The Slime Zone is back for the NFL playoffs again this season, and don’t worry parents… there isn’t any chance of gambling talk slipping into the broadcast. ViacomCBS announced some key plans for the NFL coverage this year.
According to The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch, the company is bringing back the Nickelodeon Wild Card game broadcast and will continue to outlaw sports betting information on their game broadcasts.
The broadcast was met with strong reviews last year as a nice way to get kids more interested in the sport of football. Producers used different graphics and Nick-character appearances to create a fun, cartoon feel around the game.
Now they are diving back into the “Nick” universe for another dose of slime.
“This is a first of its kind presentation for the NFL together with Nickelodeon, and we are very excited to create a unique telecast that will maximize the co-viewing appeal for kids and families while maintaining the integrity of the game and its traditions,” CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said about the broadcast in January. “Partnering with Nickelodeon to showcase the NFL Playoffs is a great opportunity to highlight the power, depth, and reach of ViacomCBS, as we continue to unlock the true potential of our merged company with the first of many opportunities between CBS Sports and our ViacomCBS family.”
Don’t expect to see Spongebob Squarepants collecting bet slips on any of the graphics. CBS won’t be discussing gambling on the Nickelodeon broadcast or any of their games this season. That keeps in line with prior stances on sports betting.
Yet, with so many states legalizing the practice and the NFL now openly in business with sportsbooks, it’s a wonder why CBS is unwilling to discuss the medium. Regardless, NFL fans can expose their kids to the fun side of the sport without having to worry about another vice when they tune into the Wild Card round in a few months.