour of Keith Oberman on the DP Show once a week…I guess it’s just like pro sports — you root for the team because there is no guarantee your favorite players will be around.
I’m late for this party, but had to add a comment after seeing Maureen’s remark about Jason Smith’s laugh. I still haven’t made up my mind as to whether it’s more like a hyena or a braying jacka**. After hearing him talk (and talk and talk and talk…) I’m starting to lean more to the jacka** comparison. While Todd W would get on my nerves sometimes (mainly with his smarmy “girls of all-night” and crappy boy’s magazine musings), he at least had a few watts working on his lightbulb. This Jason Smith guy comes off like a penlight that thinks he’s one of those floods at a movie premiere. And don’t even get me started on the disappearance of Chuck Wilson…
Todd was matchless. He will be missed by many.
Maybe Todd can Google himself, and find this we would love to hear from you Todd…
Goodluck in the future.
G @ gnextinc.com
I always loved going to ESPN Club on Disney’s Boardwalk at Disneyworld in Florida and seeing Todd’s name hanging from the ceiling.I will miss listening to him every night and hope he resurfaces somewhere soon.Thanks Todd.God bless.
I enjoyed Todd’s style though not too fond of women of late night since he refused to let photos of himself be out there for critique To me Jason is too much like a FOX newscaster loud and not with much information, I really dislike Jason’s pick a topic and have people call in with their opinion about it.
But I think Todd was let go be of his second DUI arrest in the last few years. I hope for his sake he can get a handle of his drinking
Three annoying things about Todd Wright:
1) He was very arrogant.
2) He was fawning to the point of being lecherous with the Women of All Night.
3) He referred to the phone number as the raw line, and gave the number as 888-RAW-ESPN, when every other host gives the number as 888-SAY-ESPN. This is being clever for the sake of being clever, and not entertaining at all.
Other than that, he will be missed, much like I miss the sports doctor.
Finally, its nice that i finally know that the “awesome blage” means “assemblage”
I also very disappointed with the departure of Todd Wright. He is a very talented sports talk show host however the reason why i am so upset with his departure is that i will never hear the “TUSSLE” and all his other great segments and traditons again. Jayson Smith has interesting comments on the world of sports however i can find that anywhere. It is the funny segments that tw so masterfully perfected that entertained me and kept me up at night. i personally have stopped listening to all night since it has become boring and dull and have switched to the more lively (possibly too lively and silly) “third shift on FOX with George Sedano”. It is definetly a step down from TW and i miss the TUSSLE however at least it is entertaining.
The problem with Jayson Smith it is as if he is a sports news reporter not a talk show host. He just says the facts, lists what is going on, comments on games but does not make it exciting. His shows lack a conviviality that TW had.
BRING BACK TODD WRIGHT.
does anyone know who i can send an email to at ESPN to complain?
I registered a complaint at radio@espn.com – please do so as well. The new guy is horrible. I switched to Fox Sports Radio in protest (I’m a XM subscriber), but they suck too… AARG!!
I’ve been listening to Jason Smith for several weeks thinking that Tadd Wright was on extended vacation or leave. I only recently got the good news that he was fired. When I could not pick up the FAN I was relegated to his “All Nite Show” hoping he would have another interesting guest. As for Todd, he never met a mirror he did not like. When he gave his breakdown of a situation it was long winded and usually over analized. His frequently references to reality TV, movies, and babes made for a sports talk show with little substance. He was a joke. Jason’s show is fast paced and far more informative. Thanks
for making my early morning drive more bearable ESPN.
I just got the news that Todd Wright is no longer on the AllNight show. I can’t believe espn would let him go. His analysis and commentary was entertaining and thought provoking. I used to listen to Todd Wright in law school during late night study sessions and when I was commuting from my home town to Eugene late Sunday Night. In the past few years, I only listen to late night radio once or twice a month. I was disappointed to hear an unfamiliar voice and even more so when I discovered that Todd Wright was not returning. At the very least, espn could have sent him off with a party and an explanation to his fan base. Instead, all I have been able to find on him is this blog.
