I did not like having a woman announcer for today's game.

[82hoosier]

Now before you throw stones at me let me explain. I know that there are a number of male announcers that never played football. But there is a suspended disbelief where I choose not to remember it. Like Lou Holz never being a football player. But when I listen to a female announcer I know she did never played. So when she says something about what a hard hit that was, I think how does she know? And how hard does she think it was? And yes are a number of male announcers that probably don't know either. For me it just isn't the first thing that pops into my mind when a guy pontificates about something he doesn't understand either.

 

[kojoe]

She pretty much talked trivia throughout the broadcast.

 

[IUXC68]

Now before you throw stones at me let me explain. I know that there are a number of male announcers that never played football. But there is a suspended disbelief where I choose not to remember it. Like Lou Holz never being a football player. But when I listen to a female announcer I know she did never played. So when she says something about what a hard hit that was, I think how does she know? And how hard does she think it was? And yes are a number of male announcers that probably don't know either. For me it just isn't the first thing that pops into my mind when a guy pontificates about something he doesn't understand either.

Hate to say it, but you might be sexist, whether you intend to be or not. No stones to be thrown, just recognition that not every sports announcer has in depth knowledge or experience for what they have to report on.

 

[hoosier roadtrips]

There are some women (likely not Beth Mowins) who actually played football. I remember one pro player who said that his mother also played pro football. It was a funny comment from Dan Diedorff who said that was something not many players can claim.

 

[pap17754]

Well, I am a guest on your board, but I have a problem with a female football announcer, and I have four daughters and five grand daughters.

 

[82hoosier]

Hate to say it, but you might be sexist, whether you intend to be or not. No stones to be thrown, just recognition that not every sports announcer has in depth knowledge or experience for what they have to report on.

First, I just want to move the discussion away from "who is a true Indiana football fan"

I am absolutely certain that not every male football announcer has direct knowledge or experience as to the physical nature of big time football. Look at boxing - nobody has that experience - except for boxers and they are usually terrible announcers. Again, I am just saying that I can suspend that disbelief with male football announcers. With a female announcer I just know that she does not know. I have no issues with female announcers in basketball or baseball. I don't think you have to be able to dunk a basketball or throw a slider to report about it.

 

[IUXC68]

First, I just want to move the discussion away from "who is a true Indiana football fan"

I am absolutely certain that not every male football announcer has direct knowledge or experience as to the physical nature of big time football. Look at boxing - nobody has that experience - except for boxers and they are usually terrible announcers. Again, I am just saying that I can suspend that disbelief with male football announcers. With a female announcer I just know that she does not know. I have no issues with female announcers in basketball or baseball. I don't think you have to be able to dunk a basketball or throw a slider to report about it.

How do you feel about the so called Olympic sports like swimming, diving, soccer, gymnastics, and track? Going way back to the days of a couple of the networks' Sunday sports programs like Wild World of Sports, I seem to recall some female announcers who had participated in the sports they covered, and today their presence is common. Personally, I prefer the commentary of an announcer who has personal experience with the sport they are reporting on, but I do accept that it is possible for the student of a sport to become knowledgeable even though they don't have the same personal attachment.

 

[82hoosier]

Again, I have no problem with female announcers in any other sport. I have no problem with women reporters on the sideline. In fact I think it better that many sideline reporters are female.

My long-time girlfriend was in the 84 Olympics. I hope I do not get in trouble.

 

[ReallyMadMax]

In a previous thread, I stated that having Beth Mowins doing Big Ten football games infuriates me. I don't like having to listen to a she-man with a lower voice than mine. She should be doing women's sports only. Or if she must do football, let her do one of the smaller conferences that nobody cares about. If that makes me sexist, well too damn bad.

 

[Vididiot]

Hate to say it, but you might be sexist, whether you intend to be or not. No stones to be thrown, just recognition that not every sports announcer has in depth knowledge or experience for what they have to report on.

Of course it's sexist. Why do they have color announcers in addition to the play-by-play guys? Because the play-by-play guys didn't play football (maybe some played middle school or high school, but not big time college ball). I don't have to suspend any disbelief listening to Brent Mussberger. That's why he has a color sidekick who usually played pro, if not college football. The same goes with almost every other play-by-play announcer. If you don't like a woman announcer, but like the men announcers, it's because she's a woman, and that's sexist. I've heard gripes that she talks too much trivia. So do the men announcers. They have to fill in time between plays. Men are predisposed to believe that women, who don't know anything about football, have to gab about trivial matters. Simply not true. I thought Mowins was particularly nice to IU when our offense was floundering by mentioning about 12 times that Sudfeld and Howard were both out.

 

[TheSpa]

Now before you throw stones at me let me explain. I know that there are a number of male announcers that never played football. But there is a suspended disbelief where I choose not to remember it. Like Lou Holz never being a football player. But when I listen to a female announcer I know she did never played. So when she says something about what a hard hit that was, I think how does she know? And how hard does she think it was? And yes are a number of male announcers that probably don't know either. For me it just isn't the first thing that pops into my mind when a guy pontificates about something he doesn't understand either.

