See what I mean?

We're watching Sky Sports version of NFL football, usually every week, at least one game anyway. Usually, the coverage breaks away at a time-out from the US broadcasters (i.e Jim Nance, Phil Sims, Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf, Troy Aikman, etc.) to the "in-studio" UK Sky Sports guys. Not sure where they get these people who are the "NFL experts" for Sky Sports but it is pretty laughable. Point(s) in case:

* Earlier in the season, a guest commentator joins the regular UK NFL blokes for some riveting and insightful NFL comments. Who is this special guest? None other than the actor who played "Huggy Bear" on the 70's show Starksy and Hutch. Yes, you heard me right, the "actor" who played the character on this cop show. I feel your question coming on. "Now, why was he in-studio and providing his "less than insightful" insightful comments?". Answer: his son was playing on one of the teams featured on the Sky Sports NFL broadcast that day. Ah, OK...well...then.

* It gets worse. On US Thanksgiving Day, we actually received both the Detroit and Dallas Turkey Day games live on Sky Sports. I know; I really should not be complaining. It's just that this day's studio guest (along with a few others, thankfully) was a former NFL Cheerleader from the Miami Dolphins. Three problems with this: (1) First and foremost, what can an NFL cheerleader really add to the sports commentary - assessment of the uniforms?, (2) this was the best that Sky Sports could do? No one else with a legitimate sports perspective was available...anywhere?, and (3) She was not even a cheerleader for the Lions or Cowboys, who traditionally are the teams who ALWAYS play on Thanksgiving...year in...year out. So, what can she really add about playing on Thanksgiving ...it has maybe happened 2-3 times for Miami in the entire history of NFL Thanksgiving games.

* Finally, last night's studio guest...and the one that prompted this blog ranting. I'd let the first two occurances go as the NFL is not the main sport in the UK (or in Europe for that matter). So, let's cut 'em some slack. Still, last night's Sky Sports in-studio guest commentator (whose name is escaping me - no worries, as I had never heard of him before - ever!) was a guy who had played as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs....this year until week 4. LOL. Guess the guy got cut or injured. Either way, top-notch grid-iron analysis from this guy....NOT.

So, the fun of NFL football courtesy of Sky Sports is not simply the games anymore. We turn on the pre-game show for the comedy routine that precedes the actual game!