It’s Safer to Stick to the Game

Those of us who make broadcasting our livelihood were advised from the very beginning to avoid politics, religion and sex when we were on the air.

They were the three no-no’s.

You can’t win when you delve into those subjects. They incite a dramatic reaction.

Both ways.

Now, we’re talking about broadcasting sports, which was once described by the famed ABC sports commentator Howard Cosell as the “toy department” of life.
Obviously newscasters talk politics all the time.
There are networks just for that.
But if you’re a play-by-play announcer or an expert analyst, it is safer to stick to the game.

Talk about what’s between the lines.

Vin Scully, the now-retired baseball icon who called Dodgers games for 65 years, never even discussed any controversial aspects of a player or a team. He wasn’t there to be a “journalist”, but to comment on the games. He knew his job was to entertain his listeners. Make the games enjoyable. When I say entertain, I don’t mean trying to be a comedian, which some broadcasters do at times. Those who do, think they’re funnier than they really are.
Leave the comedy to the professionals.

It’s not easy, even for them.
I’ve always believed in sticking to the action.
That’s why the viewers are tuning in.

I have even avoided discussing getting too deep into why a player may be suspended. Or when he comes off a suspension, what set him back in the first place.

I will get an argument from many of my colleagues, but when I use terms such as DUI, PED, or situations that are worse, for instance, spousal abuse. I am extremely uncomfortable.

There are those who broadcast games who believe they have to be completely accurate, truthful, and reportorial about what they say.

I never intend not to be accurate or truthful, but it’s a judgment call how far you want to go.

If I say a player has returned from suspension, I usually leave it at a violation of team or league rules.
If a viewer is interested in anything further, he or she can look it up.

The last thing I want to do, is have those who are watching one of my broadcasts have a bad feeling or have an uncomfortable moment.

I simply believe they’re tuning in to enjoy a game, period.

It is obvious to me that any discussion of religion or sex is similarly unwise.
Those subjects create discomfort, particularly on a sports broadcast.

The same goes for politics. Especially in current times.

Last week, Jimmy Pitaro, the head of ESPN, declared that politics will not be a subject of anything aired by his network. Not only a subject, but an opinion expressed by any of his on-air people.

There have been several instances of ESPN broadcasters, who have given their political opinions. Some to a high degree.
Those who were in agreement, obviously cheered those comments. Those who didn’t, had an adverse view.

What do those reporters in the world of sports gain? Who really cares?
I also strongly believe those who are involved  in sports should be no different than those of us who are broadcasters.

The number one draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers, Nick Bosa, has gone on record with his opinion regarding the current political situation.

Nick Bosa

 

Notice, how I am doing my best to avoid getting specific.

I will try to continue this without naming names or addressing particular situations. But the beliefs of Bosa could be in sharp contrast to the community in which he’ll be playing.

It all makes for an uncomfortable and unnecessary situation.

The refusal of NFL players to stand for the National Anthem was something that should have been worked out better between the league and the players.

I also wonder whether the airing of opinions of those who makeup the fiber of sports is wise.

I am aware of three highly-prominent, and successful basketball coaches who have expressed their thoughts on the subject which currently dominates our society.

I know them all. Like them all. Respect them all. One is Jim Boeheim of Syracuse.

The others, are Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Gregg Popovich.

 

Jim Boeheim

 

Steve Kerr

 

Gregg Popovich

 

I am not talking of the right to have an opinion, or express one.

This is not about the right to say what you believe. We know the answer to that one.

It’s about the wisdom of making public, as a sports figure, your private beliefs.

On the issue of championship teams visiting the White House, this has become another source of controversy.

In my view, the solution is simple, and basically, has been followed.
Those who express a desire to go, go!
Those who would rather stay away, don’t go!

This treatise started with the age-old bromide of sports broadcasters avoiding the three subjects that divide.

Politics, religion and sex.
It extended into the current political climate and went beyond announcers.

In my field, I feel it is better to keep certain things private.

There is a vast difference of opinion on this matter.

And you have just read mine.