Well, this is certainly….strange. ESPN is launching what they’re calling the Center Stage music series today, which will see live musical performances taking place on SportsCenter.
The series begins on the 6 PM show tonight with a performance by Wiz Khalifa from Bristol and continues on Friday with a performance from Wale at LA Live.
ESPN SVP of SportsCenter and News Rob King attempted to explain the series.
“Want to make any sports highlight more dynamic? Just add a soundtrack. Sports and music have always had a cool connection, and we hope ‘Center Stage’ will further that relationship in a way that will resonate with our fans,” said Senior Vice President, SportsCenter and News Rob King. “To be able to kick it off with Wiz Khalifa and Wale, back-to-back, is instant confirmation of how impactful ‘Center Stage’ can be.”
OK. That’s…interesting.
Maybe I’m a crazy, out of touch, old man (which isn’t out of the realm of possibility), but isn’t SportsCenter supposed to be about… sports? And highlights of those sports? And it’s not as if the sporting calendar is bleak on Thursday night – ESPN is airing the NBA Draft immediately after that 6 PM SportsCenter!
If I flip on ESPN less than an hour before Draft coverage and see a musical performance… I’m going to be juuuuuuust a little bit confused.
[ESPN]

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About Joe Lucia
I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.
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