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Doug Gottleib’s Final Four picks overshadowed by phone call

We’ve all been in a public setting where we’re strongly advised or forced to turn off our cell phones. The warning is not only to ensure we remain polite throughout the duration of the class lecture, seminar, or board meeting, but also to stave off the embarrassment of being “that guy” with the “I Love You” by Celine Dion ringtone set to his girlfriend’s phone number. Trust me, I know a once proud man who’s been there.

So with that, you would assume that no warning would be needed before walking onto the set of the most watched sports network in the world, but apparently ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb got complacent, then really embarrassed, this evening while trying to show off his Final Four picks as an audience watched with bated breath (h/t to The Dagger).

Yes, that would be the default ringtone on all Android operated cell phones. I can hear you, Doug, but I think I can also hear a producer in the control room yelling profanities.

I’ve always perceived Gottlieb to be a composed and confident dude. He’s remained one of the WWL’s college basketball experts all while appearing on some of their general sports related programming, including his afternoon drive slot on the radio. But even that hasn’t gone swimmingly in recent months. Last fall, during an interview with former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim Mora Jr., Gottlieb was laughed at for his seemingly silly questions regarding the comeback of Michael Vick. Mora went to far as to ask Dougie if this was his first interview and started asking questions himself. It was awkward.

There’s no doubt that Gottlieb is committed to growing his brand, and should continue to be given opportunities for additional exposure both within and outside of ESPN, but we’ll never forget these two slip-ups for as long as YouTube exists.

Nick Fasulo is the manager of Searching for Billy Edelin. Follow him on Twitter @billyedelin.