ADAM SILVER
Other than major interview, expect most TV execs to stay away
What will happen if sometime in November, December, or whenever, O.J. Simpson, America’s Psychopath, thinks it’s a swell idea to attend an NFL game? Does the network covering said game, put Simpson on camera, leaving its play-by-play voice in an awkward spot? “There, sitting with Dolphins fans, is O.J. Simpson,” the voice would say.” Then what would he do. How would he describe Simpson? And does the network send its sideline reporter into the stands to interview Simpson?
It would be a tricky decision. The network could choose to ignore Simpson entirely and look foolish when multiple outlets report his presence at the game, surrounded by fans taking pictures of him to be released on social media. Or the network could focus on Simpson, even interview him, risking the wrath of its sponsors and the NFL, its TV partner.
This is only one of the possible multiple decisions TV outlets will have to make. If Simpson decides to be accessible to the media (at his parole hearing he indicated that would not be the case) odds are very long that someone would offer him a show, either sports or reality. Even executives who don’t mind bottom feeding would not want to risk what’s left of their reputations by hyping and producing an O.J. show.
Besides, what corporation in its right mind would sponsor the show and risk consumer backlash and boycotts? So, don’t expect an O.J. extravaganza. The more realistic possibility is the “exclusive” O.J. interview. The one-and-done event would likely score a huge rating but, again, there are risks involved for networks.
Still, there are desperados out there like NBC’s Megyn Kelly who already dipped into the sewer and pulled out Alex Jones. The static from sponsors and NBC affiliates Jones generated will seem muted compared to the chaos Simpson could create.
That’s why a commercial-free network like HBO or Showtime, or digital players like Amazon and Netflix, could be a place for Simpson to land. It’s not a reach to suggest Bryant Gumbel would produce riveting TV going one-on-one with Simpson on HBO’s “Real Sports.” Or what about Jim Gray, who has a knack of getting the big names to sit down with him, doing the interview for Showtime?
And don’t rule out Simpson popping up on a podcast or some other digital innovation.
Still, there are reasons Simpson could decide a self-imposed media blackout is in his best interests. Any money he would make for granting an exclusive interview would likely be garnished to pay $25 million in punitive damages to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman, who won a civil suit against Simpson in 1997.
Then, hopefully, there’s the chance Simpson realizes now he has nothing more to say.
Or realizes no one wants to hear from him again — ever.
FRANCESA REPLACEMENT SWEEPSTAKES DUD
The radio brainiacs who will select Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa’s successor, if he actually does leave WFAN in December, are in a tough situation.
After listening to all the candidates (Guv Gasbag, Evan Roberts, Chris Simms, Mike Valenti etc.) to replace His Holiness, we have not heard any individual or combinations of Gasbags, worthy of the gig. That’s just our opinion. Maybe the suits should hold another round of auditions to see if the chemistry improves with more reps.
After all the candidates did their thing, we were left with a question: Why didn’t Brandon Tierney, who knows his stuff, and inspires harsh reactions, get a shot? Is it because he is already under contract to CBS Sports Radio as one half of the “Tiki & Tierney” team?
Or was Brooklyn’s B.T. DQ’d by skittish suits after he told Francesa to “go f--- himself” in front of a gaggle of eye-witnesses?
POPE STILL ON SUNDAYS?
Francesa has always treated the unwashed masses like they have a collective case of selective amnesia.
Late last December, the Pope, in usual repetitive mode, said over and over and over again he was doing his last “Football Sunday” shows ever. He said he will not do the “FS” show during the 2017 season because he would be leaving WFAN in December and could not chronicle the NFL season in its entirety.
Yet last Tuesday, in between taking bows for his 30-for-30 show, and downplaying the fact ESPN’s-98.7 “The Michael Kay Show” beat him in the June ratings book (98.7’s first win ever over the Ethereal One), Francesa said his “future” with the “Football Sunday” show “is now being discussed.”
This would indicate Francesa, despite his saying he was out at “FS,” could now return to the show.
On Friday, Francesa shifted gears again. He said he still did not know the fate of his Sunday show. “I don’t know if it will be back this year. It will be back next year. I promise you,” he said.
See how easy it is for Francesa to change his mind.
GREAT SCOTT RETURNS
When we last left Bart Scott he was being dumped from his role on CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today.” Now it appears Scott, who just loved the media when he was a player, is coming back strong. On Friday July 14, Scott turned in a commanding performance on ESPN Radio’s Mike&Mike and last Monday he Gasbagged it up on “First Take.” So, it sure seems like Scott could be heading for a substantial role at ESPN. Let’s hope that will include 98.7’s Jets coverage where Scott’s candid style will be needed as part of the station’s Gang Green Think Tank.
ON THE CAN
ESPN has often, and rightfully, been taken to task for not crediting other outlets and reporters for stories they have broken. No one can accuse “Around The Horn” host Tony Reali of that. This cat comes to the table armed with original information. Like on Tuesday’s edition of “ATH,” Reali shook the very foundation of the sports world by exclusively reporting Pablo S. Torre “didn’t have a toilet seat in his New York apartment for the first three years he lived there.” PST must have been quite the contortionist. But what about his guests?
Finally, a sports commissioner who steps up and recognizes the reality of the social and economic landscape. During a summit of American sports commissioners last week, the NBA boss said legalized, regulated sports gambling is nothing to fear. It’s inevitable. You want fan engagement in your sport? Allow an observer to place a legal wager on it. Then your fans are really in the game.