On field female broadcasters

[S6T1R]

Come on, let’s name names.

Erin Andrews I feel kind of started the trend. Still looks good for her age.

Allie LaForce
Molly McGrath
Katie George

Those are 3 of my favorites that come to mind.

[JackF]

Originally Posted by Babe_Ruth

I understand what you're getting at, but I'm not sure I'd describe Pam Oliver as eye candy.

But I will say it's apparent the networks look (disproportionately) for women to do the sideline reporting now.. there is a consistent trend that football sideline reporting has largely been assigned to women.. probably for the last 20 years(?)
I remember back in the day when they had guys like Irv Cross & Paul Maguire on the sidelines.. definitely not eye candy.

Not anymore, but there was a time PO was quite the babe.

[KO Stradivarius]

Originally Posted by Babe_Ruth

I understand what you're getting at, but I'm not sure I'd describe Pam Oliver as eye candy.

Pam Oliver absolutely was eye candy in the late 90's when she was on Fox with Madden and Summerall. She's just 25 years older now.

[stephenMM]

I don't want them there or in racing either. If they can't play or drive at the current level in those sports, then until they can they don't belong on the field because they have no actual experience. Same w/ male broadcasters, I want someone in the booth that has played in the game. The only reason the women are there is so the advertisers can pitch their products to a larger audience.

This isn't sexism either, I'm not at all like that, but facts are facts. I remember when one of the Williams sisters was asked what would happen if they played a match against some of the top men in tennis. She said that the match would be over in no time and she wouldn't be able to score a single point. According to her, the men hit harder, run faster and the ball goes deeper into the court. It's a totally different game. Horses for courses.

[Babe_Ruth]

Originally Posted by stephenMM

I don't want them there or in racing either. If they can't play or drive at the current level in those sports, then until they can they don't belong on the field because they have no actual experience. Same w/ male broadcasters, I want someone in the booth that has played in the game. The only reason the women are there is so the advertisers can pitch their products to a larger audience..

Yeah, most broadcast teams do have former players.. guys like Aikman and Romo for color commentary. And they're paired with announcers who weren't players, but I guess are trusted to be better wordsmiths, etc (guys like Joe Buck & Nantz etc). But Summerall and John Madden were both former NFL guys and they were great, so.. maybe the broadcasting professionals aren't always needed.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by caco54

Watching a game I mentioned that the on field female broadcasters were an “eye candy” part of the broadcast and my wife is now not talking to me. Thoughts?

In the words of old country doctors: "Son, you stepped in it." It's a medical term, you can look it up.


I see women in the stands cheering as loudly as the men. They love football like the rest of us; putting a women on the sidelines is a way to include female fans in the sport. Wives deserve to sit with us in our man caves to watch along. Someday they'll be in the broadcast booth too, and that's a good thing. Tell your wife that your pals at the City Data Sports Bar and Grill have improved your thinking, then ask her which player's jersey she wants for Christmas. Groveling is okay.