Those Guys Have All the Fun - James Andrew Miller [398]
The tremendously popular McKendry and Steele, meanwhile, couldn’t be more different than Storm and Cohn. Both are understated, in terms of dress and temperament.
Cohn was ebullient as that first show came to an end and the time for the handoff drew nigh. “Never in my eighteen years here,” said a near-giddy Cohn, “have there been back-to-back sets of woman anchors hosting SportsCenter.” She and Storm made room on the set for McKendry and Steele. “Well done,” Storm said, laughing—and adding, “by—us!” The occasion was jovial rather than solemn. The four women knew that their achievement was accomplished on behalf of all the women who had preceded them at ESPN—here, at the little corner store that had grown into an empire.
No one was ready to say its days as an all-boy network were gone forever, but in terms of symbolism, “Four Women’s Day” was one helluva photo op.
CHRIS McKENDRY, Anchor:
I had a signature moment after one of my SportsCenter shows that I’ll never forget. When Barry Bonds was indicted on perjury charges, they rushed Jay Harris and me onto the air an hour early, and we did an extended live broadcast with lots of breaking news and interviews. The next day, I got a letter from George Grande, on his Cincinnati Reds notepad—you know, because he was the voice of the Reds. He wrote, “Chris, that was a great job on SportsCenter Thursday night. You brought the perfect blend of reporting and knowledge, insight, and personality to one of the true special days for any reporter. The most fulfilling days I spent on SportsCenter were days like you experienced and I’m sure you had a great feeling of accomplishment when the day was done. As one who sat in that chair, I for one was proud to watch the way you carried the show. I’ve always enjoyed and admired your work. It’s clear you would have been a star on SportsCenter in any year. Keep up the great work.—George Grande.” I’m not sentimental. If you came through my office, I don’t have credentials showing everything I’ve been to; I’m not one of those types. But I will save this letter forever.
SAGE STEELE, Anchor:
Maybe I’m naïve, but I have no proof of women being treated badly here at ESPN. I feel like I am treated just fine. I thought about this a lot because, honestly, I’m asked this all the time. My priority is my family. And the people who work here know that I have three small children, and I come to work, have a blast when I’m there, do my job, and leave. I leave pretty much immediately.
I think that has really helped me—that people realize I love my career, but I’d also leave my career in a heartbeat if I needed to. This is my lifelong goal as far as career is concerned, to be at ESPN, and yet nothing will ever come between me and my family. And if it doesn’t work out, then I’m gone. I think that’s really helped me and that they respect me for it. Because there are so many women in this business, news or sports, that have put their personal lives on hold. And then they’re forty years old and they say, “Oh, my gosh, I’m single,” or, “Wow, I’m married and I have no kids. What do I do now?” And I just refuse to let that happen to me. I got pretty fortunate with a good husband. I think that’s helped me, I really do. I am so lucky I can’t even tell you. I thank God every day.
Robin Roberts is the person who made me realize what I wanted to do. She was one of the few females when I started watching ESPN who was constantly doing it. So in 1998, I was working at the ABC affiliate in Tampa, Florida, and coming up to visit my parents in Connecticut. I had a résumé paper and tape with me to show them my work. I was getting on the plane and I looked over and saw Robin Roberts. I was with my husband—my fiancé at the time—and I said, “Oh, my god, it’s Robin Roberts. She’s my hero.” So I had this one tape with me, and for the whole flight