NBC's Latest Olympics Pickle

Yesterday, I said that the Olympics created quite a pickle for NBC since their live events are running way outside of primetime.

Last night, they got themselves into another jam—two live events happening simultaneously. And tonight, that jam will get even worse as Michael Phelps will go for two golds at the same time the USA Women’s Gymnastics Team goes for the gold.

I’m glad I’m not the producer for tonight…

Last night, NBC cut away from the Men’s Gymnastics Team Final to show the three gold medal swimming events, including Michael Phelps. But when the U.S. gymnastics team began making a medal run, they wisely did not go back to the pool for a semifinal race. Bob Costas explained that when they had to choose, they would focus on the medal events. But that does not help them tonight, and something will probably get missed.

But NBC ran into one more problem last night—the gymnastics judges. Because of the scoring controversy in 2004, they are taking FOREVER to post their scores, which is wreaking havoc on NBC’s coverage.

How so? The USA men did not claim the bronze medal until 12:45 a.m.

Which is great for the night owls. But for those of us who have to go to work the next morning? Not so much…