Television Critique

Zach Roddy
February 7, 2008
Television Critique


Around The Horn is a sports program on ESPN that airs weekly before Pardon The Interruption and Sportscenter. The 30 minute show consists of four sports writers in the United States that discuss current events in the sports world. The host of the show, Tony Reali, directs conversation and critiques the writer’s points of views.
Thursday, February 7th’s program consisted of Jay Mariotti, Kevin Blackistone, Bill Plaschke, and Tim Cowlishaw discussing the big deal in the NBA, 36-year-old Shaquille O’Neal to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion and point guard Kevin Banks. The main argument was not only Shaq’s age and durability, but how he would blend with Steve Nash and the Sun’s fast-paced offense, which many consider to be the fastest in the NBA.
The LSU graduate, Shaquille O’Neal has played on four NBA champion teams (LA Lakers 00-02, Miami Heat 06), but has been scrutinized consistently this past for his lack of effort and now has his chance once again with Phoenix.
I have never been a fan of Shaq and his sarcastic personality, but with all of the potential the western conference holds this year, this trade has made circumstances a whole lot more interesting. Pau Gasol, who was recently traded to the Lakers, has given Los Angeles a new hope in the playoffs. Though they were already on the brink of the postseason, there was skepticism of how they would fair. The pacific division in the western conference, that holds Phoenix first and the LA Lakers second, have gotten significantly stronger.
A couple of the contestant writers on the show made comments about how Shaq could have another big motivation. He is on his last stretch and winning is the majority of his existence in the NBA today. Miami’s lack of stability and 9-38 record led to O’Neal’s let-down of everything he had going for him.
The other major issue that the program discussed was the Congress case concerning the state of Roger Clemens and the steroid investigation. To be honest with you, I understand that sports programs have to cover these kinds of events in great detail, but it has become in all ways unattractive to a viewer like myself. I have become disgusted with the clouds that have flown over the game of baseball and what it represents. It seems as though every ounce of integrity and respect have been thrown out the window.