mcp@druor.UUCP (PaughMC) (10/02/85)
The October 5-11 issue of TV Guide carries a second installment of excerpts from Howard Cosell's new book "I Never Played the Game." Now, I have never been a big fan of Howard's, nor a hater of him. However, something he wrote in this article really ground my grits, so here goes. Concerning the hiring of John Madden by ABC for use on Monday Night Football, Howard says: "In my opinion, Madden has already reached the peak of his popularity. He's beginning to turn off a lot of viewers who aren't rabid sports fans, and HE'S NOT REMOTELY QUALIFIED TO RESTORE THE LUSTER TO Monday Night Football." (caps courtesy of the author.) Give me the proverbial break Howie! I happen to think that Madden is one of the best color commentators on TV today. About restoring "luster" to MNF, I never knew it had any aside from the fine technical production, which any sportscast can have if enough money is thrown into it. Cosell goes on to say that the best replacement for him would be Bill Cosby. That may be, but it won't happen in Howard's lifetime, I'll wager. Later in this same issue of TV Guide, there is a small article saying that ABC is still considering Madden. I hope they get him. One side note. This is from a guy who has lived his whole life in the AFC West. I used to wish terrible things on Madden when he coached the Raiders. I still think he does a good on the air job. Mike Paugh AT&T ISL Denver ihnp4!drutx!druxq!mcp "Sometime I think that life is just a rodeo. The trick is to ride, and make it to the bell." John Fogerty