E-mail ESPN radio advertisers, like OnStar, XM, and other ESPN Radio advertisers and tell them your disappointment in ESPN Radio. Once the advertisers hear the negetitive reaction, they will take their money elsewhere, then ESPN will have todo something differently.
I’ve been listening to sports talk radio my entire life and I enjoyed Todd more then anyone. I was shocked and really upset when they let him go. Todd, if you’re out there reading this, know that you are the classiest and most entertaining host anywhere. Please let us know where you land so we can listen again….
Thank god LaMont is among the few – Jason is NOT as informative as TW was (and as far as the majority is concerned, never will be). He doesn’t have the rapport with his guests that Todd had, and I can’t imagine this to change in the forseeable future.
An aside to Marky Mark (if he still looks at this Blog) – what do you think of the latest happenings re: Gregg Henson?
Like most posters in this thread I miss Todd Wright. His insights and style weren’t often found or, if they are, are put into a more prime time programming slot. I’ve come to loathe ESPN and their corporate leanings. It’s caused me to listen to music late night, instead of my beloved sports talk radio. Fare winds, Todd.
as a sportscaster in the business, i used to love everynight after work climbing into my car and listening to the Tussle, Todd Wright is by far one of the best radio guys i have ever heard, on trips i could listen to him while driving in the middle of the night…now, i have gone back to local music programming, that’s depressing! I hope Todd shows up somewhere, he’s too good to be out of the business for long
Todd Wright and his many creative show segments of Allnight will greatly be missed. His wit and humor was a nice change for a so called sports radio show. One name Jay, Vince, Louise and TW will be missed…ESPN radio keeps dropping the ball first Mr Tony and now TW. Thanks for the ride.
I am so glad your gone and we don’t have to hear about your life anymore. Your women thing was too much man, evidently you have issues and you need to get a magizine and go somewhere private and deal with it. Your thing with a 15 year old golfer made me sick too ……….. dude she is 15!!!!!!! You always talked about her and made refrence to her and it made me want to pucke.
Good bye and don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Now we can get sports talk instead of “Todd’s fantasy” talk!
I miss hearing Todd and I agree with above posters…..he was one of the best hosts ESPN ever had. I am happy to have found this website today and thanks for the PFW tip on Todd…….he has another article up this week about the struggling Eagles. Falling asleep with ESPNews on the TV on is more entertaining than Jason Smith LOL!!!!! I give him 18 months and then the ratings will be so bad ESPN will have to get rid of him.
This is revolting news. Todd Wright was a master of late-night sports talk…along which Bobby V. This new guy sounds like a smart-a**.
Fortunately, though, we have Phil Hendrie 500 Hz away.
Just a note to say that my Dad in Alaska asked me to find out why Todd Wright can no longer be heard on the ESPN affiliate in Fairbanks. I appreciate this site for providing the information and hosting this forum for fans of the show. My Dad misses hearing All Night with Todd Wright, which he heard in ‘prime time’ each evening because of the time difference in Alaska.
I sure miss Todd Wright All Night.. like someone up above said.. all of a sudden.. Todd was gone.. just like that.. I really enjoyed his ‘low keyed’ and easy going approach.. the show was on in prime time here in Alaska.. we are four hours behind.. two o’clock in the East is our ten o’clock the previous day.. Todd.. good luck and best wishes where ever you are and go..
It is 4:38 A.M. as I sit here writing this. Why am I on the computer at this hour? Because Jason Schmit is on the radio, and if I can’t listen to Todd Wright, I will listen to nobody at this hour. There’s nobody else to listen to. And I can’t go back to sleep if I am not tired.
I have worked at night for many years and have been all over the dial looking for an intelligent sports host to keep me company. 6 or 7 years ago I found Todd and my radio has been on the same setting ever since. Best informed on ALL sports and most entertaining host ever. I looked forward every night to his original segments and always enjoyed his stories of going to different events and venues that I will never be able to go to. Especially the Masters coverage the last couple of years. When Jason Smith filled in occasionally I assumed that Bobby V or Tom McCarthy wasn’t available on those nights. I was, and still am, shocked when ESPN hired him full time. Every time I hear him I think of the nickname George Costanza’s high school gym teacher had for him, Cantstandya! The depths of my despair are bottomless. No more Awesomeblage, Fourth & Longwell, Trot Nixon Show, good game segments, or visits with all of Todd’s regular guests. This new host and format are a joke. There are a million sports guys at little local stations that can read scores and giggle. I can’t believe they did this to the All Night Loyalists. So long, ESPN.
