EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3168960 ABC apologizes for steamy Monday Night intro Associated Press Posted: 47 minutes ago NEW YORK (AP) - ABC apologized Tuesday for a steamy intro to "Monday Night Football" after receiving complaints from viewers and the NFL. The spot featured a naked Nicollette Sheridan jumping into the arms of Terrell Owens. Before the Philadelphia-Dallas game, ABC showed Owens and Sheridan in an empty locker room in an attempt to spoof the network hit "Desperate Housewives." Sheridan, who stars in the show, was wearing only a towel and provocatively asked Owens to skip the game for her. After she dropped her towel, he agreed to be late for the contest and hugged her. Then the shot panned out to two more stars of "Desperate Housewives," Teri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman, watching the scene unfold on a television and commenting on desperate women. "We have heard from many of our viewers about last night's MNF opening segment and we agree that the placement was inappropriate," ABC said in a statement. "We apologize." The NFL called the intro "inappropriate and unsuitable for our 'Monday Night Football' audience." "While ABC may have gained attention for one of its other shows, the NFL and its fans lost," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. The Eagles said they appreciated ABC apologizing for the segment. "It is normal for teams to cooperate with ABC in the development of an opening for its broadcast," the team said. "After seeing the final piece, we wish it hadn't aired." ABC has broadcast "Monday Night Football" with a 5-second delay this season, a precaution after Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction at February's Super Bowl. At halftime of New England's win over Carolina in the Super Bowl, Justin Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson's brassiere, exposing her right breast to a TV audience of some 90 million. The Super Bowl was broadcast on CBS, which was subsequently fined a record $550,000 by the FCC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I am more offended by the shameless cross promotion then the near naked body. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetterberg is God 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 ^ Agreed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 "While ABC may have gained attention for one of its other shows, the NFL and its fans lost," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. I have a hard time believing the NFL didn't know what ABC had planned. The Eagles said they appreciated ABC apologizing for the segment. "It is normal for teams to cooperate with ABC in the development of an opening for its broadcast," the team said. "After seeing the final piece, we wish it hadn't aired." And I have an even harder time believing the Eagles didn't know what was planned. Hmm, Owens & a "naked" Nicolette Sheridan, filmed in the Eagles lockerroom, I wonder what that wacky ABC has planned... OMG WE'RE OURAGED! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Maybe next week we'll get Trent Green burning the American flag in the locker room to get ready to beat the Patriots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 We finally find out what else is on the LOST island. Tom Brady and Ty Law. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I'm offended. They should have used Eva Longoria instead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Alias cross-promotion? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I'm offended. They should have used Eva Longoria instead. I agree wholeheartedly. Though I'd still bone Nicolette Sheridan, Teri Hatcher, and Felicity Huffman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Just John 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Maybe next week we'll get Trent Green burning the American flag in the locker room to get ready to beat the Patriots. Ha! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ant_7000 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I'm offended. They should have used Eva Longoria instead. Co-Sign, Eva is on the boney side, but still she can get it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hogan Made Wrestling 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 How long until the networks are going to have to "formally apologize" for streakers showing up on the TV? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I'm offended. They should have used Eva Longoria instead. Agreed. After seeing the clip again, Nicole looks eerily like Sable. Which made my little buddy wilt in pain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hogan Made Wrestling 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I'm offended. They should have used Eva Longoria instead. Agreed. After seeing the clip again, Nicole looks eerily like Sable. Which made my little buddy wilt in pain. Is the clip available online anywhere? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iggymcfly 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Maybe next week we'll get Trent Green burning the American flag in the locker room to get ready to beat the Patriots. That would be absolutely hilarious. I know it's more of a wrestling thing than a football thing, but that would actually get me really excited to watch the game. Nothing like a little old-fashioned heel heat to get people into a football game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 I didn't see this intro, but I'm offended. Call the FCC... