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).