Lou Holtz played football at Kent State.

 

[Southern_PSU_Lion]

Of course it's sexist. Why do they have color announcers in addition to the play-by-play guys? Because the play-by-play guys didn't play football (maybe some played middle school or high school, but not big time college ball). I don't have to suspend any disbelief listening to Brent Mussberger. That's why he has a color sidekick who usually played pro, if not college football. The same goes with almost every other play-by-play announcer. If you don't like a woman announcer, but like the men announcers, it's because she's a woman, and that's sexist. I've heard gripes that she talks too much trivia. So do the men announcers. They have to fill in time between plays. Men are predisposed to believe that women, who don't know anything about football, have to gab about trivial matters. Simply not true. I thought Mowins was particularly nice to IU when our offense was floundering by mentioning about 12 times that Sudfeld and Howard were both out.

There' s no way that a female announcer will ever compare to the booming voice of a Keith Jackson. I believe the male announcers will always bring a more testosterone laced and excitement dynamic to the game ( which it deserves) that a female, try as they may, will never be able to truly emulate. Kudo's for the preparation and attempt. If that is "sexist", so be it. Tired of people getting there feelings hurt because of political correctness. Why do you truly believe Mowens is relegated to the second tier games on Saturday's?.....probably because, 1. A female announcer is required by ESPN, and 2. She would not be able to create the color excitement for the prime time audiences. Bring it.....

 

[82hoosier]

A couple years ago I was a on a cruise (60 passengers) with Brent Mussberger. Personality just like on television. A very nice man who never got tired talking about sports but could also talk about anything else. He thought IU was making significant strides in the football program. I never asked him about his bar fight with Jimmy the Greek.

 

[texasiuex]

I would put Mowins and Mussberger in the same group; announcers impossible for me to listen to. When they do the broadcasts, I simply turn down the volume to maintain my sanity. There are several female sideline reporters, I feel, could do a superior job to both the two I previously mentioned. Seems like ESPN hired the "low bidder".

 

[RBB89]

In a previous thread, I stated that having Beth Mowins doing Big Ten football games infuriates me. I don't like having to listen to a she-man with a lower voice than mine. She should be doing women's sports only. Or if she must do football, let her do one of the smaller conferences that nobody cares about. If that makes me sexist, well too damn bad.

Jesus Christ this thread is embarrassing. But if you guys want a macho FOOTBALL circle jerk, keep on going.

I never played, but it doesn't take a genius to understand football. Ward, Mowins, etc I'm sure are very well studied and work hard. I don't particularly like their style, but not because they're women. I just have other announcers Id rather listen to.

Now, carry on with Testosterone Fest '15.

(And yes, poster that I quoted, you are the definition of an ignorant sexist. It's not 1946.)

 

[RBB89]

There' s no way that a female announcer will ever compare to the booming voice of a Keith Jackson. I believe the male announcers will always bring a more testosterone laced and excitement dynamic to the game ( which it deserves) that a female, try as they may, will never be able to truly emulate. Kudo's for the preparation and attempt. If that is "sexist", so be it. Tired of people getting there feelings hurt because of political correctness. Why do you truly believe Mowens is relegated to the second tier games on Saturday's?.....probably because, 1. A female announcer is required by ESPN, and 2. She would not be able to create the color excitement for the prime time audiences. Bring it.....

If you dislike someone or think they are inferior simply because they are a woman, that is not being PC...that is the definition of sexism. It's ok to use your brain. You can't just use "PC!!!" to spew stupid nonsense and get away with it without people expressing their opinions in return.

 

[RUskoolie]

Beth Mowins is awful

 

[Tegray1]

I actually thought Beth was better than the color guy. He had no clue for someone who played the game. I don't like the woman doing color on MLB baseball when their are so many MLB players that would have been better.

 

[indianascout1991]

In a previous thread, I stated that having Beth Mowins doing Big Ten football games infuriates me. I don't like having to listen to a she-man with a lower voice than mine. She should be doing women's sports only. Or if she must do football, let her do one of the smaller conferences that nobody cares about. If that makes me sexist, well too damn bad.

Does it bother you that Chris Fowler, being a man, does the women's US Open final since, as far as I know, he has never competed in women's professional tennis?

 

[ReallyMadMax]

Jesus Christ this thread is embarrassing. But if you guys want a macho FOOTBALL circle jerk, keep on going.

I never played, but it doesn't take a genius to understand football. Ward, Mowins, etc I'm sure are very well studied and work hard. I don't particularly like their style, but not because they're women. I just have other announcers Id rather listen to.

Now, carry on with Testosterone Fest '15.

(And yes, poster that I quoted, you are the definition of an ignorant sexist. It's not 1946.)

If you read my post, you will find that I never mentioned her lack of playing experience. I just don't care for her announcing voice. So watch the "ignorant" comment, jerk.

 

[ReallyMadMax]

Does it bother you that Chris Fowler, being a man, does the women's US Open final since, as far as I know, he has never competed in women's professional tennis?

