Ath. Dept. frustrated by UTV Sports

Atletic Director Steve Bilsky says poor camera work and "inance" commentary are hurting Penn's image. Atletic Director Steve Bilsky says poor camera work and "inance" commentary are hurting Penn's image.This article appeared in the joke issue. The way many students see Penn sports may be in for a change next year. According to a press release issued yesterday, the Penn Athletic Department is considering ending its relationship with UTV13 Sports. "We have been displeased with the quality of some of UTV13's work on Penn athletic events in recent years," Penn Athletic Director Steve Bilsky said in the statement. "It is time to re-think our relationship, and if we are forced to end their privileged broadcast status, so be it." The release went on to cite poor camera work, "inane" commentary and failure to travel to many road games as causes of friction. "These guys have realize that football fields have two end zones and the viewers have a right to see both, not some old brick wall," Bilsky said. "And Ross Levitt (UTV13's play-by-play commentator) has got to say 'Penn' once in his career. It's always 'Quakers' with that kid." But UTV13 officials told a different story, claiming Athletic Department officials are only interested in the bottom line. They cited Penn's recent television deals with the Comcast channel to support the view. "The Athletic Department is only interested in money, not whether students can see the games," Midnight Live host and Sigma Nu brother Andrew Barkan said. "[Co-host] Holly [White] and I are definitely going to bring this up Sunday night. It's an outrage!" According to Barkan, Penn is looking at a multi-dozen dollar offer for the rights to broadcast Penn games in the local area from the Comcast channel, which is not available on campus. Penn administrators deny the charges vehemently. "Sure, we're always looking to expose these wonderful Penn student-athletes to the community. If we can pick up $30 or $40 from TV, that's just a bonus," Bilsky said. "The real issue is the actual UTV productions. We feel people's attitudes toward our teams are too negative and that's because of the poor filter through which they get their information." Bilsky went on to cite the famous "freshman punter" incident. In that now-famous mishap, Levitt asked Penn football coach Al Bagnoli about the play of "that freshman punter" after last season's home opener against Colgate, only to be told that junior Jeff Salvino had handled all the duties. Levitt's face proceeded to turn scarlet. Levitt could not be reached for comment yesterday, but it appears he will have the last laugh. The College senior has reportedly left school early to take a job with CBS. His first assignment is to work with Billy Packer on Monday night's NCAA national championship basketball game between Kentucky and North Carolina. "I'm all fired up," Levitt's said in a statement released through his agent, David Falk.