I’ve made no secret about the fact that Brent Musburger is one of my all-time favorite broadcasters. He’s always been extremely well prepared and I have a huge preference for announcers who don’t yell and scream incessantly and just do a great job of accompanying what I can see for myself.
I’ve also been a Musburger fan because he doesn’t run away from the truth, which is that a significant percentage of his audience might have action on the game he’s covering. For years, Musburger was basically the only one who would state the betting line without doing so in a covert fashion.
To me, that’s respecting the entire audience, be they fans or wagerers. Besides, even non-bettors like to know what “Vegas” thinks, so to me he’s simply doing his job. It sure beats the crap out of the play by play guy who is calling some game an upset when the team that’s favored is the one winning the game. That drives me nuts and I have little respect for broadcasters who are ignorant on this subject.
I did not catch the sound last night as the Oklahoma/Iowa State game headed to the finish line, as I was dining out at the time and only had the video feed. Evidently, Musburger’s on-air partner, Fran Fraschilla, let the audience know that Brent perhaps had a little something riding on the outcome. Whether or not he actually did is speculation, but the exchange was hilarious.
This is courtesy of the linesmakers.sportingnews.com and writer Marcus DiNitto. With roughly half a minute remaining and the Cyclones up 74-68 an out of bounds play was ruled in favor of the Sooners.
Fraschilla: “I bet you don’t want them to review that call, do ya?”
Musburger: (laughing) “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Yes, I do and no, I don’t.”
As it turned out, the call was reviewed and reversed and Iowa State ended up covering by a whisker in the 77-70 win.
I’m sure there are going to be some stuffed shirts who will get bent out of shape regarding this not so subtle exchange. To them I say, shut up. I have no problem with a broadcaster having action on a game. His call can’t influence the outcome and in the case of a pro like Musburger it also won’t impact his description of the game. This is supposed to be fun. If the talent on the mic happens to be adding to his own enjoyment by having a few bucks on the game, that’s more than okay with me.