I'm sure there are many here who have watched Brent Musberger calling this year's NCAA basketball games. Noticeable is his constant reference to the line and/or the total on a game. For instance, tonight about half way through the second half of the Indiana/Wisconsin game, he mentioned that Indiana had cut the lead to five and the Badgers "came into the game favored by 10". Considering he is broadcasting for ESPN and just a couple of nights ago Dickie V was showing off the blue wrist bands which read "Don't Bet On It" as endorsed by the NCAA, have to wonder just how many more times Brent will step out and talk about the point spread and not feel the consequences. He and Al Michaels would make a great team. One would have the side and the other the total.:monsters-
Brent is hilarious. When the Illini played Mizzou, he said "Illinois, 16 point favorites coming in," 4 times during the game. 4 times in one game! Each time, it was directly ignored by Steve Lavin. I think he must really get a kick out of it, because it's definitely said with a purpose in mind, and is no slip-up. Did you notice the line tonight, "Will Wisconsin be able to come back?" Come back from what, Brent? They were up 5 at the time! I missed the Dick Vitale clip. Was his tone that bettors are evil, or what did he say exactly?
Since they always send Dicky V to a close game, he doesn't need to worry about the spreads. If they sent him off to a bunch of games with 15 point lines he probably would change his tune a bit. Dicky V bows to the wishes of all the coaches and since Dean Smith and others speak out against gambling of course he is going to toe that line.
Illini:
Dicky V and his play by play buddy were wearing blue wrist bands that had enscribed "Don't Bet On It". Based on what I recall them saying was that the bands and the slogan are being pushed now and for the remainder of the season, particularly March Madness by the NCAA to discourage betting on basketball. They particularly mentioned that it is a real problem on campus. I think I remember Billy Packer saying the same thing over the weekend. I may not have everything completely accurate, but no doubt we will be seeing this slogan throughout March. I remember seeing advertisements last year as well. Keep an eye open, you're bound to catch it.
Dicky V and his play by play buddy were wearing blue wrist bands that had enscribed "Don't Bet On It". Based on what I recall them saying was that the bands and the slogan are being pushed now and for the remainder of the season, particularly March Madness by the NCAA to discourage betting on basketball. They particularly mentioned that it is a real problem on campus. I think I remember Billy Packer saying the same thing over the weekend. I may not have everything completely accurate, but no doubt we will be seeing this slogan throughout March. I remember seeing advertisements last year as well. Keep an eye open, you're bound to catch it.
Jarbo said:
No doubt, you're right. It never even occurred to me that I could bet on the games when I was in college. And my roommates and I watched 2 games a night, every night, and all 3 on Big Monday. Hoops junkies, and no doubt we would have bet if it had ever occurred to us.
