On Monday night, Scott Van Pelt kicked off his first episode of SportsCenter with a visit from ESPN alum Dan Patrick, the man who helped build the network’s flagship show during the 1990s. Patrick, along with his partner in crime Keith Olbermann, created a perfect blend of sports and humor, an 11 p.m. show where they could get away from management and “have some fun.”
Speaking of having fun, Patrick used his appearance to jab his former employer with a visitor’s pass: “I just wanted everyone to know that I’m not staying.”
Vintage Patrick.
Patrick parted ways with ESPN in 2007 after working with the company for 18 years. He claims to have left on good terms, but often chides the “Mother Ship” on his radio show, accusing them of not crediting other networks for breaking stories.
In February, Patrick got into it with former ESPN loudmouth Colin Cowherd after the host criticized his work ethic. That led to one of the nastiest zingers in radio history, an absolute skewering by Patrick.
All in all, Patrick has done well for himself after ESPN, with hosting duties for the Olympics and Sunday Night Football. His return to ESPN was a nice gesture, but, as he pointed out, he’s “not staying.”
