Pam Oliver on the new Fox Sports talent: ‘They’re all young, blonde and hot’

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) waits to be interviewed by Pam Oliver following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) waits to be interviewed by Pam Oliver following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Was Pam Oliver replaced as a sideline reporter for Fox NFL because she’s old, black and not considered hot enough?

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That’s what a lot of people think. Oliver addressed the issue herself in a piece for Essence magazine and…well, let’s just say she doesn’t exactly disagree with idea that age at least played a big part in her ouster:

"Once the changes were announced, people started talking. Some asked, “Do you think it had something to do with your race?” No. I definitely do not. Others asked, “Does it have something to do with your age?” Well, maybe. The business is very demographic-oriented. As one executive said to me, Fox Sports will look radically different in the coming years. I assume that means they want to look younger. It’s not difficult to notice that the new on-air people there are all young, blond and “hot.”"

Oliver is careful to compliment Erin Andrews on her talent, but you can still feel the bitterness in her words.

Clearly, Oliver thinks that she was ousted because she’s over fifty not of a certain type that appeals to the kind of slobbering males who enjoy looking at leaked nudes.

Yes, Pam Oliver was moved on because Fox feels the need to pander to a young male demographic. They think young males who watch football would rather look at Erin Andrews than Pam Oliver.

Maybe I’m weird, but I would rather not have a sideline person interrupting the broadcast with fluff reporting period. I really don’t care what the reporter looks like. I don’t want to see them or listen to them. I just want to watch football.

I am also not that young, so what do I know?