Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Essay 426


Missed this gem that aired February 7 on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. During a rant on why he wouldn’t be watching the Winter Olympics, Gumbel made remarks that folks have deemed derogatory. He said, “So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of Blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention.” Not sure what the controversy is here. First, Gumbel is completely qualified to make the comment, as he no doubt has been the lone Black cheering at many GOP conventions. Actually, one would think Gumbel might have a keen interest in these particular games, as he clearly shares the same surly arrogance as U.S. speedskater Shani Davis. Finally, if Gumbel wants to critique a sports telecast for being dull, he might consider his own show.

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