Thursday, January 29, 2009

Just asking ...

In today's New York Times, I learned that 1987 was the first -- and last -- time a woman called the play-by-play for an NFL game.
[Gayle Sierens] does not have to think long about why no network has hired a woman for that position.

“Where are they breaking in at the grass-roots level?” she said. “That’s what you need to put a woman in the position to do the job."
And, in other breaking news, no straight guy has ever done figure skating play-by-play.

So, what's the point here?

3 Comments:

Blogger Brit said...

We call it commentating. The BBC have recently introduced a woman who does some of the more obscure games on Match of the Day (soccer) and another one who does the occasional stint on Test Match Special (cricket on the radio).

They're both perfectly adequate - they're clearly knowledgeable and speak the language of commentator-speak. But somehow it sounds false and self-conscious, like they're reading from a script.

January 30, 2009 8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Same up here with hockey. One suddenly appears, nobody dares object and then they are gone.

But some things should be sacred. As a conservative with a social bent, I'm used to losing. But still, can't we make a deal here? I'd offer to cave on Title IX, gay marriage and pay equity if they would promise that NO WOMAN WILL EVER AGAIN SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS!!

January 30, 2009 4:34 PM  
Blogger Hey Skipper said...

Women NFL commentators are like a dog walking.

January 30, 2009 8:31 PM  

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