McCarthy on TV

USA TODAY, July, 2008 by Michael McCarthy

Inside the industry

TV networks don't like to admit mistakes. But ESPN made the right call Tuesday, dropping Emmitt Smith from Sunday NFL Countdown and replacing him with the more experienced Cris Carter. Smith will take a lower-profile role in the network's pregame coverage.

On Sundays, he will shift from Chris Berman-led Countdown at 11a.m. ET to expanded editions of SportsCenter at 8 and 10a.m. Smith will continue to work Monday Night Countdown from the site of the Monday Night Football game at 7p.m. ET.

The NFL's all-time leading rusher seemed ill at ease and was panned by critics for his performance last season. The knowledgeable Carter showed his analyst chops on HBO's Inside the NFL. Besides his new Sunday role, Carter will also join Smith on...