ESPN’s Cowherd has bet on Tebow

ESPN talk-show host Colin Cowherd has a $100 Super Bowl bet on Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos, but his gut tells him the clock is ticking on Tebow Time.

Tebow's overtime magic "is sort of like hitting on 17 in Vegas," Cowherd told a Las Vegas radio station on Tuesday. "You can win that way but not long-term."

Cowherd, who started his broadcasting career here, had another Las Vegas analogy to describe the NFL phenom.

"I think right now we're kind of in a Tebow bubble," he told "Afternoon Gridlock" co-hosts Paulie Howard and Seat Williams of ESPN affiliate KWWN, 1100 AM/98.9 FM.

Cowherd, whose first job out of college was as sports director at KVBC-TV, Channel 3 (now KSNV), is in town for the International Consumer Electronics Show.

Tebow pulled out another improbable victory on Sunday, with a TD pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime, shocking the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23.

"It's hard not to get caught up in magic," Cowherd told the co-hosts. "I'm watching the game Sunday, and I got goose bumps."

"People want magic to happen," he added.

But, Cowherd cautioned, Vince Young won eight in a row only to fade into a backup role because of passing deficiencies and confidence issues.

If the Broncos, who are two touchdown underdogs at New England on Saturday, should spring another upset, Cowherd was asked how it might impact the job of Patriots' coach Bill Belichick.

"I think the league is too sophisticated," said Cowherd, referring to the importance of drafting well and running a franchise. "You can't be owner-GM, Jerry Jones. You can't be GM-coach, and Belichick is."

Belichick "has too much power, and even brilliant people have to be able to face consequences or the word no. I'm not sure as (owner) Robert Kraft ages if anybody stands up to Bill."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Grammy winner Mary J. Blige will be filming part of her music video "Birthday Girl" at RPM, the new nightclub at the Tropicana, beginning around 12:30 a.m. ... John Walsh of "America's Most Wanted" fame, Emmy-award winner Bryan Cranston and Mark Steines of "Entertainment Tonight" will be among the celebrities appearing at the 12th Annual Canon Customer Appreciation Reception tonight at Bellagio. A celebrity golf tournament is being held Thursday at the Tournament Players Club in Summerlin. ... Three motorcycles once owned by film legend Steve McQueen will be among the top items up for bid at the Las Vegas Antique Motorcycle Auction and Races at the South Point. McQueen's widow, Barbara, will be in attendance. The event runs Thursday through Saturday, starting at 8 a.m.

SIGHTINGS

McKenzie Phillips, who starred in "One Day at a Time," catching lunch Tuesday at Todd English P.U.B. (Crystals at CityCenter). ... James Gandolfini, Steve Carell and Olivia Wilde, dining at Koi (Planet Hollywood Resort) on Monday. They are in town filming "Burt Wonderstone."... The rock group Nickelback, dining at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) on Monday Ryan Seacrest, on stage at CES on Monday, talking tech and entertainment with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer after Ballmer delivered the keynote. ... Kim Kardashian, lunching with "Dancing With The Stars" pro Cheryl Burke at Sushisamba on Sunday. Also there was Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

THE PUNCH LINE

"It's being reported that after Tiger Woods' ex-wife, Elin, bought a $12 million mansion in Florida, she had it demolished. Here's the amazing part: She did it with a 9-iron." -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke