Apparently the old wives tale that tragedies come in threes is true.
In the past few days we’ve seen nudity, f-bombs and outbursts that have shocked the sports world. Everybody knows these things happen but they’re usually kept quiet and out of the media.
During the Super Bowl halftime show, CBS and its advertisers felt into a true MTV booby trap when Justin Timberlake ripped Janet Jackson’s shirt and exposed her breast on a national telecast. Jackson apologized for the incident in a statement.
Let’s get real, an apology isn’t exactly what CBS wants to hear right now. CBS is being investigated by the Federal Communications Commission and its 200 affiliates could be fined $27,500 apiece for the incident. That’s $5.5 million the network will have to pay in fines, while Jackson reaps the benefits of being in the national spotlight.
It’s a shame that people will remember the halftime show of the Super Bowl more than one of the most entertaining games in a long time.
Earlier on Sunday, LSU alumnus and former Tigers basketball star Shaquille O’Neal let an f-bomb fly during a live interview after an 84-83 Los Angeles win. The Lakers center was complaining about the officiating in the game when he released the obscenity. After the sideline reporter told O’Neal they were on live televison, the center said, “I don’t give a s-.”
We’ve all heard about Shaq’s hissy fits before. We’ve seen him let loose on tape-delayed postgame press conferences but never on live feed. It cost him a one-game suspension without pay – $275,000. Shaq, who makes more than $24.75 million in a year didn’t seem to be phased.
“No man, including David Stern, can do to me what FICA [federal taxes] hasn’t already done,” O’Neal told the Associated Press.
Since O’Neal doesn’t seem worried about shooting his mouth off, he should team up with Howard Stern. For every f-bomb he lets go, Stern should donate $100 to charity. The ‘s’ and ‘b’ words would be worth $75 apiece as well.
The wives tale came full circle when Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight – big shock – lost his temper. Knight met the university chancellor David Smith at a supermarket salad bar, and the chancellor complimented Knight on his recent good behavior.
But, the coach didn’t take it well. The two exchanged words but no physical violence took place, according to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Knight was suspended for a game, but after further review the university decided that a suspension was not necessary. I wonder who’s wearing the pants at Texas Tech.