ESPN

Today might be a good day to talk about the worst replacements in pop culture history. Let's get to the countdown.

No. 10. "BEWITCHED"
New: Dick Sargent
Old: Dick York
The buzz: Most people didn't realize that health reasons forced York to leave the popular show, which ran from 1964-1972, in the middle of its sixth season. He had previously injured his back making a movie. If "Bewitched" fans had known the details, they probably would have been nicer to Sargent. In those days, the private lives of actors weren't as publicized as today.

No. 9. "MAJOR LEAGUE II"
New: Omar Epps
Old: Wesley Snipes
The buzz: "Major League II" in 1994 was the sequel to the blockbuster of 1989 about a misfit baseball team. In those five years, Snipes had become a big star on his own and didn't want to take a backseat in "Major League II," which already was going to cost double what the first movie cost. In steps Epps and the movie doesn't perform as well.

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Reanimated corpse Steven Tyler announced on Thursday that he’d be leaving as judge on “American Idol” to return to his role as the banshee on the Iron Maiden T-shirts. Or something like that. Then, on Friday, “Anaconda” star Jennifer Lopez followed suit and announced her departure, leaving two vacant judges' chairs for the upcoming season.

While there’s buzz that Adam Lambert and Mariah Carey could assume the roles, I think the “Idol” producers would be wise to reconsider what they’re looking for in talent appraisers.

Contestants on the show are emotionally coddled, strung along gingerly. And they don’t need that.

If the contestants want to make a name for themselves in a cutthroat music industry, they don’t need judges. They need guys who cultivate talent with the patience of a drill instructor and the emotional regard of an F5 tornado. They need sports guys, and only the orneriest will do.

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