World/National

His comments set off an immediate firestorm of controversy. Christian fundamentalists in towns throughout the South staged a series of beige blazer burnings. Ugly coats were gathered up from miles away and burned in giant bonfires with protesters mockingly chanting: “It-could-burn-all-the-waaaaaaay!”

But while some may question the sensitivity of Berman's statements, no one can argue that he is not doing his part to make them come true. "I think and talk about the game both day and night,” he said. “I even have three annoying nicknames picked out for every player on each team.”

ESPN issued a statement apologizing for Berman's remarks saying:

"We deeply regret if Mr. Berman's statements offended any of our viewers. His comments do not reflect the beliefs and views of ESPN or the ESPN family of networks. We do not believe it is moral or fair to compare an event, such as a football game, to a person, such as Jesus. Mr. Berman should have said that the game will be bigger than another comparable event, such as the Resurrection. This would have been a fair and factual statement.

“Nevertheless, ESPN acknowledges that Jesus and his disciples were at a promotional disadvantage as they lacked television, marketing, and a preponderance of annoying catchphrases.”

However, Berman still refuses to apologize. “99% of Americans can’t even remember all ten of the Commandments,” said Berman. “But I promise you they’ll remember my call of Tom ‘Here’s a Story of a Man Named’ Brady rumbling and stumbling into the end zone 500 years from now."

Chris Berman Declares Patriots-Colts Game Bigger Than Jesus

Christian fundamentalists in towns throughout the South have already staged a series of blazer burnings.

By MATTHEW MONROE

BRISTOL, CT—Caught up in the excitement of the matchup and continuing in his never-ending quest to include a rock 'n' roll reference in every sentence he ever utters, ESPN commentator Chris Berman guaranteed this Sunday's game between the undefeated Patriots and undefeated Colts will be "100 times bigger than Jesus."

The controversial comment echoing John Lennon's infamous declaration was made on SportsCenter during one of its two-hour blocks dedicated solely to covering Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game and its long-term social and historical implications.

"This will be the single greatest event in the history of mankind," said Berman. "It will be bigger than Jesus. Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. But the highlights of this game will live forever. I’m right and I’ll be proved right." Berman then further offended audiences by adding, “Da Raidas.”