(Getty Images)
It’s funny, in a not-so funny way.
If, for the last dozen years, you were exclusively reliant on NFL pregame shows for your NFL news and opinions, you’d think the worst people in the game are on-field officials, who bring disrepute, dishonor and scandal to the game.
On the other hand, perhaps the most heroic nobleman and warrior the NFL can present and promote is Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
Put it this way: You would not know, for example, Lewis paid a settlement to the families of two homicide victims in a still-unresolved double murder. And you wouldn’t know Lewis copped an obstruction of justice plea in that case.
But who among us can say they haven’t been similarly involved in a homicide or two?
Yesterday, CBS’s pregame show, not known for fresh ideas, devoted a large chunk of its hour to yet again salute Lewis, this time as much for his 16-year career as his usual pregame tribal-dancing and in-game helmet-first head-hunting that have made him the ideal front man for unapologetic NFL violence and brutality that, during Lewis’s run, became indistinguishable from felonious assault.
Homicide connection? Yesterday, CBS didn’t even mention Lewis’ fines for years of serving as lead concussionist in the NFL pep band.
Rather, CBS’ message seemed to be that with the end of Lewis’ football career close, we should recognize that yesterday’s game should be extra special to him and for us.
To that end, or so it seemed, viewers were supposed to reflect on his greatness, be prepared to miss him, and, of course, wish him continued success in life.
Pats telecast commits hurry-up offense
Too funny. During the first quarter of Ravens-Patriots on CBS yesterday, the Pats run for eight yards out of a no-huddle. Phil Simms says, “Something you always gotta be ready for — this hurry-up offense.” On the very next play, CBS is stuck in a replay during a no-huddle, hurry-up snap.
* Interesting that FOX didn’t post starting lineups after kickoff in the Giants-49ers game — and we lived to tell the story. … Is there anyone more impressed by irrelevant stats than Joe Buck?
So, after the Niners punt, the Giants’ O runs on the field for its first possession. Why bother, especially in the rain? Don’t teams know by now they’re going to commercial break? … Was kinda hoping that FOX robot would rust in the rain.
The “34” and “35” decals on the Niners’ helmets are in memory of Joe Perry (34) and John Henry Johnson (35), members of their “Million Dollar Backfield” in the 1950s. Both died before this season.
* Perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea if Steven Tyler sang the National Anthem, as he did yesterday in Foxborough, before other NFL games. How could we complain about the noises that come out of Jon Gruden and “Moose” Johnston after that?
* If you ever want to show a kid how superior size and mass can be neutralized — heck, defeated — show him a tape of what the Pats did yesterday to 6-foot-4, 330-pound (at least) Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata, No. 92. Never double-teamed, he didn’t have to be. Ngata was rendered ineffectual, all game, by glancing, first-strike blocks that left him off balance and nearly out of play.
* Another week of badly butchered football stats. Replay rule challenges come in two, very different varieties: 1. the convinced-of-a-miscall kind and 2. the nothing-to-lose, crapshoot kind. But the media throw them all together then conclude which coaches are “good at it.”
* MLB Network, tomorrow at 9 p.m., launches a quiz show, “Baseball IQ,” hosted by Matt Vasgersian. The last time Vasgersian hosted a quiz show, for FOX Sports Net, it was “spiced” with unprintably vulgar expressions and cheap, winking sexual double entendres.
Time Warner with rebate & MSG switch
Time Warner today will announce a $10 per subscriber January rebate for lost, costly programming on MSG’s four channels. Sure, from the movie, “Fat Chance.”
* On Friday, with the Knicks being trounced in the Garden by the Bucks — Milwaukee’s first road win — MSG Network’s Spero Dedes was forced to read a promo encouraging viewers to vote, and as often as possible, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony to the All-Star team.
Fifteen years and tens of millions of dollars later, the Knicks are still, and as always, “one star away.”
* With 2:30 left in regulation of a close Rutgers-Georgetown game Saturday, it was reasonable to calculate that with the ball in play all those people in the arena had their eyes on the game.
But over that last 2:30, viewers of the Big East Network telecast, as seen here on SNY, were taken to close-ups of the last scorer, shots of the bench and crowd shots.
In other words, by TV’s bad basketball standards, the usual.
* Just think how different Joe Paterno’s obit would read had he died four months ago.
* Nothing trite and senseless ever gets old on ESPN.
On Saturday, a feature on Eli Manning concluded with “SportsCenter” anchor Mike Vam telling us that Manning’s great play, of late, has the Giants “playing with a swagger.” Ugh.
A bit later, Doris Burke, calling Villanova-St. John’s on ESPNU, followed a technical foul on Villanova’s Maalik Wayns with this: “That’s something you might be willing to accept if you’re Villanova if it brings a little swagger, brings a little attitude.”
Yes, just what our sports need, more swagger and attitude. And more pandering sportscasters. Wonder if Vam or Burke would encourage or instruct the kids in their lives to play ball with a swagger. I kinda doubt it.