By Marty Gordon
ESPN continues to steal the show, but this past week, they might have gone too far. Someone released the women’s basketball brackets before the unveiling show, thus killing what had become a tradition.
This was seen at Radford University. When the brackets were unveiled early, it killed the drama and fanfare of an unveiling show.
In so many ways, ESPN took away a shining moment when schools, like RU, are sitting and waiting for their names to be called.
Thanks, ESPN. What were you thinking? Woops, but you goofed.
The explanation that it was a technical error is simply unforgiveable. Oh wait, the official statement called it an “unfortunate technical error.”
The selection show was slated for 7 p.m., but at 5 p.m., ESPN2 leaked the bracket. The network then confirmed the bracket was accurate.
“In working with the NCAA to prepare for tonight’s women’s selection special, we received the bracket, similar to years past,” ESPN host Maria Taylor said in a statement read on the air before the show began.
“In the midst of our preparation, the bracket was mistakenly posted on ESPNU. We deeply regret the error and extend our apology to the NCAA and the women’s basketball community. We will conduct a thorough review of our process to ensure it doesn’t happen in the future.”
But the so-called glitch ruined selection parties at schools like Radford. For years, we have come accustomed to the team, coaches and supporters sitting there, waiting in anticipation for their name to be called. It has been a tradition and something that is important to schools like Radford. But no, ESPN ruined what would be the school’s shining moment.
I guess schools around the country just enjoyed the cake and ice cream and left the room disappointed in the build up that cost us six hours of our lives, only to be texted with where they would play.
I guess we should expect it from a network that doesn’t care about traditions and athletes’ “shining moments.”
Maybe, they should have put out the notice: “if you don’t want to know the brackets before they are supposed to be released, then please turn away from this station at this time.”
We could always just show the replay and act like we were surprised and enthused about the announcement.
Such disappointment and such joy all tied into an un-exciting moment. The selection process will never be the same ever again.
Thanks, ESPN for ruining the lives of so many people.
From now on, maybe you might want to throw out the idea of a selection show that typically lasts for hours. Just roll the selections at the bottom of the screen and save all of us a lot of time.
I will no longer believe in the sports network as I did in the past.
You have ruined the lives of so many people that can never be the same again.
Thank you.
