I'm starting to like Al Michaels. He is one of the few announcers that will comment on the NFL's silly policies. I think the network executives often try to censor any negative comments about league rules, because there is so much money involved.
During one recent game, the guys in the booth were talking about the third jersey color of the home team (I forget which team), saying they had home colors, away colors, and now the third "black" home jersey. Michaels correctly said it was, "merchandising run amok."
If I remember correctly, Michaels was one of the few people who pointed out that when Steve Mariuicci first became the Lions head coach, Mariucci assumed he could wear a business suit on the sidelines, only to be told by the league office that he had to wear NFL licensed merchandise. Can you imagine telling Vince Lombardi, Paul Brown, or Tom Landry that they had to wear sweatshirts for a game?
During last week's Super Bowl, Michaels talked about the crazy number of game balls used, saying a new ball was brought in for every play. He said veteran players told others to watch out for the slippery new balls. I just wish Michaels would have followed up by explaining the reason for getting so many specially marked commemorataive balls into the game. The implication is that the league sells these balls after the game. If so, then during the league's showcase game, profit is more important than good playing conditions.
I wish more announcers would be allowed to say what they think, instead of keeping to the company line. I used to think network NFL announcers sounded like sportscasters covering an event. Now they mostly sound like pitchmen promoting a product.
I miss Ray Scott...
Interesting Tom Landry mention.