Image via Complex Original
Announcers have been a part of sports since games were only on the radio, and sports pundits are now so ubiquitous that it's nearly impossible to not hear their analysis and opinions between games. Originally, announcers were meant to be a guiding voice to what was happening on the screen, especially in the pre-HD era. But somewhere along the way, someone decided that the talking heads should run the show.
We now have oversized personalities trying to snatch the spotlight, aggressive opportunists gunning for sponsorship deals, and inflated egos who love the camera as much as the sound of their own voice. And, of course, they dress like any misguided douche who basks in all the attention. We wish these guys would remain heard and not seen. Here are The 10 Worst Dressed Sports Announcers.
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10. Charles Barkley
Sir Charles has always been one of the more hilarious personalities on and off the court, and his self-deprecating humor and bluntness will definitely make you laugh during NBA on TNT broadcasts. In 2006, Barkley was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame renowned for his hustle and aggression, but as an announcer The Round Mound of Rebound wears garbage outfits that look to be as lazy as his study habits at Auburn. Charles, your style is "turrible."
9. Chris Berman
Chris Berman is one of those announcers and analysts who is universally hated. As for his style, it's not as bad as some other guys on this list, but our main beef is with his neckwear. It looks like his ties are sourced from the same fabric that's used for public transportation bus seats. As garish and horrific as the man they adorn, perhaps Chris is trying to distract us from his jiggling boar-face during ESPN broadcasts.
8. Merril Hoge
As far as we can tell, Merril Hoge is a stand-up guy. He caught a bum rap in his 7th season in the NFL and was given shady medical advice which came back to force his retirement. But how can one justify tie knots that are as swollen as concussed NFL players' brains? And what's worse is when he has to take off his jacket and we're exposed to how he gets his knot so huge. By wrapping the knot three or maybe even four times, the former running back is able to get that "old-timey crooked politician who walks really fast and has a really high voice" look. You're better than this, Hoge!
7. Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe is considered to be one of the greatest NFL tight ends of all time. As an announcer he is now considered to have some of the worst style of all time. Shannon's stumbling to try and keep up with announcing highlights at halftime on CBS is sometimes painful, but entertaining, to watch. His style? Combining giant tie knots, four and sometimes five button jackets, lapels that simply astound, and clothing that's louder than his trash talking is just painful. Makes us no longer feel bad for dude being named Shannon.
6. Deion Sanders
Neon Deion was probably one of the best-dressed athletes of the '90s. His brash steez was a perfect reflection of his game, and no one will forget the Prime Time era anytime soon. But now, as an analyst on the NFL Network, Deion is still trying to capture some of that long-gone flash. One of the best shit-talking and self-hyping players ever can stay silent on this, the sorrowful results speak for themselves.
5. Michael Irvin
Michael Irvin, who won three super bowl titles in the '90s alongside Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman, is no stranger to controversy over his fashion choices. When he made a court appearance in 1996, Irvin made headlines by showing up in a full-length mink coat. Currently an analyst for the NFL Network, the self-nicknamed "The Playmaker" needs to find a jacket maker. Michael Irvin looks like the cheesiest mobster of all time, and now that he's clean the cocaine cannot be blamed.
4. Daryl Johnston
Daryl Johnston was another bedrock member of the Cowboys' three Super Bowls who cleared paths for Emmitt Smith for 11 seasons. When you told "Moose" to block, he blocked. So maybe when he was given duties as "color commentator," he took it too literally. His outfits are simply a gross distraction from the main event, like an old hag's tits at a classic rock concert. Johnston's outfits are so off-putting they might even cause fellow Fox commentator Tony Siragusa to lose his appetite.
3. Walt Frazier
It pains us to put Walt Frazier on this list, but it had to be done. Clyde definitely knows his fashion, and reportedly spends hours before broadcasting Knick games deciding on what to wear. He never disappoints in wearing something that will grab the audience's attention. But sometimes his choice stumbles and bumbles instead of swishing and dishing.
2. Craig Sager
Do we even have to say anything about Craig Sager? Fuck this guy. He looks like Miami fucked a clown... But we do love that he gave a shoutout to Queensbridge for Ron Artest.
1. Don Cherry
Don Cherry is a Canadian national treasure and a true badass who calls out players and teams with such on-air candor that he operates with a 7 second tape delay. People tune in to "Hockey Night in Canada" for the game as much as to see what outlandish outfit "Grapes" is wearing. His suits are atrocious, but a man who was voted #7 by viewers as "The Greatest Canadian" probably feels entitled to do whatever he wants. It really sucks that the NHL's lockout is ongoing, but the truly scary part is the rumor that Cherry is re-upping his wardrobe with all the down time.