The columnist (and former ‘Jeopardy!’ contestant) argues that the media focus on Mike Richards’ insensitive comments misses a deeper issue with the host search that “suggests the problem may not be just a bad branch, but a rotten root.”
By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, August 25, 2021 7:30am
The focus on the sudden stepping down of newly selected Jeopardy! host Mike Richards over insensitive and out-of-touch sexist comments misses the deeper reason the show’s search for a new host has become such a dramatic public debacle.
The way the show’s producers handled the transition from the Golden Age of Trebek is just as insensitive and out-of-touch as Richards’ smarmy comments.
Even though producers recently announced the delightful Mayim Bialik — an acclaimed actor and Ph.D. in neuroscience — as the temporary host, their tone-deaf misstep suggests the problem may not be just a bad branch, but a rotten root.