Yeah, I can really see the similarities there. Next.

 

[Oxford Collapse]

Now before you throw stones at me let me explain. I know that there are a number of male announcers that never played football. But there is a suspended disbelief where I choose not to remember it. Like Lou Holz never being a football player. But when I listen to a female announcer I know she did never played. So when she says something about what a hard hit that was, I think how does she know? And how hard does she think it was? And yes are a number of male announcers that probably don't know either. For me it just isn't the first thing that pops into my mind when a guy pontificates about something he doesn't understand either.

This is an embarrassing post. Please delete this on your own behalf, dude.

 

[Oxford Collapse]

In a previous thread, I stated that having Beth Mowins doing Big Ten football games infuriates me. I don't like having to listen to a she-man with a lower voice than mine. She should be doing women's sports only. Or if she must do football, let her do one of the smaller conferences that nobody cares about. If that makes me sexist, well too damn bad.

Yeah, that makes you a sexist.

 

[indianascout1991]

Yeah, I can really see the similarities there. Next.

Oh, you are right. The following are clearly not similar:

Man that has never played women's sport does play-by-play for said sport.
Woman that has never played men's sport does play-by-play for said sport.

Big difference...thanks for pointing it out.

 

[RBB89]

If you read my post, you will find that I never mentioned her lack of playing experience. I just don't care for her announcing voice. So watch the "ignorant" comment, jerk.

Calling her a "she-man" and not seeing how you are singling out a woman simply because she's a woman...yeah, you're ignorant. It's the exact same situation with Fowler and numerous other men, yet I don't see constant threads about them on message boards. I do see threads about Mowins, Jessica Mendoza, etc peppered with sexist comments about their looks following the typical "I'm not sexist, but...".

 

[ReallyMadMax]

Calling her a "she-man" and not seeing how you are singling out a woman simply because she's a woman...yeah, you're ignorant. It's the exact same situation with Fowler and numerous other men, yet I don't see constant threads about them on message boards. I do see threads about Mowins, Jessica Mendoza, etc peppered with sexist comments about their looks following the typical "I'm not sexist, but...".

It's not ignorance, it's personal taste. Sorry, I'll check with you next time before forming an opinion.

 

[indianascout1991]

It's not ignorance, it's personal taste. Sorry, I'll check with you next time before forming an opinion.

We hear you and understand that your "personal taste" is to like men better than women.

Let's leave it at that and move forward without further inquiry.

 

[ReallyMadMax]

Oh, you are right. The following are clearly not similar:

Man that has never played women's sport does play-by-play for said sport.
Woman that has never played men's sport does play-by-play for said sport.

Big difference...thanks for pointing it out.

Well personally, I really don't give a damn about women's tennis. Certainly not as much as I like college football. So I guess that makes me sexist too, right?

 

[indianascout1991]

Well personally, I really don't give a damn about women's tennis. Certainly not as much as I like college football. So I guess that makes me sexist too, right?

Not at all. I don't like women's basketball particularly.

Just out of curiosity, however, can you articulate why having a female tell you that Zander Diamont has completed three passes as opposed to a male telling you that Zander Diamont has completed three passes makes a difference?

I am not being a smart ass, I really just want to know why it matters.

 

[RBB89]

It's not ignorance, it's personal taste. Sorry, I'll check with you next time before forming an opinion.

A. I'm allowed to express my opinion too.

B. You didn't simply say you disliked her as an announcer, you insulted her and suggested that she is incapable because she is a woman.

 

[RBB89]

Well personally, I really don't give a damn about women's tennis. Certainly not as much as I like college football. So I guess that makes me sexist too, right?

No, it's just that the logic in this thread is stupid. No one cares about men calling games they didn't play. I wonder why that is?

 

[IUAlum]

Where to even start with this sexist BS....

Maybe she played rugby, in which case she probably took some pretty hard hits without padding. I played rugby back in the day. You wouldn't want me to tackle you even now. Trust me.

I've played rugby with men too and refereed men's rugby games. I restarted the IU Women's Rugby team in the mid-nineties when I was a graduate student and felt I needed to prove myself to the guys since I wouldn't be able to get the team off the ground without their support. The women's team is still going strong after 20 years so I guess I did my job correctly.

PS - thanks to all you guys that are fighting the good fight on this thread 'preciate ya!

PPS - also would like to add - if you don't like a female announcer for a male sport, you certainly have a right to your opinion but some of you need to be a little more thoughtful about your excuses why you don't. I don't think men should coach women's sports, but there seems to be no shortage of that happening and no shortage of men without coaching experience getting hired to coach women's teams over women with coaching experience. Sexism is alive and well in the 21 century and some of the comments on this thread help perpetuate that sexism. It's kinda like racism and homophobia. We all like to argue that "Me?!? I'm not racist/sexist/homophobic!! Why I've got gay/black/female friends that laugh at my dumb jokes at their expense all the time!" Well, to that I say...they aren't laughing with you...