So, it was almost refreshing this week to watch the figure skating competition without Dick Button frothing at the mouth while complaining that the Soviet Bloc judges stole another medal from the Americans.
After the first few men completed their jumps, spins and glides Tuesday, I decided Scott Hamilton is every bit as annoying as Button ever was but for an entirely different reason. Hamilton criticized everything.
I wanted to listen to the music and watch the "artistry" of the skaters, but Hamilton's non-stop chatter annoyed me so much I found myself talking back to him.
The mute button was not really an option. Figure skating without music doesn't hold much appeal to me. Figure skating without endless, technical commentary would be delightful, however.
Future sportscasters take note: although TV stations hate the idea of dead air, there are times when silence is golden.
I totally agree with your comments about Hamilton. He certainly knows the sport (and has the credentials to prove it), but I find him to be knitpicky, and he's not consistent in when he is silent and when he talks. Your point about experiencing the artistry is valid in my mind. And can anyone else tell the difference between a triple toe-loop and a triple flip (aside from Hamilton and Button)? I for one can't, not that I really care.
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