Mike Patrick once called NFL games on ESPN, but about two years ago, he was unceremoniously demoted to commentating the college games. I always thought he did a pretty good job. Even when I was preoccupied, I could always gauge the tempo of the game by the excited inflictions in his voice.
I use to think that his demotion to the college games from the pro games was shortsighted and undeserved. That was before I overheard the following exchange between commentators during an extremely exciting and competitive matchup.
This was overheard tonight during overtime of the Georgia Bulldog versus Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama had just kicked a field goal to take the lead, 23-20. This is the actual conversation that took place during a lull in the action:
Mike Patrick: I have an important question for ya.
The Other Commentator: Go ahead.
Mike Patrick: What is Britney doing with her life?
The Other Commentator: Who?
Mike Patrick: Britney! *said with the same conviction that’s normally associated with “TOUCHDOWN!”*
The Other Commentator: Britney who?Mike Patrick: Spears! What is she doing with her career?
*awkward pause with muffled laughter in the background*
The Other Commentator: Why do we care at this point?
*another awkward pause*
The Other Commentator: Is she here?
Mike Patrick: I don’t think so
The Other Commentator: Well is she a football fan?
Mike Patrick: Oh, I’m sure she is…
*awkward pause*
Mike Patrick: Georgia from the 25…
Egads. Apparently, when the stadium stops serving beer at the end of the third quarter, that doesn’t include the wet bar in the pressbox.
(Oh, by the way, though I can’t tell you what Britney is doing with her career, I can tell you that Georgia won, 26-23.)
Posted by Barry Dawson IV 