The Zapper

Fox has ditched 1st & Ten, the computer-generated yellow line that indicates how far a team must to get a first down, from its NFL telecasts. Reason: The cost ($20,000 to $25,000 per game) can't be justified because the device doesn't attract additional viewers. Perhaps—but we think Fox should be penalized (loss of down?) for depriving viewers of one of the best broadcast innovations since instant replay.... Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel ( HBO, Tuesday, 10 p.m.) presents a cautionary segment on the stimulant ephedrine, which was banned by the NFL last month.