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BAILEY'S TAKE
ON PIRATE SPORTS
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From the Anchor Desk
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
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By Brian Bailey |
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Credit ESPN for correct decision
By Brian Bailey
©2007 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
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THE BRIAN
BAILEY SHOW |
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TALK 1070
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I’d be the first to say that
the folks at ESPN are in the business of sports to make a buck.
Some, though, are saying that
ESPN is exploiting the tragedy at Virginia Tech by broadcasting the
network’s popular “GameDay” program from Blacksburg for the East
Carolina-Tech game.
I think ESPN will help add
importance to what will be an emotional day for many in Blacksburg. In fact,
the boys on the GameDay show may add a little levity to a pregame atmosphere
that will otherwise rightfully be focused on respect and reverence.
The tragic murders on the
Virginia Tech campus truly made us all Hokies in a way. The tragedy touched
us all. Everyone had a different connection to Blacksburg.
I remember getting a call that
horrible day from my brother. My first cousin’s son was on the Tech campus,
visiting the school with many from his high school. When the school went
into lockdown, the young man was rushed to a basement in a building near
where the shootings took place. He later told his Dad that he heard the
shots.
I can only imagine the pain
the families that lost loved ones in the massacre continue to feel on a
daily basis.
We all know just how emotional
the ECU-Virginia Tech game is going to be. That’s why I think ESPN made the
right decision.
Several fan blogs on the
Internet certainly don’t agree.
Many feel that ESPN is taking
advantage of the situation. They say that the Virginia Tech-ECU game doesn’t
really warrant an appearance from “GameDay.”
On paper, the game probably
doesn’t deserve that type of status.
There is an argument though.
Tech is nationally ranked in every preseason poll that I’ve seen. East
Carolina is coming off of a bowl trip. The Pirates even feature the son of
ESPN analyst and legendary coach Lou Holtz. Skip Holtz is considered by many
as one of the up and comers in the college football world.
Still, Skip’s Pirates will be
as much as a three-touchdown underdog in Blacksburg that first Saturday in
September.
ESPN’s “GameDay” should be in
Blacksburg on September 1st. The world deserves to share in the Hokie spirit
in the first major sporting event on campus since the tragedy.
Opening day in college
football is always a special time. Time seems to stand still during July and
August. Once September hits, the season tends to fly by. By the time the
blur is over, it’s Thanksgiving and the regular season is winding down.
The opener gives us a chance
to inhale, and then get set for the ride. The Pirates will be on a national
stage for that opener against Virginia Tech.
Here’s looking forward to an
opening game that will feature much more then football.
I’m sure it will be a game
we’ll never forget.
BB
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07/03/2007 03:31:10 AM |
