My idea is for the networks to provide separate audio tracks for sports events that offer alternatives to the mind-nubmingly horrible commentary currently offered. As an example, for NFL games, you could have the standard broadcast, one commented on by home town (i.e, partisan) fans, a pure "stats geek" track, a comedian or amateur track and, most interesting to me, a track that is little more than a few shotgun microphones taping the sounds of the game. Don't ask me if the technology is available, I'm clueless on this sort of thing.
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This technology exists. The SAP (second audio program) function on most televisions can be used. I've seen PBS shows use the SAP for the viewing impaired; a narrator describes things for those who cannot see.
A few years ago, the announcers on the French language CBC network went on strike in Canada. Hockey games were still being televised on Saturday night, albeit without any annoying play-by-play and banter. It was great. You only heard the crowd noise.
I imagine the SAP function could be (read: should be) used to give the viewer the option of muting the announcer.