I think that blogger is jumping to conclusions. This proposed show isn't being shopped to the CBS Sports broadcast division or its renamed, re-positioned sports channel. Even if in some warped world that was the case, nobody at CBS would likely allow direct reference to ESPN anyway.
Colin Cowherd isn't even making a credited acting appearance on this unrelated-to-sports-commentary program. There might be a question of whether or not Cowherd could accept a writing or a production credit for said show--but even that would seem flaky to prevent as he wouldn't actually be 'working' for CBS Corporation in an official capacity, not to mention the the gamut of other fingers-in-multiple-pastries situations (Ryan Seacrest, J.J. Abrams, Dick Clark, etc.).
Might I add, CBS
ran a sitcom loosely based on humorist/satirist Dave Barry for four seasons...
but VERY loosely based - and by Dave's own admission. He appeared on the show
for a small cameo role, and that was it. That's very well likely the same road that will be traveled for "Untitled Sports Show Pilot."
If the pilot is in trouble, it will be because of external issues that are complicating production... and NOT Cowherd himself. So far, I haven't seen or read
ANYTHING that the pilot is dead. And I look at the Hollywood trade sites on occasion.