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NFL PREGAME SHOWS GIVE AIR TIME TO CHARGES FACING CARRUTH

          As noted Friday, the network's NFL pregame shows this
     weekend devoted more time to the case of former Panthers WR
     Rae Carruth, who is currently facing murder charges. 
     Saturday's edition of "Fox NFL Sunday" began with a preview
     of the 49ers-Panthers game, followed by a 1:55 piece on
     Carruth, with Fox's in-studio analysts discussing the
     situation.  Fox's Terry Bradshaw: "This isn't about the NFL. 
     Unfortunately, the NFL is tagged to this and that's why we
     address this."  Fox's James Brown: "I think it's important
     to underscore that we are in no way debating the guilt or
     innocence of Rae Carruth.  Certainly we are not doing that
     at all" (Fox, 12/18).  At 9:15 into Saturday's edition of
     "NFL Countdown," ESPN's Shelley Smith filed a 1:13 report on
     Carruth from Charlotte.  ESPN in-studio announcers then
     discussed the case, and Chris Mortensen noted the Panthers'
     decision to waive Carruth: "I think they felt like, 'Hey,
     that's the thing to do'" (ESPN, 12/18).  CBS' "The NFL
     Today" reported on Carruth 5:46 into Saturday's pregame
     show, with a 3:03 piece that included CBS' Randy Cross
     interviewing Panthers coach George Seifert.  Afterward, CBS'
     Jerry Glanville said, "Unfortunately, in the NFL, a lot of
     times they'll take a little less character for more athletic
     ability" (CBS, 12/18).  CNN/SI's Peter King reported on
     Carruth live from Charlotte on Saturday ("NFL Preview,"
     12/18).  On Sunday's "NFL This Morning," FSN's Elise Hart
     filed a 3:14 piece on Carruth from Charlotte (FSN, 12/19). 
          TOUCHY SUBJECT: In Chicago, Ed Sherman: "The
     awkwardness in which the NFL pregame shows handled the
     [Carruth] situation demonstrate that these programs aren't
     'Nightline.'  Nobody really knew the right thing to say, but
     let's be realistic.  Remember, these guys are football
     analysts, not sociologists" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/20).  In
     Richmond, Jerry Lindquist writes that by not focusing on the
     story earlier, CBS, Fox and ESPN "left themselves bare to
     charges of attempting to protect the NFL's image.  This was
     big news all along, but they downplayed it, perhaps not
     knowing how to proceed" (TIMES-DISPATCH, 12/20).  But CBS'
     Jim Nantz said the net's relationship with the NFL has no
     bearing on the show's content: "I can assure everyone the
     NFL is not looking over our shoulders.  We've never received
     a phone call asking us not to discuss a subject -- nor will
     we.  The fact is, it's a pregame show and we find ourselves
     in a format in which we talk about games.  How do you stay
     true to that format" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/19). 

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