Power of Video Costs Some, Not Others

Access to instant replay played a role in two significant football moments this week. In one case that prompted serious action, and in another no action was taken.

Actually, perspective was important in several radio/TV-related situations this week. Specifically ...

Act: Coaches Jim Harbaugh of the 49ers and Jim Schwartz of the Lions exchange a handshake, and more, after their teams' game.

React: The NFL repeatedly reviewed the fracas and while some media talkers initially wanted league action (a fine or suspension), the NFL was wisely not swayed by the potential power of video. No action was taken against either coach.

That was the right decision. While such an incident was rare, it was hardly historically unusual. Coaches have had emotional on-field exchanges before, and the fact that this one was caught on tape would've been the only reason for disciplinary action. Again, the NFL was wise to ignore what looked worse than it was.

(And Harbaugh's tongue-in-cheek admission later in the week that he could improve and would "work on his handshake" actually made the situation all the better.)

Act: Michigan State defensive end William Gholston loses his composure, punching an opponent and trying to rip the helmet off another during his team's game against rival Michigan.

React: Gholston's actions were goonish and stupid. They have no place on a football field. And he should have been kicked out of the game immediately when they happened. Instead, he remained in the game and Big Ten Conference officials later suspended him for this week's game against Wisconsin.

They were right, but it was the power of the video -- repeated over and over on television, and discussed on ESPN -- that must've swayed the eventual decision makers, because it was not until six days after the game that he was suspended. Six days, nearly a full week. Really?

And again, as ESPN's Matt Millen points out, Gholston's goonish actions were worse simply because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time -- he was stupid, not subtle -- and his actions were caught on tape.

Act: Fox Sports earns the U.S. broadcast rights for the 2018 and 2012 World Cup

React: Bad for soccer purists, who enjoyed ESPN's complete coverage of the most recent World Cup. Not a bad thing for those of us not interested in soccer, because Fox Sports will be easier to avoid than ESPN when surfing channels.

Finally tonight ...

Act: Bryant Gumbel attacks NBA commissioner David Stern at the end of HBO's Real Sports, comparing him to a plantation overseer.

React: Gumbel was wrong, and several usually outspoken critics who have better NBA credentials than Gumbel pointed that out. Among them was ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who professed his respect for Gumbel but offered strong disagreement -- he called the characterization "highly inappropriate" as he pointed to African-American owners, administrators and in the NBA and Stern's role in making that happen. "I think (Gumbel's comments) are beyond the pale," Smith said. "If you look at the history of the league under commissioner Stern, it's just factually incorrect."