Todd Wright is a take it or leave it personality. Some nights he was “on”, other nights he was “off”. After a while I simply found him to be more irritating and grating to my senses. It’s just one of those things, you either liked the man’s radio style or you didn’t. I didn’t, plain and simple with no right or wrong here.
ATTENTION EVERYONE: We can finally see what Todd Wright actually looks like on http://www.profootballweekly.com Click on the column “After Further Review” Don’t give up on Packers yet.
DUI! So glad his contract wasn’t renewed. How much could this guy talk about ABC, Disney and those stupid ESPN shows. I mean Jesse “The Bachelor” Palmer on to talk playing in the NFL. Did he ever play in one game? And his “women of all night” snorefest. For a guy who tried to be so suave did you ever see how doughy and repulsive he looks? Guess it all goes together for a guy who committed career suicide getting a DUI planted on him in a parking lot trying to smash on some skanktress. Oh yeah, the new guy sucks too. Makes Frank Andrews from the old Sports Fan Radio Network seem interesting.
For a picture of Todd Wright, please click here . Thanks to “Packersman” for the lead to the page.
#################################
It also looks like this blog post has made the links within the Wikipedia profile of Todd Wright. There are also some other good links there for other blogs that documented Todd Wright’s departure.
################################
I fell asleep one night trying to listen to the baseball game and woke up to Jason Smith calling a hotel, a convenience store, and a famous fast food restraunt by suprise wanting those employees (on their company time) to comment on the poor play of the New York Jets when they lost to the Buffalo Bills. This was to me very unprofessional and degraded the show to the level of these early morning shock jocks that love to talk to hear themselves talk. No more ESPNRadio overnight now.
I don’t understand why some people that didn’t like Todd’s show know so much about it and the particular segments. I don’t think Todd ever said his format was perfect for everyone, to the contrary he was more than happy to ask you not to listen if that was the case. After looking at his picture, I don’t see why you would attack him, he just looks like an average joe like most of us. Besides he never hid the fact that he wasn’t Brad Pitt. I listened for audio entertainment, not visual. Just like everything else in entertainment, there were a few segments that I was not crazy about, but the overall show was the best thing going. I wish Todd, Chris Moore, Chuck Wilson, Bobby V, Mr. Tony, and a few others would start their own broadcasting company called ERSN (Espn Radio Sucks Now).
well i wish i hadn’t seen that pic – rather not know what radio personalities look like. not exactly Brad Pitt. was hoping he’d look younger – now the fascination with underage teen pop divas is more disturbing – before it was just – odd – with two D’s of course.
Todd has some talent and definitely alot of knowledge – but he was usually hard to take for me –
always seemed to be trying too hard to prove he was hip, smart, better etc – another white guy from the generation that grew up worshipping David Letterman trying to be Dave.
Who’s got a pic of Louise? That’s gotta be a mess.
LT
Todd Wright AllNight – it rhymed and it was cool. I found this site by doing a google search on what happened to Todd Wright. I had no idea he was gone permanently-you gotta think he was bringing in tons of listeners-by the way I live in Hawaii. Everynight on may way home, almost always just in time for “The Tussle” it was fun to listen to Todd comment on almost any subject but you never forgot that it was a Sports show. He was brilliant and a truly unique host. It’s darkness in Hawaii without the light of All Night with Todd Wright.
Working all night over the past few years, has been tremedous as Todd Wright made the night fly by. The guests that he had on the show weren’t boring and they did not suck. The entertainment side of the show which Todd brought was entertaining it was good to have one ESPN radio show which did not focus soley on sports. Todd found the perfect balancing act, and will be missed. Jason Smith is a OK, but doesn’t compare to Todd Wright.
