"Tragedy Olympics" NBC's New Ratings Ploy

"The interview isn't over until you cry"

Media exploded with anger and outrage over an NBC Olympic interview with American skier Bode Miller just after he won a bronze medal in the men's super-G ski race.

Interviewer Christin Cooper peppered Miller with multiple variations of the same question about  the passing of his younger brother and what it meant to him in the competition.  Miller starting tearing while answering the first question and eventually broke down physically and emotionally.  Overcome with emotion, he was't able to finish answering the third question, handing onto a railing as he sobbed and eventually lowering himself to one knee in the snow.  His wife, who was nearby, leaned over the spectator barrier to comfort Miller.  NBC showed Miller in despair for more than a full minute, despite having had several hours in which to edit the footage before airing it on American television.

Bode's brother, Chelone Miller-- a professional snowboarder and Olympic hopeful-- died of a seizure last April.

The NBC interview, which aired on tape delay, was bashed by people inside and outside of the television business.  Richard Sandomir of The New York Times called it "overkill."  Kami Mattioli of the Sporting News said Cooper "repeatedly badgered" Miller and the AP's David Bauder called it "a shameful spectacle."  An AP article on the interview stated: "It was tone-deaf and cruel, and short-circuited the thoughtful, intelligent perspectives Miller had started to offer until he couldn't talk anymore."

Miller, Tweeted a response the next day: "I appreciate everyone sticking up for me. Please be gentle w christin cooper, it was crazy emotional and not all her fault."