Tafoya to replace Guerrero on Monday Night crew

[Vinny]

I wasn't a bit fan of Guerrero, so this is good news to me.

NEW YORK -- Michele Tafoya will replace Lisa Guerrero as the sideline reporter for ABC's Monday Night Football. Guerrero lasted just one season after taking over for Melissa Stark. In discussing the switch Monday, producer Fred Gaudelli said he didn't think Guerrero was a good fit for the job. "The sideline reporter role is in an incredibly hectic environment, nothing is predictable," he said. "It was our hope that we would work like gangbusters to expedite that curve as quickly as we could, but in the end the talent and role weren't as compatible."

Tafoya brings much more experience than Guerrero, a former cheerleader and actress. Tafoya spent last football season as ESPN's onsite reporter at Monday Night Football games, and joined ABC Sports in 2002 as a courtside reporter on NBA telecasts. This June she will work her second NBA Finals for ABC. Tafoya joined ESPN in 2000 and also serves as an NBA sideline reporter for the network. Other ESPN roles include men's and women's NCAA basketball play-by-play and studio host, and college football and basketball sideline reporter.

Before joining ESPN, Tafoya also worked for CBS as a game reporter and studio host for NFL, college football and college basketball telecasts. Her first assignment in her new role is the Hall of Fame game Aug. 9 from Canton, Ohio, when the Denver Broncos play the Washington Redskins. She was the only person interviewed for the job. "Every single sideline reporter is different and brings something different to the table," Tafoya said. "I'm excited we're going to do this and make it work in the telecast the best we can."

CBSportsline

[V Man]

What ever happened to Starks? I know she left on maternity leave, but did she not have plans on returning?

Tafoya should do a great job. (Guerrero was awful, go back to Fox). I wonder if Broadway Joe will want to kiss Michelle also.

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by V Man

What ever happened to Starks? I know she left on maternity leave, but did she not have plans on returning?

She said she wasnt returning to MNF, but then, the last I heard, she was trying to get on the olympic broadcast team.

[Blake]

Guerrero is alot hotter IMO, than Tafoya. Besides, who really listens to their interviews? Not me.

[Reddevil63]

Originally Posted by Fiddy

She said she wasnt returning to MNF, but then, the last I heard, she was trying to get on the olympic broadcast team.

She needs to come back, she was my favorite. Purrty and knew what she was talking about most of the time too.

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by DC_ROCK

Guerrero is alot hotter IMO, than Tafoya

vs.




I tend to agree

[281]

Guerrero is getting kind of old, though... I'm neutral on the move.

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by Texan281

Guerrero is getting kind of old, though... I'm neutral on the move.

She is like 40 something

[texman8]

Starks is now working for NBC.

[gsbtxn]

The hiring of Tafoya shows that ABC is going for substance over style. Michelle knows her football. She's the only female that I've heard do play by play on a football game on TV. Granted, it's really strange to listen to, but she knows what she's talking about. She should do a fine job on the sidelines. Now I won't be so upset when the sideline reporter is wearing a turtleneck sweater.