Todd Wright was the ONLY reason I ever listened to ESPN Radio. He was very knowledgable, easy on the ears, and most entertaining. He is missed.
This clown who replaced him is of the belief he is comical, has a voice that resembles fingernails across a chalkboard, and is just plain boring. Goodbye ESPN radio. good riddance.
Todd……thanks for the many moments of late night entertainment.
Todd will surely be missed. His show was different and entertaining. I liked the mix of sports, entertainment and pop culture. His replacement is rather one dimensional and frankly boring to listen to. To set the record straight Todd was only arrested for a DUI but never charged. He has no DUI’s on his record. As for all his comments on women and underage golfers, take it for what it was for entertainment. Todd said what most people thought and it was refreshing. Didn’t always agree with him but it was a change of pace. I rarely got the chance to listen since Giants baseball reruns (zzzzzzzz) played all night during baseball season but when I did it was great. He involved his Assemblage without it being overbearing like Howard Stern. I could go on about his clever segments, engaging interviews (he actualy conversed instead of asking the same lame questions everyone does) but we all feel the same pain. And I agree it is R’sBI not RBI’s.
A-UMO is an idiot if you read all these posts they almost all agree ESPN made a huge mistake. regardless of their reasons ESPN is about the fans. They have spoken Todd worked for us and you blew it by letting him go! I am done with all night thank god for XM radio!
Todd and Jon Chelesnik, who used to host Weekend AllNight and was Todd’s regular fill-in on AllNight were unique in sports talk radio. They were less X’s and O’s and much more about sharing athlete’s personalities. They both also never ceased to have fun, creative, original segments. Chelesnik might also be the best interviewer I have ever heard on ESPN.
Im only 16 and I remember listening to Lavish and the tussle… but I cant remember exactly what Lavish was, can someone remind… oh and yeah Jason Smith is trashy, Todd Wright’s views on things rivaled mine a lot, but he always explained himself in a refreshing way so it was cool.. much respect
THANK GOD TODD IS GONE !!!!
What a self-important windbag. Todd was the only ESPN personality that made arrogant Dan Patrick sound somewhat humble.
God, was he ever full of himself !
His never ending stories of his weekend sports trips were unbearable. What a name dropper.
The tussle was just another tool he used to hear himself talk even more.
ESPN did the right thing in dumping him. Even dead air would be a programming improvement.
Richard Howes
To Mr. Webb – Lavish was a 2-person expanded Sports Center with Todd & Jay Reynolds, filled with sound bytes (taken from movies – i.e. Blazing Saddles, Grumpy Old Men), and a lot of their own cliches (i.e. appearing on the food network if you hit 2 homers, or scored 2 goals). Sadly it was taken off the air, which eventually resulted in TUSSLE (The Unnamed Segment Since Lavish Expiration). I may have many years on you, but our views on Jason Smith are the same.
It is a sad joke. ESPN really blows and thats why 620 wdae here in tampa dropped them 9 months ago! ESPN Radio is now just a place with hype and stale idiots. I have not even listened to Todd in about 18 months but I still would like to hear him at any other time! If he gets on satellite radio at a semi normal hour- I will buy it”!!!
Todd would definitely fit in on Extreme XM, the same XM station that Tony Kornheiser is on. Here’s hoping he makes the jump soon! I miss that Caddyshack horn!
Just found this site as i am a union frieght hauler and didn’t have time to investigate espn’s big mistake. I agree with all the comments on how unique Todd’s show was. After Art Bell left the air waves Todd’s was the only original programing left. Now all there I have is C-Span or the dim-wit George N. or the cookie cutter Jason S. Thanks espn.
I can’t believe Todd is gone. I really enjoyed his show, it made my trip to work so much more interesting. I especially liked how he talked about his grandparents. He has a great laugh. Jason Smith has a girl’s voice. I don’t listen to ESPN Allnight anymore. Bring Todd back!!!
