September 09, 2003

WORST COMMERCIAL OF THE YEAR:

WORST COMMERCIAL OF THE YEAR: We've already set a new low for football-related commercials this year, and it's only Week 1 of the season.
Late in "Monday Night Football" tonight, a commercial for Outback Steakhouse aired which begins with the semi-familiar sight of a football player lying motionless on the field, surrounded by concerned teammates. The camera then turns to announcers John Madden and Al Michaels, and Madden gives the usual spiel in that type of situation, i.e., "when an injury like this happens, it really puts the game in perspective," etc. Then, a trainer puts one of those "awesome blossom" things, or whatever it's called at Outback, in front of the injured man, and the formerly paralyzed player is so excited about the appetizer that he immediately smiles and gets up!
That's right- a TV commercial is parodying the concept of paralyzing on-field injuries. Who the HELL okayed this? After players such as Darryl Stingley and Mike Utley have been paralyzed in games, numerous other players have suffered dehabilitating concussions, and the Packers' Donald Driver landed on his head and lay on the field for 10 minutes on Sunday, someone thought it might be a good idea to "poke fun" at such things in order to sell chain-restaurant appetizers? What the hell is wrong with some people?
It's already been well established that John Madden will take money from anyone, and put his name on anything if the price is right. And since last year "Monday Night Football" has turned into pretty much one long commercial for Madden and his various products. When this commercial provokes a huge outrage (as it should), perhaps Madden will start to think twice about his blanket endorsements.
When Darryl Stingley was paralyzed in a game by the Raiders' Jack Tatum, Madden (then the Raiders' coach) famously visited Stingley in the hospital right after the game. But I guess the money from Outback, which also sponsors the announcer's "Madden Cruiser" bus, was enough to overcome the old coach's sensitivity.

Posted by Stephen Silver at September 9, 2003 01:47 AM
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