FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd defended the networks for showing Taylor Swift while criticizing people who continue to complain about how often she is on air.
Swift has become a staple of NFL broadcast attention — but she's also received criticism from people who don't want to see her on TV.
In a tirade, Cowherd slammed these critics, saying their complaints were overblown and that her feelings of hatred toward Swift could stem from sexism.
“There are a lot of really strange, lonely, insecure men out there,” Cowherd began.
“The fact that a pop star, the biggest pop star in the world, is dating a star tight end who had one of his greatest games ever.” [in the AFC Championship game], and a station broadcasts it on air for a short time, so it bothers you. What does that say about your life?
Colin Cowherd lashed out at men who complained about Taylor Swift
Swift has been a lightning rod for angry men angry about her being on TV
“Sometimes judge people by the silly things that bother them.” It will tell you a lot about them. When I hear the whole thing about Taylor Swift, [people say] “I just want to watch football.” Liar. You lie. That is not true.
“A football broadcast is not just football.” In fact, the commercials for four hours before the Super Bowl are widely viewed. Did you know that statistically, in a three-and-a-half hour NFL playoff broadcast or regular season broadcast, there are only 18 minutes of actual football?
“And we have the data, we have the numbers.” You don’t turn away. There are trainer cutaways. They show fans in Buffalo on fire. Commercials, reviews, 18 minutes of real football, about the length of five Taylor Swift songs.
“Hear this. The New York Times measured how long she was actually on the show. Do you know how long it takes? On average? 25 seconds. In three and a half hours. Against the Ravens it was a whopping 32 seconds. It was 14 [for] Chiefs and Raiders at Christmas. Twelve [for] Chiefs and Bengals, 24 seconds [for] Buffalo-Kansas City.
“She was in action for a minute against the Dolphins. But it was an absolutely terrible show. They should have had a concert in the middle of it all. That would have been more interesting. And why wouldn't CBS, which, as you know, won the Grammys, cross-promote the biggest pop star in the world?
“Hey, listen, I work at the other network.” I work at Fox. I've seen people whining at football games and sporting events on TV shows I would never watch. Don't forget to check it out right after the game. I've already forgotten it. Let's get back to the game. But I don’t have to go on social media. I agree.'
Cowherd then pointed out that stars like Matthew McConaughey, Drake, Spike Lee, Eminem and Jack Nicholson are constantly shown on television at sporting events without any complaint from audiences.
“But there’s a talented and beautiful woman on the air who would never pay any attention to lonely men, and that bothers her.”
Data shows that Swift is only on air for an average of 25 seconds at every NFL game she attends
Her boyfriend Travis Kelce is headed to the Super Bowl and will face the 49ers in Vegas
He continued: “There's a statistic – it's kind of uncomfortable for you sad dudes – that 50% of men never have real intimacy with a woman.” That means the other 50% have multiple intimate relationships with women.
“And those who don't are angry and sad and lonely.” And they are often misogynistic and resentful of women who haven't given them the time they think they deserve.
“We’re celebrating all these goofballs jumping around on tables wearing buffalo and cheese hats.” [in Green Bay]…and Matthew McConaughey and Drake and Jack Nicholson…and it's cool…
“A young, attractive, beautiful, talented woman comes along for 25 seconds and you're bothered again.” Judge people by the silly things that bother them.
“This anger says nothing about Taylor Swift. It says everything about the men who are being harassed by it.”
It's likely that anger toward Swift will be even greater as she is expected to attend Super Bowl LVIII – where Kelce and the Chiefs will play.