Gumbel Rips Upshaw

[Papelbon58]

Bryant Gumbel has upset the NFL by saying that new commisioner Roger Goodell needs to get Gene Upshaw's leash from Paul Tagliabue. If you have not heard about this, he is basically saying that the only reason Tagliabue has been able to keep labor disputes out of the sport is through Upshaw's uselessness.

 

I actually completely agree with Gumbel. Upshaw does not put up a fight for his players. The NFL players union is by far the weakest of any of the sports, and it is obviously because of Upshaw's unwillingness to challenge Tagliabue.

[Jon_Papelboner]

I agree with what he said about the contracts. Definitey true. But it is a little strange that he said that just entering the new job. It's like a person ripping their company on their first day. Not something I'd advise even if it is true.

[Papelbon58]

Gumbel has a very secure future, he could care less if he doesn't get to broadcast 6 games for the whole 10 people who will be watching NFL Network

[CrespoBlows]

Multiply that number by 5 million.

[Papelbon58]

Multiply that number by 5 million.

i was exaggerating the fact that there is a small viewership for the NFL network games

[MC Hammer]

i was exaggerating the fact that there is a small viewership for the NFL network games

And you're basing that on what?

[Papelbon58]

that it is not basic cable. you either have to have satellite or a premium cable package. Plus, besides the Thanksgiving day game, these are not top games.

 

What I am trying to say is that Gumbel does not need to broadcast for the NFL to help his career, he is bigger than NFL Network.

[MC Hammer]

that it is not basic cable. you either have to have satellite or a premium cable package. Plus, besides the Thanksgiving day game, these are not top games.

 

What I am trying to say is that Gumbel does not need to broadcast for the NFL to help his career, he is bigger than NFL Network.

What you are saying is something you've completely pulled out of your ass. You have no idea how many people will be watching the games on NFL Network.

[See Red]

that it is not basic cable. you either have to have satellite or a premium cable package. Plus, besides the Thanksgiving day game, these are not top games.

 

What I am trying to say is that Gumbel does not need to broadcast for the NFL to help his career, he is bigger than NFL Network.

 

I think NFL Network got a lot of good games, actually. Obviously the Thanksgiving game -- Denver at KC -- is a good one, as you mentioned. But you don't think people will watch Green Bay/Minnesota in, possibly, the final home game of Brett Favre's career? KC/Oakland? Giants/Redskins? Dallas/Atlanta? Cinci/Baltimore? I think they did a fantastic job of picking games that, if not interesting because of how good the teams are, are interesting because they're great rivalries.

[eZ_d0eS_iT]

whoa the nfl network! i didnt realize we were talkin about a major network along the likes of espn, cbs, abc, or fox...

 

i think u all are missing the point. the point being, whether bryant gumbel should have said what he said re: gene upshaw, and whether or not that comment will have a realistic negative influence on his career.

 

i personally didnt hear or see the comment being made in person, but aside from making an obvious off color joke at an inappropriate time, i dont have a problem sharing his opinion. then again, be on cable, he could pretty much say whatever he wants, as long as its his opinion, which he did reiterate.