Q&a Tony Kornheiser

SI: Did you have any reservations about this job?

Kornheiser: When [ ESPN] offered it to me, I said, "I'm a creature of routine, and I love what I do. Go away." Five minutes later I was struck by that lightning bolt. It doesn't matter that I'm cranky and antisocial. I have to try.

SI: You were up for this gig in 2000 but lost out to Dennis Miller. The first time he referenced Emiliano Zapata did you sense you might get a second chance?

Kornheiser: I thought Dennis Miller was a brilliant choice, but I will say this: Instead of talking about the House of Plantagenet, I'll reference the House of the Rising Sun. I'm not that smart.

SI: Some, including ESPN Radio's Mike Golic, have said you shouldn't have gotten the job because you never played.

Kornheiser: I don't begrudge a guy who played football in college from having a radio show because he wasn't an English major. I've always wondered why [commentating] is presented as brain surgery. To me it doesn't seem hard to figure out that someone has 21 points and someone has 17.

SI: You've said the last time you stayed awake past 9:30 was at your bar mitzvah.

Kornheiser: I have to learn to elongate my life. I'll spend May, June and July practicing. A realistic goal for me now is 10:15.

SI: You're afraid of flying. How will you deal with the traveling?

Kornheiser: I don't know if the Madden bus stays [at ABC/ESPN] or if it goes to John Madden. If I get the bus, I'll make sure there's an exercise bike on board. I'm afraid that after five months I'll look like that guy in Supersize Me.