UConn to ESPN: “You Are Evil”
Nov 1st 2007ericjhoroCollege Football & Media
It looks like we can add the UConn athletic department to the growing list of people who think ESPN is abusing their power in order to promote their interests. This week Huskies AD Jeff Hathaway blasted ESPN for using the UConn football team to settle a dispute with Comcast.
UConn’s next two games (important contests against Rutgers and Cincinnati) will both be broadcast on ESPNU, a network that’s not offered to any of the 525,000 Comcast subscribers in Connecticut. Hathaway claims that ESPN is robbing viewers of the chance to see the games in order to pressure Comcast into adding ESPNU to its packages.
“The bottom line here is that I fully understand that the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut football program is being used by the network to leverage cable companies in our state … to add ESPNU to their platform,” Hathaway said. “We understand that. We know that’s what’s happening.”
Oh by the way, UConn gets $100,000 for every game on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, but nothing for games on ESPNU. Hathaway’s anger might have something to do with that.
ESPN is denying the allegations, but given the network’s track record of bettering themselves with ethically questionable moves (such as this, this, and this), I’m not sure they have much credibility. Frankly, UConn should just be happy they’re not being forced to wear “ESPNU Rules” patches on their uniforms.
8 Comments »
Mark on 02 Nov 2007 at 9:40 am #
Now maybe if UConn had a stadium on campus, their students could at least go to the game.
Harvey on 03 Nov 2007 at 11:40 pm #
The broadcasts are not available on cable in Bristol, Connecticut, the home of the “Worldwide Leader in Sports.”
Tom Long on 04 Mar 2008 at 2:59 pm #
Someone in authority ay the Universiy of Connecticut must have signed a contrct wih ESPN and ESPNU that caused this mess. It was stupid and will hurt support for the school in the long run.
Fan on 08 Mar 2008 at 6:53 am #
It is just aweful that the Big East Womens basketball tournament games (except the final) are on Bigeast TV and then two on ESPNU. All it does is tick the fans off that they can’t watch the games, not even on line! I don’t know who signed up the Big East with ESPNU but the fans are the ones that get robbed of seeing their team progress through the tournament.
Gary on 08 Mar 2008 at 10:42 am #
It is a crying shame that neither Comcast nor ESPN can sttle this. But of course, that would be to the benefit of the fans, and what do these two giants care about the fans? Nothing, that’s what! So, how about those do nothing state and government politicians who supposedly represent their constituents get involved and force an agreement? Another pipe dream!
DJ on 09 Mar 2008 at 9:56 am #
The Big East is a culprit as well As ESPN and Comcast. There is nothing in this for UConn and CPTV would love to carry the prelims as they have in the past. Isn’t there someone out there who cares for the fans and their teams?
Denise on 09 Mar 2008 at 1:17 pm #
Who is the fool at UConn that cut this deal with ESPNU? Did he/she get a nice kickback for it? The fans support the team all year, giving donations to CPTV and get the BOOT during the finals. I am sick of it. The teams will suffer because I and other loyal fans will eventually just stop watching altogther! Kiss my patutti ESPNU, Comcast and UCONN!
edwin cookson on 09 Mar 2008 at 3:06 pm #
i am ticked off that i cannot watch the u-conn girls basket ball play offs.
espn u stinks.