Networks Reportedly Target Michael Phelps for Reporter Gig After Olympics

Michael Phelps as an on-air TV personality makes my head hurt. Rather, the thought of this becoming a reality does.

My head hurts. 

TMZ reports the fastest man to doggy paddle may very well be on TV more regularly after the London Olympics close up shop. 

It seems there are networks drooling over an athlete who can form sentences while looking at the camera and think it might be swell to offer him money to do it regularly. 

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One source, high up at NBC Sports, told us ... "The man is smoking hot right now" -- and they "would definitely hire Michael" to cover the Olympics in 2016, and other world sporting events between now and then...

NBC holds Olympic broadcasting rights through 2020, so they'd seem to be in the driver's seat -- but a source at ABC told us, "If he would, we would gladly scoop him up to work for us."

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This is a no-duh moment because you just knew networks were waiting for the minute the golden boy hung up his Speedo. 

Still, I am completely convinced this will be a disaster for an athlete who grabs you with his amazing feats in the pool, but falls short of inspiring out if it. 

The most exuberance I can muster when he is interviewed after a race is, "Eh, whatever, he is tired after swimming all that way. What do you expect in an interview?"

If it happens to be an interview well away from the pool, I might go with, "Eh, he swims really fast, so it doesn't matter if he isn't all engaging as an interview subject."

I am eager to hear from all of you as to whether this is a bright idea that will garner great ratings for whichever network lands the legendary swimmer. 

The reason someone like Rowdy Gaines works so well stems from his enthusiasm and passion in his boisterous voice. He makes every moment seem heightened to new levels of drama. 

I have concerns Phelps can deliver such gusto with his reporting. 

I just don't see it. 

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