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Approval Ratings – Top Ten Disapproves

July 15, 2008 By

As promised, here is the other side of the coin from yesterday’s results, the ten Boston sports media personalities with the highest (lowest) disapproval percentage.

Not many surprises here, though I’m mildly surprised that Tony Massarotti made it into the bottom 10 here. His column insulting Patriots fans really damaged him in this poll.

John Tomase certainly isn’t the worst writer or reporter in Boston, but he overwhelmingly received the most “disapprove” votes.

Only five personalities finished with more than 1000 disapproves. The four you see in the list above were joined by Gerry Callahan (1133) disapproves. Callahan finished just ahead of Massarotti at number 11 on this list. They are all in the top ten.

Shaughnessy and Massarotti are the only ones in this group whom you would classify as mainly writers, the rest are radio/TV types.

(I’m an idiot. The original chart I posted had only 9 names and Massarotti’s approves/disapproves were switched. The above chart is a corrected one. ) 

Filed Under: Morning Links
  • Scott

    You strike the Spygate vote and who’s better than me with the disapproves, Maria?

  • Funkhouser

    A Murderers Row of incompetence, laziness, ineptitude, arrogance and overall smarm and superiority. On my personal list, Meter ranks #1 and Butch is #2, but the whole lot of these jerks is contemptible. It’s pretty telling that the entire WEEI morning team, head honcho included, has made the Top 11. That’s just Dangerous! Your thoughts?

  • NASCL

    Jack Edwards should be on this list. I “Approve” a recount.

  • mandb97

    I agree with Bruce on Tomase. I do not believe he is the worst of the bunch. He did though, make a horrible mistake. I believe in due time he will not be hated nearly as much. As far as Butch Stearns goes, I have said it before. He maybe the dumbest thing on two legs. He is wrong on all of his scoops. Literally has no idea on what he is talking about. His numbers will never change because he is beyond inept. He should be arrested for stealing money.

    • Tony

      I’m still waiting for the Ty Law/Patriots contract signing that Butch said was “close” on the Fox 25 website about 10 weeks ago!!

  • rrsafety

    Tomase is a fraud who has never explained how he printed the lie on the day before the Super Bowl. His “explanation” was a joke and we are still left to wonder if he made it all up and was his own “source”.

  • Kevin

    Twenty percent of people LIKE Meterparel?

    He must have had 357 family members voting.

  • MikeJ

    The media bashing in Boston borders on sick obsession.

    • NASCL

      As opposed to the media’s self-absorbtion, self-promotion, laziness, sloth and, in some cases, racism?

    • Jon Fox

      You should check out the comments that Peter Gammons gets on his Blog over @ ESPN.com. Bashing Peter Gammons is an obession there . . .WOW!

      • Tony

        I think Gammons is overrated. I’m sorry.

        I know that he’s a sacred cow in these parts, and even nationally, but really, the guy is rarely correct in his projections, his writing is subpar (I could barely get through his first book, “Beyond the Sixth Game,” because his writing style literally made my head hurt), and his inside information never really provides any earth-shattering news that I can think of.

        I still remember him lamenting for months in months in his Globe Sunday Notes column about how the Sox let former first round draft pick Reggie Harris go to Oakland on waivers in the early 90s, like Harris was going to win Cy Young after Cy Young out there.

        I’m sorry…I really think the guy is overrated. Seems like a really nice guy and all, but Hall of Famer? I don’t get it.

      • Tony

        I think Gammons is overrated. I’m sorry.

        I know that he’s a sacred cow in these parts, and even nationally, but really, the guy is rarely correct in his projections, his writing is subpar (I could barely get through his first book, “Beyond the Sixth Game,” because his writing style literally made my head hurt), and his inside information never really provides any earth-shattering news that I can think of.

        I still remember him lamenting for months and months in his Globe Sunday Notes column about how the Sox let former first round draft pick Reggie Harris go to Oakland on waivers in the early 90s, like Harris was going to win Cy Young after Cy Young out there.

        I’m sorry…I really think the guy is overrated. Seems like a really nice guy and all, but Hall of Famer? I don’t get it.

        • Dan Riley

          The best part about Peter’s Reggie Harris story was that he actually gave credence to Reggie’s complaint that the Sox minor league system failed to teach Reggie how to use a resin bag. Great stuff, but I like Peter anyway,

        • Jason Coyote

          While we’re on the subject of Gammons, is it odd that he would consistently criticize the former Red Sox ownership while having nothing but good things to say about the current group of Henry, Werner and Lucchino? Almost makes me think Peter had an agenda back in the 80′s and 90′s, which would certainly make me rethink my opinion of him.

