The idea sounded like fun, an adventure even.
The Premier League had helpfully scheduled two important matches in London on Saturday — Arsenal at Chelsea at midday, and Middlesbrough’s visit to Tottenham in late afternoon — and NBC’s lead soccer announcer, Arlo White, sensed opportunity.
Why not, White suggested to his bosses, have his broadcast team work both games? The obvious logistical challenge — navigating London’s labyrinth of narrow lanes and one-way streets in a tight time window — surely could be overcome by smart routes and skilled drivers.
NBC management quickly agreed, but with a twist: Instead of cars, the announcers would battle the traffic, and the clock, on motorcycle taxis.