2.21.2006

Horrible Basketball Words

Damn you, Brent Musburger!

I got home tonight (after my hellishly long day of school) to catch the last few minutes of the Michigan - Illinois game. I must admit, I was moderately entertained by the level of play of Daniel Horton (39 points) and the pure drive those Michigan bedwetters displayed in overcoming the FIBs (taste worse than bitter lemons!).

But what angered me most was Brent Musburger's use of the two worst linguistic devices that basketball commentators frequently employ.

Basketball Rule Violation 169.04: Improper use of the word "blow."
"Boy, I don't think Horton has scored since he got a blow on the bench a few minutes ago."
Perhaps you're not aware of it Brent, but the word "blow" has several different connotations that are very different from the "get some rest" use you stated. And all of them are negative. Please don't use the word "blow" when referring to somebody "sitting/resting on the bench." And especially don't use it in the same sentence as "score."

Basketball Rule Violation 929.11: Improper use of the phrase "reach-around."
"He got caught for that reach-around on his own end."
Ugh. Once again, "reach around" means something different than what you think. You may say "reaching violation." Nothing wrong there. Or use the phrase "reach in." No problems. But "reach-around?" No. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Anybody under the age of 30 immediately laughs when you say this.

Stop. Using. Those. Phrases.

Does anybody know about any worse sports phrases?

posted by brian at 9:59 PM | Permalink

1 Comment(s) - Click to View/Hide

Dick Vitale on a coach's use of a point guard: "He's getting quality minutes out of the little penetrator." comment by  Cooler Brian, 2/23/2006 5:05 PM