Windowless Room. Day Three.
I’m free!
It’s been a race to the airport since I escaped the confines of my meeting room today. The only story I’ve been subjected to – and I use that phrase with purposeful intent – is Today’s coverage of Charlie Sheen’s latest antics at a New York City hotel.
I remember when Today wasn’t so easily confused with Entertainment Tonight. Or Access Hollywood. Or a tabloid at the checkout counter of my neighborhood bodega.
Now Today is the first to jump on any story that contains even a hint of celebrity scandal, and belabor every detail with people whose “expertise” is as suspect as the newsworthiness of the story.
Take Charlie’s situation today.
Apparently he is traveling with his ex-wife Denise Richards and their two kids, and was entertaining a woman in his room — separate hotel rooms, since they are divorced. But his guest got freaked by his behavior and called for help.
Charlie spent a day in the hospital, but is already back on set.
But to hear Meredith Vieira and the supposed relationship expert tell the tale, Charlie Sheen’s mere presence in the hotel with Denise and his two kids was practically child abuse.
Going on little information and a lot of emotion, they declared him an unfit parent, a danger to his children and pretty much decided in their television court of law, that he should be denied access.
Wow — and to think I used to watch Today for the news.
Balls
I hate this column.
But that no doubt was sportswriter Greg Couch’s intent.
In the maiden days of March Madness, he has the nerve to suggest that NBA basketball is more exciting, its superstars more beloved.
Bite me.
In the NCAA, bad behavior happens, yes, but it’s not celebrated and encouraged and splashed all over Twitter and Facebook and Entertainment Tonight. Breaking rules equals sanctions and suspensions and no tournament play.
The college players and teams on the floor this weekend and the weekends to come in March have earned their berth. With talent. Dedication. Teamwork. And with thousands of students and alumni behind them who won’t change their allegiance due to geography or money or scandal or a losing season or two.
The NBA can never buy that.
So, Greg, feel free to sit back and watch the overpriced players in the NBA run and gun every night of the week. Just don’t get too comfy.
Your favorite might be playing for the other guys tomorrow.
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