NBA HORSE on the schedule

[DirtyKash]

So I read that the NBA is going to have a HORSE tournament during All-Star Weekend. Meh. I'm not sure if it's such a good idea and actually think that there could be a small chance that it's a complete trainwreck.

What they really need to do is have an 8-man, bracket-style tournament of one-on-one basketball. One point per basket, first to 11 moves on to the next round. Winner takes all. Get it done, David Stern. Get it done.

[cjkalt]

I'm actually pretty excited for the HORSE tournament... I think it will be better than the game.

I've always wanted to see the NBA guys play horse, maybe I'm alone but I'm thrilled to watch.

[ljshorty89]

I dunno, i feel like HORSE is gonna be hyped up and then disappointing. I hope I'm wrong, but worst case scenario, we still have the Dunk Contest and 3 Point Contest to watch.

[HollywoodLeo]

HORSE in the ASG?

I'm tuning in.

[DirtyKash]

HORSE in the ASG?

I'm tuning in.

The only difference is that they're going to call it G-E-I-C-O.

Sports are often made for TV. And TV is made for advertisers.

So it shouldn't surprise — especially as all sports are scrambling to find new places to hang "for sale" signs given the current economy — that the NBA's first H-O-R-S-E contest won't use those letters.

As that contest joins dunking and three-point shooting contests as part of TNT's NBA All-Star Weekend coverage, the as-yet unnamed three contestants — who'll be overseen by an NBA ref — will play G-E-I-C-O. As in the insurance company that will be the event's unavoidable sponsor. (Suggestion: The winner then takes on the famous ad lizard to really drive home the brand awareness.)

For its G-E-I-C-O game, TNT will pull up a truck — which it uses for NASCAR coverage — to put announcers on a set that can rise 14 feet and swivel 360 degrees. As part of the dunk coverage, TNT will get NBA stars such as Dwight Howard or Vince Carter to imagine futuristic dunks, with videogame-maker (and NBA sponsor) EA Sports showing video simulations of their visions.

And following Fox's production of 3-D coverage of college football's BCS title game, shown in about 80 theaters last month, TNT will offer the Feb. 14 events, including the G-E-I-C-O game, in theaters. Tickets will cost $18-$22.

The big idea behind that 3-D, which will be a separate production from TNT's TV coverage: TV set-makers, helping to underwrite 3-D in theaters, want to eventually woo viewers to buy home TV sets built to carry 3-D shows.

Signing-day circus needs one big tent - USATODAY.com

[HollywoodLeo]

Ugh

That kind of ruins it.

[ljshorty89]

My god, that kills it. I will not watch NBA All-Stars play GEICO.

[love_that_reefer]

Have you guys ever played a game of horse? It takes forever! I'll watch the highlights but no way am I watching an entire game of horse.

[HollywoodLeo]

I love playing HORSE.

[love_that_reefer]

Who doesn't besides the Amish?

[browntown653]

G-E-I-C-O...what a ****ing joke. Honestly. That is ****ing ridiculous.

A HORSE tournament sounds awesome, and I will probably watch it, but seriously? GEICO?

[Kingdom]

Who's going to be in it, and please tell me they got rid of the game with the WNBA and retired players.