This is something I was aware of, but never really thought about. As pointed out by Michael Heistand at USA Today, did you know that every third-round game in the women's NCAA tournament will be shown on television in its entirety, while you'll only see half of the action in the men's NCAA tournament?Like I said ... I know these things (I watched a women's game on Monday night, I'm not proud of it, and those of you who judge me, I'll see you in hell), but I never really made the connection. Now that those synapses have fired, though, this seems like one of the things in the world that truly makes no sense. Like "Titanic" winning an Academy Award for best picture. Gus Johnson not calling games in the Sweet 16. The Germans love for Hasselhoff. Julia Roberts marrying Lyle Lovett. Antoine Walker having a championship ring. I think about any of those things, and I begin to twitch.
I'm aware of the rational reasons for it, but I still just can't fathom it. If UNC/USC and Oregon/UNLV are both close and competitive at the same time on Thursday night, you'll only get one. Yet, during the women's round of 16, the ESPN family of networks presents you with all the jumpshots from the chest, lay-ups, and pantsuits you can handle. Bewildering.
I'm not a big recapper, and I recommend checking out Heistand's solid job of breaking down why this happens (short answer: CBS likes money very much; but you, not so much). Enjoy Ivory Latta.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I remember 'back in the day' when ESPN dedicated all 24 hours to the tourney. I remember getting up at 3 in the morning to watch Georgia Tech play its first round game in its entirety. I already knew who won, but I wanted to watch the game (I'm a mark for Tom Hammonds and Duane Ferrel). When CBS bought the NCAA rights, I was depressed. No longer could I watch any game I wanted from start to finish.
CBS is only going to do live spots, and it ain't preempting the Perky One, 60 Minutes, King of Queens reruns and whatever they country Oprah with just to make bball fans happy once a year.
Besides, what else does ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ESPNHD have to broadcast other than all women's games? Poker is in its offseason, and cheerleading can only take a network so far.
Women college basketball, who cares?
Maybe this is the kind of admission that doesn't do one much good, but I think I've seen *maybe* 30 minutes of women's basketball in my lifetime. I'm sorry for the political incorrectness, but it's just too tough to watch. Good luck, though, ladies.
Every game..At least Pokey will get to ogle all the girls.
What's not to love about a sport where the winner scores 45 points? A friend once said, "I'd rather watch grass grow than women's basketball". I totally agree.
I am a sports fan and I watch most all sporting events and ladies is on my list. My wife moved here 12 years ago and now she is a Big Orange fan. I would suggest that Tenn. chage their colors from orange and white to yellow and black. Their best football players are either in jail or on the way. Case: Ravens
former running back. Go Gators!!!!!
Dont be so eager to bash women's sports. While there are no fancy dunks, the women's game is very exciting as well. This years tourney has been just as exciting if not more then the mens. Three number 2's are upset in the round of 32? Last years championship game was much better then the mens. Maryland came back from a 13 point deficit to win, in overtime? For those of you who wont take interest or watch women's basketball, you are missing out.
Get over it clown, it's here to stay.
mens is getting more air the womens should get the same amount or more because of the upsets done by the BGSU FALCONS from the MAC
okay first of all guys overall get wayy more time on T.V. then girls. when you watching the actual seasons who do you see on the screen? Not the girls. also girls games are just as interesting to watch and are becoming just as popular as guys. All you guys are just whinning because you cant watch the guys and wish you were half as good as them. You need to stop bashing on the womens and accept the fact that they are here to stay.
I agree on both sides of this. However, catching the game I want to watch has become very difficult. I was watching my favorite team play last weekend and right in the middle of it CBS switched over to this other game that I don't care about. It drove me nuts! I believe that it is good for the ladies to get their well deserved televised games but I really wish that it wasn't CBS televising the men's games.