Derrick Thomas' vehicle slid off an icy highway last January, and his resulting death left fans and teammates shaken. Tamarick Vanover's and Bam Morris' arrests angered the city. Roy Williams flirted with his beloved North Carolina before painfully deciding to stay and coach the Jayhawks -- his Jayhawks. Tony Muser's Royals enjoyed one of the most prolific offensive years in the team's history and still couldn't win more than they lost. UMKC canned Bob Sundvold, Mizzou ousted Larry Smith, and K-State canceled Tom Asbury's ticket.
These events have all been chronicled and debated. But the people who bring you these stories are rarely judged -- except each January when I roll off my couch to present my annual SOFA (Sports media's Outstanding and Forgettable Achievements) Awards. My 2000 edition of the SOFA Awards represents one guy's opinion of the local sports media's work over the past year. This is the sixth year for my SOFA Awards and the first time they have graced the pages of the Pitch. Dig in and enjoy.
Best TV Sports Anchor
Dave Stewart, KMBC Channel 9
Channel 9 has one of the weakest sports lineups in Kansas City, but Dave Stewart shines with his ability to understand what makes a good story and how to tell it. His monotone delivery has always bugged me, but the guy can write ... and even read -- something Len Dawson has trouble doing.
Honorable Mention: Jack Harry, KCTV Channel 5
Many people hate it when TV anchors include their own commentary with the news. Jack Harry has no qualms about stating his opinions as he reports the scores. Thumbs up to the management at Channel 5 for allowing Harry to have a personality in an industry where cloning became popular far before it was a hit with the sheep.
Worst TV Sports Anchor
Len Dawson, Channel 9
Lenny the Cool is a local sports icon and has a hit show on HBO, but the guy was awful as the lead sports anchor at Channel 9 in 2000. He mispronounces more names than Les Nessman ... or is it Nes Lessman?
Honorable Mention: Kansas City's version of Charlie's Angels
Karen Kornacki, Lisa Holbrook, and Ann Carroll make up Kansas City's female sportscasting trifecta. Each has her own appeal to certain viewers, but none delivers what I want from my TV sportscasters: good work. With the quality of women sportscasters at an all-time high on the network level, it's time Kansas City started producing more than just politically correct figures.
Best Local TV Sports Coverage
Metro Sports
Time Warner's Metro Sports dedicates more time to covering the Kansas City sports scene than all four of the other local television channels combined. What it lacks in polish and presentation it more than makes up for in sheer volume, covering everything from the high school level to the professional ranks.
Honorable Mention: Channel 5
Over the past two years, WDAF Channel 4 has slipped as the local leader in covering area sports. This past year Channel 5 surpassed the Fox affiliate as the station to watch for your evening sports. Despite William Jackson's screeching, used-car-salesman approach, Channel 5 has the best lineup of TV sports talent.
Worst Local TV Sports Coverage
KSHB Channel 41
Channel 41 has sliced its sports staff to only two people, making it almost impossible to compete with the other stations. Todd Romero tries hard but doesn't really have a feel for this city yet. Lisa Holbrook, Channel 41's only other sports reporter, might have the most annoying television voice since Howard Cosell.
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