        • Lance

          Jason, considering the previous ownership were racists, pedophile enablers and the single reason the Sox failed to win a championship while they owned the team while getting a pass from locals only because they donated a lot of “let me sleep better tonight” money to charities, I think Peter’s assessment of the Yawkeys was spot on. And how many years did it take a competent owner to win in Boston?

        • Lance

          Jason, considering the Yawkey’s were racists, pedophile enablers and the single reason the Sox failed to win a championship while they owned the team, do you think Gammons might have had a point? The Yawkey’s only got a pass from locals because they donated a lot of “let me sleep better tonight” money to charities, I think Peter’s assessment of the Yawkeys was spot on. And how many years did it take a competent owner to win in Boston after the Yawkey’s sold? Does anyone need more proof?

    • fishercat

      blame the customer! do you work for the globe or weei?

    • Chris38

      The licenses these particular Bottom-10 media hacks take also borders on sick obsession. They have hate-fueled agendas and they use their bully pulpit as a drive-by weapon. Decades ago, you had one chance in a thousand to make the Letters to the Editor section to voice your displeasure. Now, blogs like this exist and the media hacks simply hate it. To that I say, GOOD!

    • Dan

      I completely agree. I used to visit this site to look at all of the articles that were in the Boston newspapers this morning.

      Now, I come here to look at those, but primarly laugh at all of the people who are insulting all of the media types. I mean, seriously, does this help make people feel better about themselves? Everyone bashing Tomase, Massarotti, Callahan, Shaughnessy, etc- I hope you realize that they enjoy the free publicity and that this bashing says more about YOU then it does about the actual media member. Face it- these guys aren’t going away!

      But please, keep the bashing up. I enjoy the morning laughs!

      • Dan

        Sorry- just want to make sure that you don’t think I agree with “fishercat” or “Jon Fox.” I am agreeing with MikeJ about the obsession.

      • Dougie the Sky Fox

        So you’re saying that you bash commentors to make you feel better about yourself.

        Fenderbenderoo!

        p.s. I was hoping this was the top 10 bottoms list

        • Dan

          Yeah, you got me “Dougie the Sky Fox,” thank you for pointing that out. (head down in disgust) I just needed to vent against the commenters, I feel much better now. Thank you everyone for helping. * Sigh * I guess Massaroti must have been referring to you in his article about Pats fans.

      • Jason Coyote

        I think some of the rationale behind the bashing is that as more folks visit this site perhaps reading these comments will help raise the awareness of the local sports media who should be called out for their lack of credibility. Is it going to cause any of these media members to leave town or get fired? Of course not, but maybe it will help them to change their incompetent ways.

        We’re not only here to condemn but also enlighten.

      • NASCL

        $15 gives you the opportunity to defend these guys on a daily basis.

  • BlitzingVrabels

    How in the world did Larry Johnson escape this list?

    • sr20de

      I was thinking the same thing, especially after listening him for the last 2 days on ‘EEI.

  • MikeJ

    And what all the media bashers fail to realize is the continual criticizing of certain members of the press only advances their profile (brand) and makes them more attractive to radio/TV producers who are always looking for edgy personalities, often resulting in more on-air appearances, which in turn means more money to the individual. This can only happen in the bizzaro world that is Boston. Villains, real or perceived, have always been hot commodoties.

    • fishercat

      you make a good case that it’s better to ignore the types that make up the bottom third of the list.

    • Jason Coyote

      Since when did lazy blithering idiots become “edgy personalities”?

    • Scott

      So, Burton……..our fault?

  • Beaker

    Will there be an awards ceremony? Maybe a banquet of some kind?

  • Jason Coyote

    Did I read a rumor this week that Gresh is auditioning for Felger’s old gig on ESPN 890? Three hours of him going up against Ordway? Talk about a battle of the bulge. Choosing between those two would be like either having your ears bleed profusely or jamming the meat thermometer directly into your eardrum.

    Does anyone here listen to The Lew & Mike Show on 1510 the Zone? Not a bad alternative for morning sportstalk and they’re not even full-time broadcasters.

    • Ken

      I listen to them as well. Somewhat amaturish (sp?) but they talk sports, which D&C rarely do, unless you consider manny bashing or curt ballwashing sports.

  • Jon B

    is it just me or does the bottom 10 only have 9?