Tuned in the rank amateur jason smith sunday pm. Is that guy for real? He randomly phoned businesses near Syracuse Univ. and asked the individual who answered the phone their thoughts on syracuse football. The guy is totally abysmal. Such a phony laugh….totally nonsensical and a disgrace to ESPN. ESPN radio is a total farce without todd wright.
Thanks to Chris Ricci for this link.
Sign the petition to bring back Todd Wright..
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/espn
Anyone hear how ratings are going since Todd is gone? Just curious. I had my issues with Todd, but his personality/style seemed to work. I’ve tuned in to the new guy a few times, but I’m generally unimpressed.
I don’t know about ratings, but it looks like ESPN is losing stations for the overnight hours. Detroit has dumped ESPN for Sporting News Radio (I hate to say this, but their overnight MC is worse than even Jason Smith, if you can imagine that).
WOW! I don’t believe it! Just came back to an area where I could listen to the radio at night after 3 months away. All excited, I turned my radio on to listen to the only show I enjoyed and it was gone. NO WAY! Who makes these decisions and is Todd back on the radio? My heart goes out to all those who share my sentiments. UNVBELIEVABLE!
Even though I should be listening to the radio at that time to put me to sleep, I still can’t listen. Jason Smith is unlistenable!!………..I thought maybe after a little bit I’d grow to like him, like Colin after Tony K. left. Such is not the case. My disdain for him and my longing for Todd just grows!!
HAVE E-MAILED ESPN SEVERAL TIMES TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO TODD,THEY WOULD NOT RESPOND…NOT NEAR AS GOOD OF A SHOW NOW….AFTER FINALLY GETTING THE ANSWER,WILL NOT LISTEN TO ESPN RADIO ANYMORE !
in addition to Pro Football Weekly, Todd’s now blogging on the Lightning website. you can send him a note at: bloggin_with_todd@sptimesforum.com.
AllNight with Todd Wright was my favorite Sports Talk show. Immediately after his dismissal, I had the same reaction many of you expressed. Where is he? ESPN just left us hangin’. I no longer listen to late night ESPN…but if Todd ever reappears on radio, I’ll be there with him! He’s bright, funny, topical, and has a pleasant voice. Not to mention well regarded by atheletes and journalist, and oh, by the way…knows his sports! Unlike…well..I won’t go there.
Todd Wright was on for Tony Bruno today on Fox Sports Radio.
Was GREAT to hear his voice and intelligent thought again.
Todd Wright’s show is awesome. This new guy stinks. He is just a run-of-the mill talk show host. If it is ever possible to listen to him locally on his Tampa station through streaming audio over the internet then please post a message on this website.
For Todd Wright fans out there, he has been covering for Rick Ballou on Sporting News Radio this week. He’s on for the next 50 minutes and will be on tomorrow night, too.
It’s GREAT to here his voice again. I think he is going to end up being a “regular” substitute. I hope he gets a job at SNR.
Sounds like Todd is a regular on Sporting News Radio now – he’s much better than Ballou. I heard him last night, and it sounded like this is now a regular job for him. Kudos to Sporting News Radio for bringing him on board, leaving the rest of the Assemblage to suffer under Jason Smith.
Video
Tags
Bill Johnson Bob Jones C. Peter Wagner Charisma Magazine charismatic witchcraft Che Ahn Chuck Pierce Elijah list False Prophets false revivals Fire In My Bones Florida Healing Outpouring Florida Outpouring fresh fire ministries Fresh Fire USA God TV Heresy Jack Deere Jessa Bentley Jessa Hasbrook Jessa Hasbrook Bentley J Lee Grady Lakeland healing revival Lakeland Outpouring Lakeland revival Leviticus 19:28 living sacrifice MorningStar Ministries Paul Cain portals religious right Rick Joyner Robert Ricciardelli seperation sheekah-boom-ba! Shonnah Bentley stephen strader Steve Strang The International Coalition of Apostles Todd Bentley todd bentley's adultery todd bentley divorce todd bentley marriage todd bentley morningstar video william branhamArchives
Blogroll
Meta
Twitter - "ALOOFT"
Categories
Recent Articles
Recent Comments