I think it's clear Gregg Doyel hates everybody. He railed on Duke's program following the The Elbow and last week he took aim at the happiest guy people love to hate: Dick Vitale. So, what's the problem this time? Vitale's up for the Basketball Hall of Fame and Doyel is, to put it mildly, a little pissy about the prospect. ...[I]f Vitale makes it into my Hall of Fame, I'll disown the damn thing. You can have it if Vitale, who didn't achieve greatness but who had greatness thrust upon him like a pie thrust upon a clown's face, gets in.I don't think Doyel leaves any room for confusion. And despite coaches "lining up to support Vitale," Doyel writes that "[c]oaches are the least sincere group of people you've ever met ... they're interested primarily in the same thing: self-preservation." Um, yeah ... but on some level, isn't everybody? I'm not saying Vitale is Hall-worthy, but this line of reasoning falls flat on its face.
I agree that Vitale is at best grating, and at worst an intolerable, squeaky-voiced chimp. But the guy has impeccable timing. He landed on the college basketball scene right before it got really big. Some might say he was partly responsible for its increased popularity. I'm not willing to go that far, but I will say this: as sycophantic as Vitale is, he's freakin' Edward R. Murrow next to that angry little man, Billy Packer.
I can understand Doyel's frustration -- most every fan feels the same way -- but it's hard to take Doyel seriously when he complains about everything. You almost expect it at this point.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
He is the greatest thing to happen to college basketball announcing in years. He does the best game of the week and deserves too. He knows the game and adds a little humor to it also.
Growing up, I was never a huge college basketball fan (probably since there are so many pro teams to cheer for in Chicago). I agree with badgolfer-dick vitale provides much needed comic relief as an 'analyst' Who can forget his appearances in instant America classics like Blue Chips, He Got Game, and Jury Duty, the latter in which he experiences a serious migraine (explosion of the cranimum) by the end of his one scene.The writers/prodicers/directors (including Spike Lee) of those films felt that his presence was necessary. Mr Wilson is right, saying that Vitale's support group of coaches are only interested in themselves as a way of keeping Vitale out of the Hall is ilogical reasoning. So come on, Greg, just deal with the fact that an annoying commentator (like Dicky V) might get into the Hall of Fame. I can see it now, Doyle crying at night on his pillow.
Oh and I happened on this site that actually has a page dedicated to news articles exclusively dealing with Dick Vitale:
http://www.buzztracker.com/category/dick_vitale
I hope Dickie V. gets in for two reasons:
1. I love Vitale and all he has done for the college game.
2. I hope Doyel is a man of his words and rids the world of himself. He adds nothing positive to anything.
Dick Vitale "had greatness thrust upon him like a pie thrust upon a clown's face."
Great line, Gregg! It's funny because it's true!
Dickie V. is the greatest mind on earth concerning college hoops. If the fans can't forgive his exuberance, excitment,and irritating voice, then they are not true fans. He does inexhaustible research, and can back up his comments with stats and hard facts. When he speaks, true college fans listen. He also gives much of his time for cancer research. Remember Jimmie V and Al McQ? College hoops would not be where it is today without him.
I love this game baby!! Are you kidding, Dicky V is one of the greatest announcers ever. He definitely deserves Hall of Fame. He's brought excitement to the game in the commentating arena. One thing I can't stand is a boring and uneducated announcer and Dicky V is far from it. p.s. Hey Gregg Doyle, go ahead and disown the whole damn thing...it probably would be best. Sounds to me that someone is alittle green.