    • http://soxanddawgs.com Steve

      yeah there’s only 9 and Massarotti’s % doesn’t make sense based on the numbers. 820 of 1169 is not 29.85% its 70.15%

      • mandb97

        now, take the 100% and subtract 70.15% and you get 29.85%

      • mandb97

        whoops, now that I have put my eyes in I see where you are coming from. Sorry

    • Snuffy Smith

      Callahan is most unwanted #10, I think.

  • Hot Dog Safari

    In this business, it’s great when people love you and it’s great when people hate you. When people don’t about you, then you have trouble.

    Having WEEI with 4 personalities in the top 11 most-hated is music to their ears.

    But,don’t believe what WEEI tells you. WEEI was ranked 5th in the Boston market in 6AM to Mid-Day, with persons 12 years or older.

    Here are the top 4

    1. WBZ 2. WMJX 3. WJMN 4. WXKS

    • Research Director

      Advertisers buy 25-54′s, and WEEI generally fluctuates between #1 and #3. They are a dominant (higher ratings than their next three competitors combined) #1 in men.

  • Snuffy Smith

    Hey, Bruce, nice job. How about one more break down, top and bottom of number of comments posted?

  • Tony

    I’m not surprised that Tony Mazz is on this list. I think it’s due to more than just that nasty article he wrote about Pats’ fans a couple of months ago. The guy has become increasingly hostile and agenda-oriented over the past couple of years, and remember, part of his grade involves his WEEI appearances, which often drip with snark, condescension and contempt for the audience.

    No, I’m not surprised at all to see Mazz on this list.

    • Char

      Agreed. I didn’t even read that article. Mazz drives me insane not only for his comtempt, but for his constant whining and panic-mongering.

  • Scott

    Contempt for the audience? That’s what killed Dennis Day. The people want to love you!

    • Tony

      LOL….”You don’t scare me. I got chunks of guys like you in my stool!!”

    • Chuck S

      Next Issue: Steve Buckley — what’s with the hair??

  • Nopointe

    Meter is playing a character. Butch doesn’t know any better.

    Tomase has no excuse.

  • Dan Riley

    Callahan should be honorary #1 because he uses his truly terrific writing talent in service of his wide-ranging and transparent bigotry which continues to feed nasty national images of Boston (I’m looking at you, Wilbon). And he’s so damned smug about it. Just a lousy character.

    • fishercat

      terrific writing talent? since when? maybe the s.i. editors worked their magic on whatever random crap he submitted and whittled it down to something concise but his columns for the herald are truly awful. shaughnessy comes off as doestoyevsky compared to callahan. he’s a hack that writes for the third newspaper in a two newspaper town. i’ve seen better columns than callahan’s in the daily collegian.

      he is a true bigot but the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

  • http://masshysteriasports.blogspot.com/ DaveR

    So the guy who got more “disapprove” votes than anyone else doesn’t even make the list?

    What is this, the Home Run Derby????

    • Bruce

      Tomase got the most “disapprove” votes. By far. Not sure how you say he doesn’t make the list.

      • http://masshysteriasports.blogspot.com/ DaveR

        Sorry… misread the post. I thought you said that Callahan got the most disapproves, but didn’t make the list on a %wise basis.

        Mea culpa!

  • Rock

    My personal bottom ten would include and be led by the insufferable Dale Arnold and I would omit Meterperel, who is essentially a AA player anyway.

  • Nico

    Not sure why Meter got worse percentage than Dennis and Callahan…

  • Dan

    I certainly don’t think Tomase would have “won” this competition if it were conducted a year ago, or possibly even a year from now. He’s really IMO a one-hit-wonder with regard to dishonesty, incompetence, lack of journalistic integrity, etc. However, because of the magnitude of his “mistake,” I feel he deserves most of the criticism he has received.

    Spygate was O-V-A OVA before he came out with the walkthrough story the day before the Super Bowl. If you recall, no Patriots player was asked a single question about spygate on media day – the story had been beat to death for months and 18-0 spoke for itself at that point. But then the Herald ran Tomase’s story and forced Pats officials to spend time all weekend, including Super Bowl Sunday, refuting a claim significantly more damaging to thier reputation than anything relating to sideline taping. Then, because Tomase and the Herald just let the story sit out there when they had to know it was incorrect, the Patriots name got run through the mud for over three months while everyone wondered what Matt Walsh “might say” or “might have.”

