Five Things to Know About TSN Radio 1050 Host Mike Richards

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The outspoken and outrageous TSN Radio 1050 host Mike Richards makes his television debut on Monday, as he brings his regular morning drive radio show, THE MIKE RICHARDS SHOW, to TSN2 every weekday morning – live from 7-8 a.m. ET.

Known for his uncensored and unfiltered comedic style, Richards interviews some of the biggest names in sports to update fans on the most intriguing headlines of the day. He also brings fans his unique take on the sports world, including a slew of impersonations of the who’s who in the pro sports world.

**MEDIA NOTE: Click on the following names for impersonations of Peyton Manning, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, and Roberto Luongo**

So, who exactly is Mike Richards? Here are five things to know about the man behind the mic and now in front of the camera:

1. He fancies himself a drummer.
“I’ve played since I was a kid, including the double kick (double bass drums),” says Richards. He lists Canadian musician and Rush drummer Neil Peart as his favourite. “Neil’s family moved to my home town when I was in high school. I became good friends with his sister Nancy and met Neil at her wedding when I was hammered. I slurred and babbled so badly because I was nervous, and he walked away mid-sentence. I didn’t listen to Rush for two years after that.”

2. He performed at Yuk Yuks while still in high school.
Richards start doing stand-up on Monday nights at Yuk Yuks in Toronto. “I met some great people there. I eventually helped open up the place that is now the Rivoli on Queen St. in Toronto and performed there with the Frantics and with the guidance of Rob Salem (Toronto Star TV critic). I never thanked him enough. I owe a lot to him.”

3. He was an outstanding athlete in high school.
Richards won many athletic trophies as a teenager growing up in Stouffville, ON, including most outstanding athlete at Stouffville High School. He also competed in provincial championships for volleyball, track and field, and hockey. His most cherished trophy was the MVP award he received after winning the All-Ontario hockey championship as a kid. “The award was presented by the great Toronto Maple Leafs captain, George Armstrong. For me, that memory never fades,” says Richards.

4. He really can speak Spanish.
A lover of many languages, Richards is practically fluent in Spanish. “I’ve been speaking Spanish since I worked on a local farm at the age 19, where they hired men to work from Mexico,” Richards explains. “Since then, I’ve continued to pick it up where I can, but I never need to speak English if I’m going to a Spanish-speaking nation.” What’s the newest language he’s learned? “Russian…I’m not kidding!” says Richards, who spent two weeks in Ufa, Russia, broadcasting live from the 2013 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. “I tried to crush it down as much as a person can in two weeks.”

5. He loves wine…lots of wine…and also rye…lots of rye.
“Ohhhh baby…beautiful California Reds, Italian Amarones, crisp Sauvignon Blancs, Champagne, Port – I love them all,” says Richards, who also discloses that his love for wine is the reason why he’s gone back to the gym. Richards likes to enjoy a glass while in the kitchen, where he thinks he’s British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. “I actually yell at myself in an English accent while I cook – ‘You donkey, Richards!’, I would say like Ramsay does.”

– TSN –

For More Information:
Greg McIsaac, (w) 416.384.5180, (c) 416.458.3591, greg.mcisaac@bellmedia.ca
Chobi Liang, (w) 416.384.7584, (c) 416.859.4738, chobi.liang@bellmedia.ca
Renee Rouse, (w) 416.384.7599, (c) 416.428.4807, renee.rouse@bellmedia.ca

Twitter: @TSN_PR

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