ESPN and Make-A-Wish

by user Darreng

I know this may be a touchy subject for some, but I have a huge problem with it.

Recently on ESPN's Sportscenter, they have been having segments regarding the Make a Wish Foundation. Now, I have no problem with athletes going out into the community and helping sick children. It's actually really great. However, I don't feel SC is the best place to showcase this. As a viewer, I am turning on SC at 11PM to watch the days action in sports. I don't really feel like watching a 15 minute segment on kids who are terminally ill. If ESPN wants to do this (even though I think they're ripping off "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel") make a complete show for it. People will tune in (again see Real Sports). But people watch Sportscenter for the highlights and the "expert" commentary. I know it's summer and baseball is the only sport going on, but come on. Why not expand the highlights (there may only be 15 minutes worth in the entire 60 minute show) or keep us updated with College and Pro football training camps.

Just want to know other peoples' feelings on this.

Date

Tue 07/18/06, 5:49 am EST

DNLLegend

1262 days ago

Score 2

It's filler, just like a lot of their hot-seat baloney. At least it's helping kids.

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1262 days ago

Score 0

it's subliminal, yet superliminal! I...Love....E...S...P...N... and will continue to do so as long as I am told...

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ThecrookedcapAll-Star

1262 days ago

Score -1

NFL training camps haven't started yet. Besides, who really watches Sportscenter for "expert commentary?" If you want that you'd watch Baseball Tonight or any of the other sport-specific programs.

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Darreng

1262 days ago

Score 0

That is why I put the word "expert" in quotations.

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Sayhey-rodSoccer Kid

1262 days ago

Score 0

Cross-promotion is what it's all about. How many NFL highlights have they played over the past few months, these are only designed to promote monday night football moving to espn. FOX is the worst. You watch the news and 1/3 of it was geared towards American Idol when that was in season.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1262 days ago

Score 1

Frankly I like it. The segments are done extremely well and they work. I've been enjoying them.

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AWeiner18Varsity

1262 days ago

Score 3

These kids are sick and if you watch the segments, they wanted to be athletes but cannot because they are ill. This is their only oppurtunity ever to be in the sports world in front of their nation, which is a dream come true. I am thrilled to watch it because it makes me realize how thankful I am for living a healthy life and can still pursue athletic dreams. Again, these kids cannot. Give me a break dude, sports isn't the most important thing in life.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1262 days ago

Score 0

A little harsh there. If you read my post, I said, "It's actually really great." However, I feel that Sportscenter isn't the time or place to have this segment.

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LukeDLittle Leaguer

1262 days ago

Score 1

I don't necesarily agree, but yeah I'd hate for ESPN to loose focus much like MTV. Some would say there's ESPN news, I hear what you are saying. Just stay true to yourself ESPN. Great journalism has its place, but your "Sports Center" just be great at what it at is core, the info and the highlights.

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

1262 days ago

Score 0

I have huge issue with these Make a Wish Segments. They are great moments, and its great that athletes and ESPN want to help out a kid who is struggling for whatever reason. Yet when I watch those segments I feel like its too much of ESPN touting itself. The stories of athletes helping childeren are no longer miraculous acts when you go out and create them souly for the purpose of publicity.

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Darreng

1262 days ago

Score 0

A little harsh there. If you read my post, I said, "It's actually really great." However, I feel that Sportscenter isn't the time or place to have this segment.

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Sayhey-rodSoccer Kid

1262 days ago

Score 2

Maybe outside the lines woud be a better fit for the content.

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Darreng

1262 days ago

Score 0

Exactly.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1262 days ago

Score 0

Or even creating a reality show like Three Wishes or Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Those types of shows are huge, why not adapt it for sports?

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1262 days ago

Score 0

Maybe we can let a sick kid write articles on ArmchairGM?

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Anonymous Fanatic #2

1261 days ago

Score 0

Although it's great thing, I question these athletes motives...Just as you point out, would these wishes still be granted if ESPN wasn't there? However it's good to see these kids so happey after all the shit they've gone through!

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Anonymous Fanatic #3

1261 days ago

Score 0

It's funny that when an athlete does good, or any celebrity for that matter, there are those that question their intentions. When they do nothing, their character gets questioned. As far as ESPN showing the Make A Wish stuff, with ESPNNews running 24/7, not to mention the plethora of other sport - specific programming, giving these kids their 15 minutes of fame is nothing, in my opinion.

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

1261 days ago

Score 0

No dont get me wrong I watched one of the segments earlier today, and they are very touching, and had me smiling. I think its great what they are doing for those kids. I just feel like by putting it on SportsCenter ESPN is calling a press conference to announce how great they are. Chairity is best done in silence.

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