A while ago, I mentioned that our local NBC affiliate was doing a story on violence (no - not violins) in youth sports. They came to a game I was doing and taped some of the game, and then interviewed me. The story ran on the five o'clock news today.

They had a tape of a 911 call a Little League supervisor made about a drunk parent at a game, then showed some tape supplied by NASO. It included the tape of that HS wrestler head-butting an official up in Washington state last year, plus some other chilling scenes of officials being attacked by fans.

They then showed tape of another youth game that took place the same day as mine at another venue. Guess who was officiating? THE ORIGINAL DAVE!!! Yep, there he was in all his splendor and long pants doing a spring league game. Unfortunately, there was no audio.

They then got around to me. It showed me making some foul calls (with perfect mechanics, of course), and then about 20 seconds of interview edited from the 10 minutes they actually interviewed me.

The story, entitled "It's Only A Game" ran about a total of three minutes, which is a pretty long feature on a 30 minute newscast. I thought the reporter did a pretty good job. I hope it might make a few parents and youth coaches take a long, hard look at themselves.

BTW - I swear it was the camera that added that 10 pounds. :p

Hey Mark:

Did they choose your most profound
words (20 seconds out of 10 minutes)?
I hope they didn't use any remarks
"out of context." Congrats on the
TV spot.

Mark, did you have to get permission from anybody to give the interview? It was my understanding that most officiating boards or organizations don't want their members talking to the media without permission. Will you catch any flak for your appearance on the news?

Chuck

Permission??? I don't need no stinkin' permission. ;)

My guess is that the remaining 9:40 was composed of Davisms, Howler Monkey translations/impersonations, and really corny jokes. :D

Of course not. I gave a dissertation on the etherial changes in existentialism in the 19th century and how that relates to a decline in global economic theory and it's subsequent effect on the psychology of the id.

Oh yeah, I also mentioned how much I admire Pamela Anderson's hooters. ;)

Uhmmmm, would that be the hooters before they put 'em
in, after the put 'em in or after the took 'em back
out again?

She had zippers installed during the last operation.Now she has different sets that she can wear for formal wear,casual occasions,family outings,business meetings,various sporting events,family reunions,chuch socials,her missionary work,etc.,etc.,etc.
-She's even been known to mix-and-match.

You know, when Juulie gets back, you guys are in really, really big trouble!!

Speaking of rainmaker, I noticed she hasn't posted in quite a while. Did we make her mad?

I dunno. I'll email her and find out what the deal is. I know we both signed up to work a girls HS summer league that starts the last week in May, but we haven't received schedules yet. I hope we get some games together.