Hot Mic! ESPN Anchor and Analyst Caught Discussing What Appears to Be Tim Tebow's Bleak Future

There's no doubt that Tim Tebow is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL. And some of his popularity in the sports world could have to do with an alleged directive from the number one sports network, ESPN, to its employees: mainly, you can't talk enough Tebow. And on Tuesday, two ESPN staples were caught on a hot mic, and hot camera, doing what appeared to be just that.

(Source: Deadspin screen shot)

During coverage of Tuesday's Super Bowl media day, anchor Hannah Storm (who you might recognize from her detour onto CBS's network morning show) and analyst Mark Schlereth were having what outlets are reporting was a private conversation about Tim Tebow's prospects in the NFL. In case you don't know, Tebow is expected to be released from the Jets but no team has shown interest in picking him up -- at least as a quarterback. And that's exactly what Storm and Schlereth were discussing. According to Schlereth's sources, Tebow may have a chance as a tight end, but even that is tough because there's rumor he's not athletic enough to catch the ball.

Here's the conversation (via Yahoo):

Storm: The what?

Schlereth: It's like a tight-end/h-back?

Storm: Oh yeaaaah. Well that's interesting.

Schlereth: But I'm going to tell you. I talked to a bunch of Broncos coaches who said 'I just don't know if he's a fluid enough athlete to go over and play tight end ... they say he doesn't catch the ball naturally either

Storm: Well if that's the case. Ohh. (hears producer in ear piece) OK, OK. Sure, sure.

Producer: "OK, standby guys."

It's unclear why the cameras cut to the duo and why it stayed on them so long. But it did -- and you get a peek behind the curtain. Video of it is below. For a high quality version, you can watch it on Deadspin: