Sports Media: Television reviews

Here are some thoughts on HBO's new TV show and a look at some other sports shows.

As if the X-games weren't bad enough, ESPN has launched the Great Outdoor Games. I think this would be a great idea, if the type of people that would watch this had cable television. But since they don't, I'm not sure ESPN should expect high ratings.

Speaking of ESPN, do you sit in front of the TV and answer more questions right than the contestants on the Two Minute Drill? Me too. I guess it's a difficult show to get on, but once you're on, it's easy. Host Kenny Mayne is one of the best hosts on TV. He is quick-witted and also isn't afraid to make a mistake.

HBO's feature on the Baltimore Ravens portrayed a different side to athletes. Athletes that give everything they have for a dream to make it in the NFL. What they put themselves through is inspiring and makes one forget for a second how much money they make. But only for a second.

The show featured the veterans such as Rod Woodson and his house in Pittsburgh and Tony Siragusa on a boat in New Jersey. Woodson seems like a down to earth guy, while Siragusa came off as arrogant and bitter. He took out his bitterness on rookies like Todd Heap, who signed a big contract with the champions. Siragusa, who obviously does nothing in the off season, complained about his lack of money when he came into the league 12 years ago. Get over it.

The show also featured Ray Lewis, who tried to say he wasn't a "warrior" all of the time. He called himself a "peacemaker," but it's difficult to get over his trial for murder. Whether he did or didn't do it, he was there and knows what happened. He was anything but a peacemaker on that night. He's a great football player, but he will always have that haunting him for the rest of his career.

The Todd Heap piece and rookie Kenny Jackson were interesting. Heap and his new bride are just getting started with a new house and career, while Jackson, a Compton school teacher, is trying to make it in the NFL. Their stories will be interesting to follow for the next five weeks.

Coach Brian Billick may seem arrogant, but he's extremely confident and knows what it takes for his team to reach their goal. He has to be confident. I think he does a great job with the team. The players know who is the boss.

If you didn't watch the show, tune in next week. HBO does a good job of showing all sides of the NFL, including the trainers, coaches, rookies, veterans, and families.

Does anybody else find Bryant Gumbel annoying?

Jim Lampley proved he is a gamer by announcing he'll be on the air Saturday night, only one week after displacing his hip again.