Tim Tebow Hannah Storm Interview Proves ESPN Values Ratings over Substance

If you needed any more proof that ESPN cared more about ratings than substance, you got it on Tuesday night when "The Worldwide Leader in Sports" aired a "special" interview with Tim Tebow.

Never mind that it was two days after the Super Bowl (a riveting Super Bowl, at that). Never mind that the Mannings and Tom Brady would be the logical choices. Never mind that the season is completely over.

No, ESPN must have its Tim Tebow, and it must have him now.

Sure, it's not surprising given Tebow has been a huge ratings-grabber for ESPN this season.

We saw ESPN's strategy crystal clear when they continued to put Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith on First Take together, and laughed behind the cameras while the two bickered about Tebow's potential and ratings soared.

Some may say, "You can't blame ESPN. After all, they were only giving the general public what it was thirsting for." And I wouldn't have blamed the network if it kept Tebow in its wheelhouse.

But this has just gone too far. Regardless of the public's interest (although I'm beginning to think the public doesn't want this anymore), you are calling yourself "The Worldwide Leader in Sports."

You have an obligation as a journalistic enterprise to talk about what matters, not just what gets you ratings. Right now, Tim Tebow doesn't matter. And you are wasting everyone's time, including your own, by continuing to stray from what really matters.

Peyton Manning, a future Hall of Famer and lifelong Indianapolis Colt, may be headed out of town...that should be covered.

Eli Manning, an embattled quarterback who just beat Brady in the Super Bowl for the second time in four years...that should be covered.

Brady, whose legacy among the true greats is hanging in the balance...that should be covered.

There comes a time when ratings aren't everything, when putting Bayless and Smith out there hurts your reputation more than than anything.

By continuing to shove Tim Tebow down our throats (WARNING: Tastes like vinegar, makes you gag), "The Worldwide Leader in Sports" shows it has truly lost its way.

Next thing you know, ESPN will be doing an exclusive one-on-one interview with Rob Lowe, just for the ratings.

"So, where did you hear Peyton is retiring?"