He said he asked Mr. Wright to encourage Mr. Ohlmeyer to get help. Mr. Macdonald cast his exile as an overreaction by Mr. Ohlmeyer to his “Weekend Update” jokes about O. J. Simpson, who was a close friend of Mr. Ohlmeyer’s. “Monday Night Football” was an established hit when Mr. Arledge promoted Mr. Ohlmeyer to producer in 1973. During one game, Mr. Ohlmeyer told Mr. Cosell through his earpiece that the New England Patriots’ next play was going to involve a particular pass pattern by tight end Russ Francis. On cue, Francis scored on the play that Coach Chuck Fairbanks had discussed with Mr. Ohlmeyer during a pregame meeting.

Source: New York Times September 11, 2017 03:11 UTC