Readers from the beginning of CWAMB know my feelings about Bill Simmons. But he’s dead on in his column about Billy Packer.
For as long as I cam remember, it’s been Billy Packer calling the biggest tournament games, being condescending to anyone with an opinion different than his and basically being a humorous drag on the game. Simmons explains why it’s been “for as long as I can remember”

“Billy Packer has provided color for every Final Four game and every NCAA championship game since 1975.”

That’s right. For longer than I’ve been alive, Packer has been calling NCAA games. That’s a frightening thought in itself. But Simmons goes further and to me writes on of his best columns (he’s usually good when he stays away from any topics involving Boston).

“Here’s the problem: Packer loves basketball a little too much. He doesn’t grasp its entertainment value simply because he can’t see it.
…
Look, we spend way too much time complaining about the sports media. If you don’t like a certain writer, don’t read him. If you don’t like a certain radio show, don’t listen. If you don’t like a certain studio analyst, turn the channel. It’s that simple.

Packer’s case is different, though. Many people (including me) believe he’s a humorless know-it-all and a curmudgeon, and we’re exhausted by his schtick. But because he announces the most important college games every spring, he can’t be avoided.”

Indeed. Credit where credit is due. Simmons nailed this one.

…speaking of nailing it, there was this time me and my buddies Bish and House where in Vegas and House nailed a blackjack against a dealer they brought out to be The Closer. It was like that scene in [insert pop culture reference here]….