Question : Problem: Download mp3 on itouch and play without goint thru itunes

Can an itouch download a mp3 file from ESPN and play without going thru itunes on a pc?  How about a podcast?

Answer : Problem: Download mp3 on itouch and play without goint thru itunes

The simple answer is no .. not easily.
With a hacked iTouch yes.. but I'd expect new apps to do what you are talking about in early 08 once they release the iPhone/iTouch Development Kit to the public.