Spring Break
ESPN fails to cover big weekend
Eric Wormus
Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: Sports
ESPN: The worldwide leader in sports.
Don't believe me? Just ask them.
I watch ESPN just as much as the next guy, but over the past month I haven't learned a whole lot about actual sports. What have I learned? I'll give you a little rundown.
Eli Manning is, sit down for this one, the brother of Peyton Manning. Yes, I know, I had to read it twice to believe it too. Oh yeah, and their dad is Archie Manning.
Tiki Barber, current NBC Football Night in America "analyst," used to play for the New York Giants. Eli Manning and him didn't get along too well.
Tom Brady is dating Gisele Bundchen. And he was wearing a "protective boot" on his right foot. And he happens to have the same last name as the family of a 1970s sitcom. Maybe you have heard of it: The Brady Bunch.
The New England Patriots were 18-0 heading into the Super Bowl. They were the only team other than the 1972 Miami Dolphins to head into the Super Bowl undefeated. Some old Dolphin named Mercury Morris is crying about it.
Brett Favre, at the ripe old age of what has to be somewhere around 52, is still playing football. Professionally. In Green Bay. That Favre, he always plays the game with child-like enthusiasm. He really loves the game of football. Apparently he loves it so much he decided to give the NFC Championship to the New York Giants. But the interception wasn't his fault; he's just a gunslinger.
The University of Duke Blue Devils (what the devil is a "Blue Devil" anyway?) basketball team is playing a home game. And another home game. And just to make sure every one tunes in, they are going to play another home game.
One more thing about Duke, did you know they have a big student following at all of its home basketball games? It knocked me off my feet too. The "Cameron Crazies" they are called.
Very clever.
I don't mean to bash ESPN too much here, but I know everyone who watches must be thinking the same thing. ESPN gives entirely too much attention to its "favorite" teams: just about any New York or Boston area team, Duke and the University of Notre Dame. Was there ever a more overrated, over-hyped 3-9 team in the history of college football than this year's Fighting Irish? Notre Dame last won a championship in 1988, 20 stinking years ago.
Don't believe me? Just ask them.
I watch ESPN just as much as the next guy, but over the past month I haven't learned a whole lot about actual sports. What have I learned? I'll give you a little rundown.
Eli Manning is, sit down for this one, the brother of Peyton Manning. Yes, I know, I had to read it twice to believe it too. Oh yeah, and their dad is Archie Manning.
Tiki Barber, current NBC Football Night in America "analyst," used to play for the New York Giants. Eli Manning and him didn't get along too well.
Tom Brady is dating Gisele Bundchen. And he was wearing a "protective boot" on his right foot. And he happens to have the same last name as the family of a 1970s sitcom. Maybe you have heard of it: The Brady Bunch.
The New England Patriots were 18-0 heading into the Super Bowl. They were the only team other than the 1972 Miami Dolphins to head into the Super Bowl undefeated. Some old Dolphin named Mercury Morris is crying about it.
Brett Favre, at the ripe old age of what has to be somewhere around 52, is still playing football. Professionally. In Green Bay. That Favre, he always plays the game with child-like enthusiasm. He really loves the game of football. Apparently he loves it so much he decided to give the NFC Championship to the New York Giants. But the interception wasn't his fault; he's just a gunslinger.
The University of Duke Blue Devils (what the devil is a "Blue Devil" anyway?) basketball team is playing a home game. And another home game. And just to make sure every one tunes in, they are going to play another home game.
One more thing about Duke, did you know they have a big student following at all of its home basketball games? It knocked me off my feet too. The "Cameron Crazies" they are called.
Very clever.
I don't mean to bash ESPN too much here, but I know everyone who watches must be thinking the same thing. ESPN gives entirely too much attention to its "favorite" teams: just about any New York or Boston area team, Duke and the University of Notre Dame. Was there ever a more overrated, over-hyped 3-9 team in the history of college football than this year's Fighting Irish? Notre Dame last won a championship in 1988, 20 stinking years ago.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Matt
posted 2/05/08 @ 6:54 AM EST
Eric, come on dude. You can't honestly believe that Miami/Michigan should be broadcasted over a game the likes of Duke/UNC. TV isn't about being egalitarian, it's about ratings. (Continued…)
Alex
posted 2/05/08 @ 7:14 AM EST
am i really asking a lot to get one well-reasoned article from a miami sports columnist? 4 years, i haven't seen one. and this is one of the worst. is it really worth anyone's time to rail against espn? and honestly, are you really calling the superbowl overhyped cause ny and ne were playing? considering it was the most watched sporting event in american sports history, i don't think it was just espn playing favorites. (Continued…)
Drew
posted 2/05/08 @ 2:12 PM EST
I'm sorry that ESPN isn't holding up to your standards of a sports network. Now that you mention it, CNN almost never broadcasts news about Miami! You should go after them next!
Jon
posted 2/05/08 @ 4:32 PM EST
Yea I agree ESPN definitely plays favorites. I.e. Comparing LBJ to MJ his rookie season..Romo to Favre..Danica Patrick to Dale Earnhardt. The list goes on, but I do not think the greatest college basketball rivalry should go unwaranted. (Continued…)
Jason
posted 2/05/08 @ 11:04 PM EST
"college hockey supremacy."
N-O O-N-E C-A-R-E-S.
GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS.
Do you think people at U of Mich even know they have a hockey team?
It's HOCKEY. (Continued…)
Witt
posted 2/07/08 @ 12:18 PM EST
The article speaks about more than college hockey. I agree that ESPN clearly plays favorites and holds all the cards in determining what is popular and what is not. (Continued…)
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