Dunigan out at TSN (possibly)

TecnoGenius · May 17, 2025, 01:06:35 AM

Quote from: Waffler on May 16, 2025, 09:32:18 PMDunigan not going to be on TSN?

https://3downnation.com/2025/05/16/matt-dunigan-not-returning-to-cfl-on-tsn-sources/

Dunigan, being one of "ours" in the past, deserves his own thread. Assuming 3down has this right.

Could be TSN wants to go "younger" and so is using the almost-65 thing as an excuse to pull the trigger (or plug!) on him.

I think this is a bigger loss than it may seem because he would do colour on 5-10 games a season. Probably to give the regulars a few breaks/vacations. I thought he was great on colour, always spitting out edgy stuff the others wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole.

I still remember one time director was yelling in his ear as he was ranting about something (probably slightly controversial) and he said to the unheard earpiece guy "no I won't drop it!". LOL. Good for him. Hehe, maybe that's why he is the first to be canned at super-PC TSN/CTV/Disney.

Blueforlife · May 17, 2025, 02:07:08 AM

Says it like it is. Was a nice run. Will be missed. Had the passion.

dd · May 17, 2025, 03:37:04 AM

Talk about a cold business. Been on TSN for 25 years and dropped like a hot potato. Classless. The was genuine and legit and did nothing but support the CFL for 25 years and now h'es out on the street for somebody younger?? What frigging ever!!

Couldn't care less who they're bringing in and am disgusted with TSN on this move

Jesse · May 17, 2025, 03:37:36 AM

Are you just assuming he's being fired and not retiring? The 3down article says nothing either way.

In any case, I'll miss Matty. He's the last remaining member of the original panel I started watch in the early 2000s.

TecnoGenius · May 17, 2025, 06:10:22 AM

They did give Climie a big on-air send-off, so hopefully they do that with Dunigan too. Surely he deserves it.

And ya, we don't know the "why", yet.

That said, I have no doubt TSN wants to keep getting younger. Kate. Dustin. Ferguson. All much younger. They are very keen to reach the young'ns. It could be us oldsters are more wiling to watch young panelists than young'ns are to watch the old panelists.

However, young Dustin/Ferguson, and even Kate, aren't exactly my faves. But I'll watch CFL even if whoever is sitting on the panel. So I guess TSN is right!

GOLDMEMBER · May 17, 2025, 10:56:47 AM

I to will greatly miss Matty D. Tremendous presence and knowledge. It would be a mistake to let him go. I still need him to sign my jersey! $:-\$

markf · May 17, 2025, 01:56:02 PM

I will definitely miss Matt. He is a link to the great days of the CFL. And is fun to watch, listen to.

I would like them to cut the very irritating Glenn "Saskatchewan" Suitor.

Waffler · May 17, 2025, 02:26:43 PM

As far as the panel, you could always count on Dunigan for straight football talk. The others you don't know if it's gonna be clown show or analysis. Some joking is good and that's part of the gig but Kate over encourages the clowning sometimes at the expense of insight and play breakdowns. I hope this does not signal that this is the direction they want to go in.

Agree with MarkF that if someone has to go it should have been Suitor. Not sure how he is still their top color guy. He's painful to listen to.

dd · May 17, 2025, 03:27:28 PM

Quote from: Waffler on May 17, 2025, 02:26:43 PMAs far as the panel, you could always count on Dunigan for straight football talk. The others you don't know if it's gonna be clown show or analysis. Some joking is good and that's part of the gig but Kate over encourages the clowning sometimes at the expense of insight and play breakdowns. I hope this does not signal that this is the direction they want to go in.

Agree with MarkF that if someone has to go it should have been Suitor. Not sure how he is still their top color guy. He's painful to listen to.

Totally agree on the clowning around part. It's good to crack a joke for some levity, but some of the antics were gong showish and really compromised the integrity of the 'football' show. I realize they are trying to attrack younger fans, but while you're trying to attract some fans you are alienating others.

BBRT · May 17, 2025, 04:19:03 PM

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on May 17, 2025, 10:56:47 AMI to will greatly miss Matty D. Tremendous presence and knowledge. It would be a mistake to let him go. I still need him to sign my jersey! $:-\$

Could not agree more. I will definitely miss Matty if this is true.

J5V · May 17, 2025, 05:06:14 PM

Always a warrior and an inspiration for battling through some of his personal struggles. The man didn't know the meaning of the word quit. He'll be greatly missed by many of his fans. Hell, his perfectly chiselled white beard alone was simply classic CFL and 100% Dunigan. Gonna miss you, Matty. Keep on being you, partner. We love ya!

Throw Long Bannatyne · May 17, 2025, 06:28:38 PM

Quote from: J5V on May 17, 2025, 05:06:14 PMAlways a warrior and an inspiration for battling through some of his personal struggles. The man didn't know the meaning of the word quit. He'll be greatly missed by many of his fans. Hell, his perfectly chiselled white beard alone was simply classic CFL and 100% Dunigan. Gonna miss you, Matty. Keep on being you, partner. We love ya!

Always wondered how much his concussion issues took their toll on his ability to express himself, especially as he's gotten older. Don't know if being a commentator was easy or hard work for him, it seems it would be a mentally stressful job if you have cognitive issues.

kkc60 · May 17, 2025, 07:28:28 PM

Too bad it wasn't Barker, Kelly apologist and about as entertaining as watching paint dry.

TecnoGenius · May 18, 2025, 06:51:08 AM

Quote from: markf on May 17, 2025, 01:56:02 PMI would like them to cut the very irritating Glenn "Saskatchewan" Suitor.

The ironic part is the Rider forum seems to dislike Suits more than we do!! And he's their guy! LOL

TecnoGenius · May 31, 2025, 01:20:02 AM

Watching the TSN halftime from last week and the TSN-panelist-coached teen game was Chez vs Stegall this year. Isn't it usually Chez vs Dunigan, or am I going back more than 1 year in my memory? Could be further indication Dunigan might be having a health issue? Or did they just disappear him?

Weird.