ten billion butterfly sneezes

I get a little puzzled when teevee sports announcers say “He still has a mathematical chance of winning”. This comment was just made about Greg Biffle, as he races in tonight’s NASCAR event. “He still has a mathematical chance of making the Chase”.

Guess what? No mathematical chance means you’re out. Done. Finito. Kaput. This is what announcers mean when they profoundly intone “He’s been mathematically eliminated”.

A “mathematical chance” oftentimes translates to “not bloody likely”, as I’d say it does in Biffle’s case. But the chance remains, and could become reality. So, teevee guys, realize this whole thing isn’t rocket science, and say “he has a long-shot chance”, or “he’s toast”, as the situation warrants.

Thanks.

-k-