ESPN made official one of the worst-kept secrets in sport media last week: the Sunday Countdown show is getting a major makeover, with Sam Ponder being named as the host of the studio show to replace Chris Berman.
Ponder previously had numerous college football responsibilities with ESPN; the new gig, however, creates an interesting question: Can she objectively facilitate discussions about a league in which her husband — ex-Vikings QB Christian Ponder — plays?
It's an interesting conflict-of-interest question — one posed in a recent interview with Sam Ponder by SI's Richard Deitsch. Ponder gave a thoughtful answer, that reads, in part:
"I am not an analyst, so my role isn't to critique my husband, his teammates or anyone for that matter. However, I do think that when fully disclosed and appropriate, relationships with athletes and coaches can greatly benefit sports fans."
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
![Taylor Pendrith tees off on the 18th hole during the second round of the 3M Open on Friday.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OAWHJG6ROFBRHD4DX5XWMSTGZY.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Taylor Pendrith rolls into second-round lead at 3M Open
Coughlin holds into CPKC Women's Open lead; Canadian star Henderson derailed by closing bogeys
![Royce Lewis celebrated a home run with teammate Carlos Correa, right, earlier this season.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OD6QURYR75FP3P5NNTQIP2MZUE.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)