Petros Papadakis

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Petros Papadakis (born June 16, 1977) is a former tailback at the University of Southern California, and he is currently a television personality and radio host of the PMS Show with partner Matt "Money" Smith on KLAC-AM, ("AM 570") in Los Angeles, the station's afternoon drive-time program. He is known for his brash and entertaining broadcasting style and occassionally obnoxious behavior. Papadakis' unique approach to sports media in conjunction with his former athletic glory, make him one of the most successful and popular media figures in Southern California.

Papadakis' family has long-held ties to USC Football ; Petros' father John, and his brother Taso both played football at USC. In 2000, Petros was the captain of the only last place team in Trojans football history.

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[edit] Football career

Petros scored 16 total touchdowns while at USC. He was voted USC's team captain in 1999 and 2000. Petros suffered a severely broken foot in August of 1999 and missed the entire season. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to score eight touchdowns in 2000, and was then voted USC's "Most Inspirational Player" by his teammates. Additionally, Petros proudly holds the USC record for most on-campus parking citations ever written to a scholarship athlete.

Despite these accolades, Petros' tenure at USC was perhaps during the saddest football seasons USC has ever seen. Many believe that Petros was the captain of the worst football team in USC history. Unlike many current USC football players, Petros only has one bowl experience, The Sun Bowl of 1998, where the Trojans faced Texas Christian University. Though Petros scored a touchdown in the El Paso, the Trojans were unable to claim victory. Though USC lost, the team still received commemorative Sun Bowl watches. Petros claims to have given his commemorative keepsake watch to one of his many cousins.


[edit] Media career

Since the 2004 season, Papadakis has been broadcasting Pacific Ten Conference college football games alongside Barry Tompkins on FSN. Petros is also featured weekly on several FSN programs, including: the Best Damn Sports Show Period, Totally Football, and The BCS Breakdown. Petros is also a frequent guest on the Kevin and Bean morning show on KROQ in Los Angeles.

Papadakis has also been featured on several television networks including KTLA, VH-1, the Game Show Network, ESPN and the E! Network. In 2005, he guest starred on the CBS hit series CSI-New York, where he played a bald sports broadcaster with a dark side.

In March 2006, Petros debuted as the host of Pros vs Joes on Spike TV. He began shooting season two of Pros vs Joes in October 2006.

In addition to his highly visible television career, Papadakis has quite a presence in the world of AM sports talk radio. Papadakis broke into the world of radio broadcasting with "The Petros Papadakis Show" on KMPC-1540 AM in Los Angeles. The show's three-year stint came to a close in October 2006.

On that show, Petros entertained Los Angeles' indigent population every afternoon with his rapid fire delivery and his wealth of knowledge, which includes, but is not limited to: pop culture, music, entertainment, religion, poetry and sports.

Papadakis had no problem with indulging his hungry listeners with tales of his USC Football career. His listeners also enjoyed his great affection towards his regular guests, like USC beat writers, Scott Wolf and Gary Klein, Dodger beat writer, Tony Jackson, and NBA reported, Howard Beck. Petros' followers also enjoyed when the host traded barbs with NBA broadcasters Don MacLean and Jack Haley.


Petros has a unique radio style,and unlike many broadcasters who steer clear from cacophony and controversy, often goes into rants for several minutes in English, Spanish or Greek. In addition, he often plays songs that appeal to a rowdier crowd, like "Peanut Butter Jelly Time," or "Stilleto Pumps in the Club." Papadakis also showed his softer side, slowing it down with "I Love Yee Doyers" (I Love You Dodgers) or one of his many acoustic parodies whenever the feeling was right. Petros interspersed his musical talents with spot-on imitatations of The Chicken, The Gallo, The Kool-Aid Man and The Angry Seahawk.

Petros Papdakis resigned from his position at KMPC-1540, The Ticket in October of 2006. Though his resignation was clouded in controversy, Papadakis told the media the split was amicable and cited the need to focus more of his time on his television career. Soon after his resignation, KMPC laid off the remaining employees, leaving the station with no local sports programs.

The Petros Papadakis Show will be remembered in our hearts forever. Many listeners can fondly recall the PPS crew which included his board op Corn-Dogg, his producer Brian Vieira and his traffic reporter Sabina Mora. Though not a paid crew member, John Papadakis, Petros' father, was a major contributor to the show and was adored by many listeners for his frequent use expletives during live broadcasts.


On January 8, 2007, Petros returned to AM radio with an afternoon sports program on station KLAC AM-570 in Los Angeles. The Petros & Money show runs Monday-Friday from 4pm-to-7pm. Though many are left with question as to why Papdakis would partner with Matt "Money" Smith, they have been friends for the last several years and share an affinity for entertaining and high quality sport broadcasting.


Although some may not categorize a PA gig under a Media Career, Petros Papadakis loves his career as the USC Basketball Public Address Announcer so much that he would do just that. Papadakis embarked on this fulfilling career path in November of 2004. In a related note, although he misses the atmosphere, odor, and the "Taco Stand" of the Sports Arena, he enjoys working at the Galen Center.

[edit] Personal

  • The Papadakis family owns and operates the Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro, California.
  • Petros still waits tables at the Taverna, except during football season.
  • Petros has a cousin also named Petros Papadakis.

[edit] Trivia

  • Often carries a Hello Kitty backpack and luggage.
  • Is also a big fan of actress Angelina Jolie whom Papadakis charmingly claims threw it at him while he played ball at USC.
  • Petros began his college football career at Cal (UC Berkeley) but left mid-way through fall camp. He is alleged to have hitch-hiked back to Los Angeles in the middle of the night in August, 1995.
  • Appears on the Kevin and Bean show occasionally, where he allegedly steals bits from Ralph Garman, the man of 1,000 voices.
  • Petros is obsessed with the Houston, Texas "chopped and screwed" style of hip-hop.
  • Papadakis is also a fan of the FOX TV show Family Guy, often referencing past episodes on his show.

Petros also does a little free styling for Bad Boy Records

[edit] External links