"Nobody wants to see teams out of contention showcased in December and January. I'm sure this is something that will be discussed again this off-season"

In this quote by Al Michaels, a well-respected sports analyst, the focus is on the scheduling characteristics of sports leagues, particularly in relation to the timing and competitiveness of games. The quote highlights a typical concern amongst sports fans, television networks, and league organizers: the desirability of featuring competitive groups in televised games, especially throughout essential months like December and January. These months are typically essential in numerous sports leagues as they lead into the playoffs, where the viewer interest typically peaks.

"Nobody wishes to see groups out of contention showcased" indicates the absence of appeal in viewing video games where teams have already been removed from playoff contention. For fans, these games might do not have enjoyment and significance, as they do not impact playoff standings. For broadcasters, airing such video games could mean lower ratings, as audiences are less likely to see games that don't have any influence on the playoff photo. For leagues, having amazing and significant video games telecasted ways keeping fan engagement, which is crucial for the sport's appeal and income.

The phrase "I'm sure this is something that will be talked about again this off-season" recommends that this concern is recurrent and will likely be a topic of discussion amongst league authorities and broadcasters. It indicates continuous concern and potentially the requirement for changes in how games are set up or chosen for national broadcasts. This might involve conversations about flexible scheduling, where video games can be moved or replaced based upon their significance to the playoff race, to ensure that the most competitive and compelling match-ups are shown at a time when fan engagement is at its peak.

In General, Al Michaels' statement underscores business and entertainment aspects of sports, where audience engagement drives choices. It reflects the more comprehensive challenges leagues face in balancing fairness and competitors with commercial interests in broadcast preparation.