NBC sportscaster Bob Costas is kind of an awesome person. First of all, he never ages. Seriously, he’s looked exactly the same for the last 20 years, it’s like he’s Richard from LOST or something. Secondly, he was the sportscaster in the movie “BASEketball,” where he told co-commentator Al Michaels, “You’re excited? Feel these nipples!” And, of course, Costas is the legendary voice/face of NBC Sports, from the NBA in the late 90s, to the NFL and of course the Olympics. And now… it appears that Costas is also a supporter of the campaign to hold a moment of silence for the 11 Israeli victims of the Munich massacre in 1972.
Costas said he will call out the International Olympic Committee for denying Israel’s request for a moment of silence.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Costas will add his voice to the list of those advocating the moment of silence, which already includes the U.S. Senate, the German Bundestag, the Canadian and Australian parliaments, Italian lawmakers and some 50 members of the British Parliament.
“I intend to note that the IOC denied the request,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “Many people find that denial more than puzzling but insensitive. Here’s a minute of silence right now.”
Costas intends to make his remarks when the Israeli delegation enters the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Munich massacre, .
“There’s a reality in business; there were times when I thought he got too forceful,” said Dick Ebersol, Costa’s former producer at NBC, reported the Hollywood Reporter. “But I’m very proud of the fact that Bob was able to be Bob.”
If Costas really plans to follow through, it may actually be worth it to watch the opening ceremonies for a change.
(Story by JTA)
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