If you watched our show at around 7:50 this morning, you witnessed one of the more awkward moments we've had in quite some time. Friend of the show (FOTS) Chet Coppock was on to plug his new book (the title of which conveniently escapes me at this time). I call Chet a FOTS because he's been an invited guest many times in the 4+ years I've been here. And each time, he and I have spoken in-depth, on- and off-camera, about sports, the business of sports broadcasting, and how much he enjoys the job I do on this show.
So you can imagine my surprise when someone plopped a copy of his guaranteed best-seller on my desk, open to a passage in which Chet lists the best and worst local sports personalities of the last 25 years. At #2 on the "worst" list: PAT TOMASULO.
What??? Wasn't I the "cat's meow?" The "Hulk Hogan of sportscasting?" Didn't he say I was "the tops," the "best of the best," and "Grade A???"
Yes, he did. So did my grandfather . . . 20 years ago.
When people still spoke like that.
I'm suresome many might rank me #1 on that "worst" list; some a few might rank me #1 on the "best" list. Either way, I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't like my style. But Chetster had never given me any criticism in the dozens of face-to-face meetings we'd had! All those times we invited him on the show, he'd gush about me!
So I had to ask him about this list, on the air, in the middle of his guest segment. What ensued was an uncomfortable :30 - :45 of live television. I'm sorry for that :( I sat looking at him, with an expression that could be best described as a "glare," while he furiously backpedaled. When we went off air, he shook hands with Larry and Robin, said nothing to me, and walked off set.
I'm not sure why. I suppose if our roles were reversed, I might be a little embarrassed. You know, here are these nice people who continually invite me on their TV show, even when no other stations are, even when their fans ask why they invite me on- not because they dislike me, but because they question my relevance. And I go and trash one of them! I guess I could have shared those feelings before they were the only TV crew in town that'd give me a chance to let people know I'm still around, and not until I decided writing a book would be the best way to remind them.
But hey, I can't guess what Chet was thinking.
He did preface in the book that he might make a lot of enemies by writing those lists. For the record, he hasn't made an enemy in me. I'll even continue to listen to him for the 12 weeks each year he's on local radio. But if he ever wants to come back on this show again, he needs to bring gifts, like . . . maybe a signed copy of his book?
Think he'll have any left?
(Editor's note: if you have no idea who Chet Coppock is, click here )
So you can imagine my surprise when someone plopped a copy of his guaranteed best-seller on my desk, open to a passage in which Chet lists the best and worst local sports personalities of the last 25 years. At #2 on the "worst" list: PAT TOMASULO.
What??? Wasn't I the "cat's meow?" The "Hulk Hogan of sportscasting?" Didn't he say I was "the tops," the "best of the best," and "Grade A???"
Yes, he did. So did my grandfather . . . 20 years ago.
When people still spoke like that.
I'm sure
So I had to ask him about this list, on the air, in the middle of his guest segment. What ensued was an uncomfortable :30 - :45 of live television. I'm sorry for that :( I sat looking at him, with an expression that could be best described as a "glare," while he furiously backpedaled. When we went off air, he shook hands with Larry and Robin, said nothing to me, and walked off set.
I'm not sure why. I suppose if our roles were reversed, I might be a little embarrassed. You know, here are these nice people who continually invite me on their TV show, even when no other stations are, even when their fans ask why they invite me on- not because they dislike me, but because they question my relevance. And I go and trash one of them! I guess I could have shared those feelings before they were the only TV crew in town that'd give me a chance to let people know I'm still around, and not until I decided writing a book would be the best way to remind them.
But hey, I can't guess what Chet was thinking.
He did preface in the book that he might make a lot of enemies by writing those lists. For the record, he hasn't made an enemy in me. I'll even continue to listen to him for the 12 weeks each year he's on local radio. But if he ever wants to come back on this show again, he needs to bring gifts, like . . . maybe a signed copy of his book?
Think he'll have any left?
(Editor's note: if you have no idea who Chet Coppock is, click here )
Glad to see you stepped up to the plate and asked the questions you need to. That is what your job is all about. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable, but thats the way it goes.
If it makes u feel better, i think you are the best pat!
Hey Pat-
I'm in no way, shape or form a 'sports' person, but I watch YOU everyday.
Several years ago I went to the Hunt Club #Gary Fencik's place# with a girlfriend; they were having a meet and greet with some of the Bears and Chet. I didn't know who Chet was. The talent were sitting on stools, behind a rope, and the fans lined up for autographs. About the only thing that I remember about that night was Chet, sitting on a tall stool, legs crossed, a pile of papers on his lap, leaning forward with his head almost to his knees, rocking back and forth. To this day I remember this. After that night I heard his name come up and I always remembered his odd behavior that night.
I hear that he's a sports legend, I don't know, but I think it mostly comes from people trying to be polite.
Whats up ! Love your blog thanks for sharing it with me