Wednesday, December 26, 2007
ROGER AND ME
"We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans," says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right).Wow. What a guy! NFL Commish Roger Goodell cares about ME, a fan.
I get to see the “historic” Pats-Giants game after all on a free, over-the-air network, NBC (and CBS and the not-so-free cable NFL Network).
Actually, I HAVE The NFL Network. And I’ve never seen it. It’s channel one-hundred-something.
The NFL has pretty firmly established over the years that it will do what’s in the best interest of the NFL.
(Remember, Bob Kraft aside, the NFL did NOT want the Patriots in Hartford. No way, no how.)
By sharing the broadcast with NBC and CBS, they will show the nation their NFL Network product, which may be good or bad, depending on how you feel about Bryant Gumbel’s play-by-play.
But I suspect Goodell was most moved by a letter he received from two fans who just happen to be members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senators Leahy of Vermont and Specter of Pennsylvania suggested that the NFL's antitrust exemption might have to be reconsidered.
Said Leahy after Goodell caved, "I think it was a smart move on their part."
Antitrust exemption. Now THAT’S in the best interest of the NFL.
To borrow an old slogan from the NBA, you might call it fan-tastic.
Posted at 10:22 PM by Gerry
3 Comments:
On the bright side, at least CBS/NBC will televise the game in Hi-Def. I have Comcast Hi-Def digital, and the NFL network is there somewhere in the 100s, but I'll stick with the NBC Hi-Def feed on Ch. 232 Comcast. I wonder if the ratings will soar. Not only is it a Saturday night game, but the opposite programming is devoid of interest. And THAT'S why NBC and CBS decided to "gobble." And I'm happy about it!
Have a happy and healthy 2008. Always! Peter
There will be A HUGE party at my house on saturday! I'm a Giants fan and my husband is a Pats fan.
Peter, considering the networks have abandoned Saturday night for reruns, having the same game on 2 nets will still bring millions more eyeballs to the TV.
And anon...sounds like you should have a few cabs lined up outside your house after the game (which I hope you'll watch on NBC 30).
And since you won't be driving, have one for me.
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