George Solomon Discusses “MNF” Promos In Latest Column
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Solomon Weighs In
On “MNF” Promos |
In his latest contribution as ESPN Ombudsman, George Solomon wrote it is “obvious
you can’t please everyone,” but the “number of slights and missteps can be reduced,
in my view, with more careful and thoughtful planning and editing.” U.S. Sen.
Barack Obama (D-IL), a potential Presidential candidate, appeared in a promo before
the December 11 Bears-Rams “MNF” game. Solomon: “Granted, Obama represents Chicago.
... Some of the 8.5 million viewers, however, wondered if Obama was getting a
free ad and a leg up on his Democratic and Republican rivals. That was my thought,
although Obama wasn’t the first politician to appear on ‘MNF.’ In my view, though,
he should be the last.” ESPN Senior VP/News Vince Doria: “Obama is a high-profile
face in the news right now, and has an obvious Chicago connection. At this point,
he hasn't declared for the presidency. And I don't believe his appearance had
any impact on the 2008 race.”
PHOTO ESSAY: Solomon wrote ESPN.com in a photo collage presenting the annual
Page 2 “Ignominious Effort Awards” last week “showed poor taste by including a
picture” of Knicks President of Basketball Operations and coach Isiah Thomas along
with former Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett, Pro Football HOFer O.J. Simpson and
Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson. ESPN.com VP & Exec Editor Kevin Jackson said, “In no
way was the use of a collage image meant to signify that all of the subjects committed
dubious acts of equal seriousness or importance. Some were serious crimes, others
were petty acts, others just humorous mishaps.”
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Ombudsman Feels There Has Been
Too Much Coverage Of Owens
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NOTES: Solomon added that ESPN’s new TV deal and equity stake in the AFL
“will make it essential for the network to separate its corporate relationship
from its coverage of the league — and to make sure viewers are aware of the
relationship.” Also, while ESPN’s Dan Patrick, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon
“all wondered why” Cowboys WR Terrell Owens was featured in a Sunday Conversation
on “SportsCenter” last month, Solomon wrote, “I was told the request for the interview
was months in the making. Still, too much Owens. And his personal relationship
with [ESPN’s] Michael Irvin should give ESPN reason to consider another interviewer
next time” (ESPN.com, 1/2).
THE END IS NEAR: While Solomon’s contract was due to expire at the end
of December, the network said that he has agreed to stay on in a temporary role
until the search for a new Ombudsman is complete (THE DAILY).
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