For example, here is a typical pre-game show parlance from a recent NFL broadcast:
Dick: Well, Boomer, what are the keys to the game for the Eagles?
Boomer: Well, Dick, I think that if the Eagles score more points than the Giants, then they have a pretty good shot at winning this game. They have to run the offense, play some defense, essentially play a football game by the rules, but play better than the Giants.
Dick: Well said, Boomer.
During the game, the color commentator never has anything insightful to say. He or she is usually complicating the obvious. Here's a clip from a past NBA game:
Jerry (the sportscaster, energetically): Iverson takes the feed from Wallace. He splits two defenders, does a 360 spin jump and hammers it home over Ewing!!
Hank (the color, deadpan): That's right, Jerry, what a great play. I think the fact that Iverson jumped higher than Ewing was the key driver in allowing him to score.
Alas! the game ends and we have to listen to the critique of the entire game. Coaches, too, are notorious for not being able to come up with anything substantial to say about the game. Coaches shouldn't carry all the blame for making vacuous comments, though. Reporters simply ask dumb questions. Another gem:
Reporter: Coach, why did your team lose tonight?
Coach Harris: Well, the other team scored more points than we did. I believe that was what gave them the opportunity to win.
Reporter: How will you prepare your team for the next game?
Coach Harris: Ninety percent of the game is mental. We just always have to keep in mind that if we score more points then our opponent, then we will have the best chance to win.
I can avoid watching the pre- and post-game shows, but I can't avoid listening to the color commentary without simply turning the TV off. My wife would love that.
1 comment:
Only you could capture such pristine commentquake on the sportvalanch!
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