Commentators Say the Darndest Things

At one time I wanted to be a commentator on some sports show or for games. I love sports--especially football--and could talk about the game quite easily. Now that I write about the game and so much more I find that I need to be wary of when I get into conversations with people because I can go on and on about a lot of topics when a lot of folks just don't care anymore (or were not interested in getting that in-depth).

Anyway...

Not that I could do any better than the pros, but some of the "pros" might want to watch what they say a little bit. A week or so ago there was Lee Corso calling a 5-year old a midget during a College Gameday broadcast. Yea, the man was trying to be funny, but that was--well, it wasn't.

Actually, I guess it was because it made him look pretty stupid, but I digress...

ESPN's Tom Jackson went on a little rant yesterday (as you'll be able to see in this Yahoo!Sports Minute clip) on Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler:

Now I am not a big Cutler fan, but Jackson was just looking to complain about the guy here. I don't know about y'all, but I would think that ESPN would rather there commentators use air time to talk about sports than make it obvious they simply don't like a guy.

Jackson was a heck of a player back in the day. After playing for Lee Corso at Lousiville (hmmm...)

 he had a solid 14-year career playing linebacker for the Denver Broncos. In that time he made it to the Pro Bowl a few times and was an All-Pro twice. Six times he was voted most inspirational player by his teammates and was luckky enough to play in a pair of Super Bowls.

I bring that up because Jackson had to have gone through quite a few game days. To play that long he must have been able to focus, prepare, and maintain a level of both that allowed for such longevity. Along the way he had to have seen numerous guys do the same in their own special way.

Yet, here he is complaining because Jay Cutler does not talk to stadium personnel that he does see on a regular basis when he is heading into the locker room to prepare for a game.

He's preparing for a game.

That in itself should be enough for Jackson to want to think twice about what he said and maybe even retract it. Guys get ready for the game in their own way. Some are all over the palce, talking to everyone, and moving a mile a minute. Others, like Cutler, like to mind their own business, are quiet, and don't want to be bothered when they are prepping for a game.

I can understand not liking the guy. He can be a bit abrasive at times; a lot times. That doesn't mean a commentator should waste air time just because he doesn't like a guy. You're better than that T.J.

Come on man!