    While I don’t agree with the magnitude of the punishment or media scorn that stemmed from the Jets taping incident, I agree that Belichick and the Pats brought it on themselves for violating the rule. Round 2 – with Sen. Comcast, Matt Walsh, live press conferences in NY with sideline video playing in the background, Mark Schlereth and Chris Carter making things up after they had been been refuted by all parties involved, and months of speculation about how dirty those cheating Patriots really were – was 100% undeserved and brought on by John Tomase and the Boston Herald. The Krafts have much more integrety than myself – I would have banned the Herald outright from the team facility.

    So even if he doesn’t have the resume that would normally qualify someone to be the most disapproved media member in town, I think Tomase’s status of #1 is well deserved.

    Phew, I haven’t ranted that long in a while! Training camp can’t start soon enough.

    • Tony

      Well said and spot on.

      Tomase breathed new life into a story that was on life support at the time, and if Jonathan Kraft is to be believed, on the night before the Super Bowl, Belichick spent hours on the phone back to Boston talking to the Pats’ P.R. staff helping them to formulate a response to Tomase’s article….that was time that he should have been using to go over the final details of the gameplan the next day.

      I’m not saying that they would have won the game had the Herald not run that story, but when the head coach is forced to focus on refuting a false and irresponsible claim, rather than focus on finalizing the gameplan the night before the game, that can’t be good.

      • Scott

        If your head coach is ‘finalizing the game plan’ on the Saturday night before the game, I’m pretty sure you’re about to get murdered anyway.

        Here’s Stacy’s statement that Belichick was allegedly up all night formulating:

        “The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI is absolutely false. Any suggestion to the contrary is untrue,” Patriots spokesman Stacey James told the AP.

        Must have taken hours. No wonder they lost.

        Jonathqan Kraft would be better served keeping his cakehole shut instead of looking to hang a Super Bowl loss on a lousy reporter.

        • Tony

          Well, just repeating what I heard the younger Mr. Kraft say on the radio a couple of months ago.

          I prefaced the remark with “if Jonathan Kraft is to be believed.”

          I don’t put any stock in the theory that the coaching staff or the team were distracted by Tomase’s story.

          However, I think we can all agree that Tomase breathed new life into a story that was wimpering to an end, and then spurred three more months of speculation, accusations and media hyperbole, for no good reason as it turned out.

          So, he’s earned his post as the #1 least-approved media personality in this poll.

  • DUKE

    I look at the top ten list a little differently! its 10 guys who definitley get a reaction out of you most of the time. And of course its usually going to be something you disagree with! Its the nature of the beast & why most of these guys are so successful!

  • JohnnyApps

    I approve of about half of the list. Some of these guys you’d definitely expect to make the list… shaughnessy, stearns, thomase, gresh, mustard, mazz..they’re self promoting twits.

    Dennis and Callahan shouldn’t be on here…they have the best show on EEI …I can’t understand why so many people hate them..
    I despise Thomase and will never again read any of his stuff…
    Jason Wolfe has done a horrible job of assembling and regulating the on air talent.

  • JohnnyApps

    Dale Arnold would be in my top 10 list…

  • george

    What I can say about these 10 is that I’ve changed the station and/or turned the page on most of them. A select few of them (Shaunessey, Mazz, D and C), I try to avoid at all costs. In my opinion, thems the right names on dat list.

  • DUKE

    Agree with a blogger. People on here are so negative. You may not agree with EEI’s morning team & god knows i dont 90% of the time…..but its still the best sportsshow period in boston. Very well done, very entertaining & informative. I agree they have their favorites but overall this show is well done. And i say this declaring Callahan’s views so tick me off & Dennis can be a real you know what. Thats why they are so good….& Meter is…well “one of a kind” :)

  • Boston Dan

    It is only a matter of time before that complete piece of @&(%$, Gerry “Phil Gramm” Callahan, is finally run out of town and into hiding.

  • MarkB

    As little as I like Gresh, I wouldn’t put him on a level ahead the next three on that list. You have to work hard to be that bad.

    • Jason Coyote

      Could happen. Rumor has it Gresh is in the running to take over the afternoon drive show on 890. Hearing him in Boston for fifteen hours a week could have him vaulting ahead of the disapproved pack very quickly.

  • Bob

    I am happy Shaughnessy did so poorly, and I didn’t even vote. :) He’s like an immature child with his non-stop obsession in bashing Schilling. It’s downright bizarre! Danny, leave your personal hatred out of your writing fool. Most of us love Schilling and don’t agree with you! Ahhhhhhhhhh, I feel better for having said all that. :)

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