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crimson Platypus 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 The NFL called the intro "inappropriate and unsuitable for our 'Monday Night Football' audience." So uh.. since when is an attractive, nearly naked woman "inappropriate and unsuitable" for an audience comprised mostly (probably) of men? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 Funny little note in todays paper Back slapping Following the record $550,000 fine imposed on CBS after Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl, American networks have been super sensitive to suggestions of lewd behaviour. So it's no surprise, perhaps, that ABC indulged in a rapid reverse ferret after its Monday night football coverage featured - gasp! - an actress who appeared to be naked. But before you fire off an email of complaint, Monkey feels compelled to point out the trailer for drama hit Desperate Housewives featured only the clothing-free back of one of its stars, Nicollette Sheridan. The problem arose after she provocatively dropped a towel, suggesting - shock horror! - she was in the buff. "We have heard from many of our viewers about last night's Monday night football opening segment and we agree that the placement was inappropriate," said ABC. "We apologise." The NFL was similarly po-faced. "While ABC may have gained attention for one of its other shows, the NFL and its fans lost," it said. Number of viewers so far corrupted by seeing naked female back: nil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 They're bitching because it aired at 6:00 on the West Coast, and heaven forbid a kid sees a woman in a towel or "naked". I mean, I saw a naked back when she dropped her towel! Won't someone think of the children! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoes Head Report post Posted November 17, 2004 ^ You're missing the point. Out here in western PA there's still an environment that exists where pre-pubescent children are predominantly exposed to only what their parents choose. Little Johnny may be staying up a little passed his bed time to see the first quarter because of all the heat and buildup to the game. Why should his father have to explain to his son the sexual innuendos he just witnessed before a FOOTBALL game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted November 17, 2004 http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3171774 FCC's Powell reacts to MNF opening Jennifer C. Kerr / Associated Press Posted: 40 minutes ago WASHINGTON - The nation's chief media regulator expressed disappointment Wednesday over the steamy locker room opening to ABC's "Monday Night Football" broadcast. "I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud," said Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. The opening, which has generated complaints to ABC and the FCC, featured actress Nicollette Sheridan of the hit show "Desperate Housewives" in the locker room, wearing only a towel and provocatively asking Owens to skip the game for her. She drops the towel and jumps into the arms of Philadelphia Eagles star Terrell Owens. Sheridan was shown only from behind and above the waist after dropping the towel. Powell questioned the judgment of those who decided to air the scene. "It would seem to me that while we get a lot of broadcasting companies complaining about indecency enforcement, they seem to be continuing to be willing to keep the issue at the forefront, keep it hot and steamy in order to get financial gains and the free advertising it provides," Powell said during an interview on CNBC. An FCC spokeswoman said the agency has received a number of complaints about the ABC broadcast, though she declined to say how many. The complaints will be reviewed and the commission will decide whether or not to open an investigation that could result in a fine against the network. The maximum indecency fine is $32,500 per incident. ABC quickly apologized for the locker room intro. And the NFL called it "inappropriate and unsuitable for our 'Monday Night Football' audience." ABC has broadcast "Monday Night Football" with a 5-second delay this season, a precaution after singer Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at February's Super Bowl halftime show - when singer Justin Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson's outfit, exposing her right breast to a TV audience of some 90 million people. CBS is protesting a proposed FCC fine of $550,000 for the halftime show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brett Favre 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 If ABC hoped to generate a little bit more buzz for "Monday Night Football" and "Desperate Housewives," its steamy intro to the Dallas-Philadelphia game sure did the trick. Two days after the network aired the segment featuring Eagles star receiver Terrell Owens and actress Nicollette Sheridan, coaches and players were still talking about it. Reaction ranged from amusement to anger. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy found it racially offensive. "To me that's the first thing I thought of as an African-American," Dungy said Wednesday. "I think it's stereotypical in looking at the players, and on the heels of the Kobe Bryant incident I think it's very insensitive. I don't think that they would have had Bill Parcells or Andy Reid or one of the owners involved in that," he added, a reference to the coaches in the game. ABC's intro showed Sheridan wearing only a towel and provocatively asking Owens to skip the game for her as the two stood alone in a locker room. She drops the towel and jumps into Owens' arms. Owens is black and Sheridan is white. "If that's what we have to do to get ratings, I'd rather not get them," Dungy said. "I realize that ratings pays us in this league, but if that's what we have to do, I'm willing to take a pay cut." Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb wasn't quite as vocal, saying he didn't find the segment offensive and believed people were overreacting. (Owens wasn't at practice Wednesday, excused for what the team said were personal reasons.) "Some people do different things," McNabb said. "Not saying that my wife would allow me to do that, but it's just something that was done, and you move on." Poll Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, had a different view, questioning ABC's judgment in airing the scene. "I wonder if Walt Disney would be proud," he said. ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. The FCC will review complaints and decide whether or not to open an investigation that could result in a fine against the network. "It would seem to me that while we get a lot of broadcasting companies complaining about indecency enforcement, they seem to be continuing to be willing to keep the issue at the forefront, keep it hot and steamy in order to get financial gains and the free advertising it provides," Powell told CNBC. The segment drew complaints from viewers and the NFL. ABC Sports apologized for using the introduction to promote its show, "Desperate Housewives." Dungy's comment, however, was the first that mentioned race. He also said the segment played off stereotypes of athletes. "That athletes are sexual predators and that that stuff is more important than what's going on on the field. That he (Owens) was more concerned with that than the game, that's a terrible message to send," Dungy said. "I'm particularly sensitive to that. It could have been any player and I would have been outraged, but being an African-American, it particularly hurt me." A decade ago Dungy was outspoken about the lack of black coaches in the NFL. There are currently five, including Dungy and Lovie Smith, whose Bears will face Dungy's Colts on Sunday. "It shouldn't have happened, and I couldn't believe it did happen," Smith said. Dungy said ABC had asked the Colts, who played on Monday night last week, "to do some things I thought would make our players look a little bit silly (although) nothing like that." "We kind of declined," he said. Some players were also shocked. "My mouth dropped when I saw that," said Washington tight end Mike Sellers, who was watching the game with his wife. "I said, 'Did they actually plan this on TV?"' But at least one of his teammates wasn't bothered. "I thought it was kind of cool, myself," linebacker Marcus Washington said. "I enjoyed the skit." They should have done the skit next week, with whitey, Tom Brady. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 STOP BEING SO GODDAMN PURITANICAL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Precious Roy 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Little Johnny may be staying up a little passed his bed time to see the first quarter because of all the heat and buildup to the game. Why should his father have to explain to his son the sexual innuendos he just witnessed before a FOOTBALL game? That game had ZERO heat and buildup, unless you consider Bill Parcells having a nervous breakdown "heat" Whatever, there's a large segment of our country that wants to revert to the 1950's mentality where we hear/speak/see no evil, sex and nudity of course being filthy and evil. It goes right along with the cold war, sorry, "war on terror" and Michael Powell is trying to spearhead that cultural revolution. You can see just as much nudity and innuendo in a fucking shampoo commercial, but not before wholesome, All-American pigskin! Somebody throw those cheerleaders some clothes, their mothers wouldn't want them dressed like that! Also, seconded on there being much less of an uproar if it's Tom Brady or Brett Favre and not public enemy #1 Terrell Owens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kahran Ramsus 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Things like this make me glad to be a Canadian where they can air softcore porn on network television after 9 PM. I will never understand the American fascination with censorship. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crimson Platypus 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Of course, someone had to pull out the race card. THANKS TONY! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Smell the ratings!!! Report post Posted November 18, 2004 oh god is this thing still going? would anyone object if I start haphazardly setting off nukes at random locations across the country? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
therealworldschampion 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 Looks like Tony's been hanging out with Racist Dusty lately.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iliketurtles 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 I thought the commercial was funny, but I'm 18 so I know the deal...it's the same with wrestling, as we all know. Kids shouldn't be seeing this stuff, etc. I think it would be hilarious if they did a LOST skit next week with the defensive line or something of the Patriots on the island. Possibly being "the others/carriers" (You'd understand if you saw the show last night.) as a joke. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted November 18, 2004 I'm all for ABC next week finding their hottest young black actoress from one of their shows and having her strip naked in front of Tom Brady. Just to see if Tony Dungy's head will explode all over the Colts symbol in the press conference room. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
