Jeff Dubay: The aftermath

Lots of odd nuggets and tidbits floating around the Internet since Jeff Dubay retired from sports broadcasting less than two weeks ago.

Our precious Star Tribune gossip columnist, Cheryl Johnson, tried to dissect Dubay's podcasting career in her weekly fluff. Dubay had nothing to contribute to Cheryl's ego-driven gossip column, but those speaking on behalf of broadcasting behemoth Tom Barnard -- who Cheryl has never shied away from ripping -- did their lord and master proud.

One of the more interesting things to come out of Dubay's eulogies is a comment by his former podcast co-host. As a dabbler in sports radio, I know a lot of the names and voices that grace the Twin Cities airwaves, but Dubay's co-host, Di Murphy, is not somebody I'm familiar with. (More on her another day.) Having never listened to the 11 or 12 podcasts she was a part of, I have no idea what she brought to the table, or even why she was at the table. But it appears that she was fired prior to the plug being pulled on Dubay's podcast. Although she didn't have much to say about the situation once she was relegated to a footnote in sports podcasting history, she unearthed this recent nugget via Twitter: "It really bothers me that so many rubes paint Jeff Dubay as a victim. Do the math."

That really doesn't tell us anything, yet it says a lot. Fun stuff.

As for Dubay's retirement, it was noted in Cheryl's gossip column by Barnard's nephew, if I recall correctly, that there's no reason Dubay can't still be producing a podcast. He was an independent contractor. Although he wouldn't have had access to Barnard's podcast network resources, he could have continued, or could resurrect, his attempt at podcasting, should he desire. The odds of turning such a podcast into a financially viable production would be that much harder without Barnard's resources, but the option remains open.

Media darling and occasional attorney Ron Rosenbaum, who occasionally puts his law degree to work on behalf of Barnard, was quite complimentary of Dubay in Cheryl's gossip column. Rosenbaum suggests that multiple stations have had interest in having Dubay on their airwaves. I have no idea if that's right or wrong, but I'm skeptical that there ever was widespread interest in Dubay's services. And I remain doubtful Dubay will resurface in any meaningful way in the Twin Cities.

But I'm still expecting he will prove me wrong.