ESPN's Dan Patrick "has been taken aback by slapping
criticism from" media writers "for his innocuous role" in
ads for Coors beer, according to Tom Hoffarth of the L.A.
DAILY NEWS, who notes that Patrick's explanation that he
"never holds the beer in his hand" or says Coors by name "is
sincerely credible." Patrick, on the criticism from his
peers: "I've learned from it. ... These are the same guys
who don't even remember that I did the public-service
announcements for three years telling people not to drink
and drive." ESPN Senior VP & Exec Editor John Walsh: "We
have guidelines and we give people the opportunity to
enhance their visibility and enhance their economic
situations. As we go along, we make these decisions and see
the reaction. And another chapter is written." Hoffarth:
"That's Walsh's polite way of saying he probably shouldn't
have let Patrick do the commercial." Hoffarth adds, "It
wouldn't be a shock if Patrick continues to take some hits"
with the recent announcement that he and fellow ESPN anchor
Kenny Mayne will be appearing in ads for T.G.I. Friday's
(See THE DAILY 8/25). Hoffarth: "Sounds cute. Until it
dawns on someone there's liquor being served in those places
and it's another inappropriate place for a sports TV guy.
The question should sort of be: Why are they promoting a
place that's a competitor to the new ESPN Zone theme
restaurants?" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/27).
