NFL and NBA events too long

Posted by
Mark Barnes
Apr 20, 2006

NFL draft, NBA playoffs Under Review

Anyone interested in the NFL draft? How about all of the NBA playoffs? These two events are longer than some country's wars. I remember watching the mini-series, Roots, when I was a kid, and I'm certain this epic drama didn't come close to the length of the NFL draft or a single NBA playoff series.

The ridiculous length of the NBA playoffs is certainly because the owners and networks want to soak every possible dollar from fans and advertisers. Having a best-of-seven series in the first round, though, is absolutely uncalled for. Two-out-of-three would suit me just fine. Eliminate the stiffs, I say, so we can get to the truly intriguing match-ups.

Certainly, the Cavs and Wizards have star power, which is exactly what the league wants to beam to millions of TV viewers as often as possible. The best games, however, will be in the next round, when the winner of this series plays Detroit, which will cruise through round one. Then, we can get to the conference championships and NBA finals a few weeks sooner. The NBA in June is overkill.

The NFL draft, although obviously not as much of a draw as the NBA playoffs, could be a very exciting event, if it didn't last a fortnight. Okay, I realize this is hyperbole, but it sure does seem like it's this long. The first round alone takes nearly eight hours!

Giving NFL teams 15 minutes to make their selections is one of the craziest policies in all of sports. NFL general managers and coaches create depth charts and analyze players for a year or more, heading into the NFL draft. What possible reason could they have for spending 15 minutes on the final announcement? Hang up the phone, put down the pen, and just say the name, already!

I say give each team two minutes to make the decision. This will add a little excitement to the draft. If they sputter, they have to pass - just like in my fantasy football drafts. When guys are unprepared, it really gets fun. I want some fun in the NFL draft.

So, I think the NFL and the NBA should follow suit with the Triple Crown horse races. What wonderful events. One hour of hype, followed by two of the most exciting minutes in the world of sports.

I didn't coin the phrase, "short and sweet," but it sure does make sense.