Here is a clip of the postgame interviews conducted by Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier from the CBS telecast of Super Bowl 6 on 1/16/1972 after the Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 24-3.
This postgame show is best remembered for the extremely awkward interview that Brookshier conducted with Cowboys running back Duane Thomas who had not been talking to the media. The exchange starts at the 6:59 mark. After some rambling, Brookshier asked a rather inane question and Thomas uttered the classic one-word response of "Evidently". After a round of laughter, the clearly nervous Brookshier then redirected a different form of the question to Jim Brown before coming back to ask Thomas another question. Eventually Brown stepped in to speak on behalf of Thomas and essentially brought the interview to a conclusion. The entire sequence was quite bizarre and it haunted Brookshier for years.
The televised locker room interview scene looks quite amateurish compared to what one would see today. During the interviews, you can see many other media members milling around in close proximity. Multiple times you can see someone obstructing the camera shot of the interview. And Thomas and Brown both exit and walk right in front of Brookshier while he is still speaking. It was also interesting to hear both Summerall and Brookshier refer to the location as the "dressing room".
The 9:47 mark of the video has the original footage of the Ray Scott call of the touchdown run by Thomas. Scott and Summerall were the announcers on the CBS telecast.
Interesting! Though I remember Brookshier well, I didn't recall this interview.
ReplyDeleteThe "Evidently" story is so rich, you're almost afraid it's an urban legend, that maybe you never saw it for yourself. Good thing we've got the video evidence!
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you for the comments. While researching this incident, I came across an article or book which incorrectly stated that there was a long pause before Thomas said "Evidently" and another one which claimed there was stunned silence immediately after that reply. As Mitchell said, the proof is in the video footage.
DeleteI....didn't think it was that bad.
ReplyDeleteI didn't either.
ReplyDeleteThomas was a heck a athlete, he beat out Calvin Hill and lead the Cowboys.
ReplyDeleteMy high school coach from Calif played with Duane in college; West Texas State.
Shaved his head at start of every season. He made a protest for more money in an unusual way-
wont speak to the press or team. Was a real talent.
Great est brodcastin pair ever as I re call Pat& Tom now days have 5 x coaches x players with no CARISMA and jokers channel 4 NBC night football comes close to be like Tom and Pat good bless you guysfor d good times and broadcasts
ReplyDeleteWhy would this interview haunt Brookshire for years? I thought he handled it very well.
ReplyDeleteI also did not think it was that bad and Brookshire did not look that
ReplyDeleteNervous either. He wa just trying to get him talkin g
Odell Beckham Jr.
ReplyDeleteI don't get it. I thought this was a totally normal interview. Especially considering that Thomas might have had clinical issues like future players Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr. and to a certain extent Antonio Brown. Thomas was naturally reticent. That's OK. I thought his "Evidently!" comment was fabulous because he was subdued when he said it. Not even boastful really. Did anyone fid it offensive? I didn't. Compared to some of today's blowhards it was restrained. Thomas' 95 yards rushing that day helped Dallas win the SB. He was entitled to brag a little if he wanted to but his "Evidently!" comment was hardly bragging at all. It was just cool. Tom Brookshire was his usual classy self. Jim Brown same thing. Class personified.
It was right out of Larry Bird's playbook of short but always clever answers during interviws. Recall when Bill Russell brought Auerbach and Bird together for a postgame TV interview in May of 1985. Auerbach was feigning excessive modesty. ''I don't know why you have me here,'' he said to Russell, ''I didn't score any points.'' With a deadpan look Bird responded, ''See? 'You're overpaid." Duane Thomas and Larry Bird. Bird's of a feather.
Jeff. I do love you though and I love your blog.