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Greg Olsen: "Crazy" to Think Broadcasting Vikings Game Gives Panthers Advantage

Minnesota's general manager Rick Spielman is unhappy with FOX's decision to go with Greg Olsen in the broadcasting booth for the Vikings–Rams game this Sunday.

Minnesota's general manager Rick Spielman is unhappy with FOX's decision to go with Greg Olsen in the broadcasting booth for the Vikings–Rams game this Sunday, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Olsen, who is on injured reserve with a foot injury for the Carolina Panthers, can return in Week 12 against the Jets. The Vikings play the Panthers on Dec. 10.

Spielman reportedly said that he thinks its inappropriate for him to broadcast the Vikings game. But FOX intends to keep Olsen on the Vikings game, albeit with less pregame access to the Vikings. 

"We are excited for the opportunity to make this Sunday's broadcast fun and insightful with Pro Bowler Greg Olsen," FOX said in a statement provided to Sports Illustrated. "We fully respect the Vikings concerns and will limit the amount of pre-game access allowed to Greg. We look forward to welcoming him in the broadcast booth and giving viewers a unique perspective this Sunday."

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Olsen acknowledged on the Panthers' website that he likely wouldn't be given that much inside information since he plays the Vikings just weeks later. 

On Wednesday, Olsen told ESPN.com that the notion that he'll give the Panthers a competitive advantage is "crazy." 

"The notion that I'm going to gain an unfair advantage is crazy,'' Olsen said. "We have scouts at every game across the league. I'm going to have enough trouble on my hands broadcasting a game, let alone looking for little nuances on the sideline.

"I don't know how much time I'll have for stealing of secrets. I never was intending or thought I was in a production meeting. I never thought I would watch a practice.''

Olsen said even if he were to attend a production meeting, he wouldn't gain much, as teams tend not to give away too much.

"For anyone who has ever been in those broadcast production meetings, if you're spilling your deepest, darkest game plan secrets to the broadcast crew that's kind of on you. We're not getting anything that's really going to give you much insight on how to beat them."