Costas wishes he had more time to talk

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Sports commentator Bob Costas' "Sunday Night Football" halftime commentary supporting gun control sparked a Fox News Channel debate Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, on whether NBC should fire him. The NBC sportscaster, who frequently delivers commentary at halftime of the weekly NFL showcase, addressed the weekend's murder-suicide involving Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

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December 4, 2012

Costas wishes he had more time to talk

Anonymous From The Associated Press The Enid News and Eagle Tue Dec 04, 2012, 11:36 PM CST

NEW YORK — Bob Costas isn't backing down from his halftime comments on gun violence, but he wishes he had more time.

The NBC sportscaster gave interviews Tuesday to Dan Patrick and Lawrence O'Donnell about his Sunday night halftime commentary following Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher's murder of his girlfriend and subsequent suicide. Both interviews were longer than the commentary itself.

Costas said domestic violence, football, the gun culture and possible substance abuse could have been factors in the tragedy. He said the availability of a gun wasn't the only issue, but he didn't have more time for a nuanced discussion Sunday.

Costas received some criticism for injecting politics into a sporting event.

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