STATIC.(evaluations of television broadcasting of sports)(Brief Article)

* Fox attitude: "Controversy? What controversy?" NASCAR on Fox conspicuously avoids mention of The Dale Earnhardt Probe--no accident, lest the rights-holder jeopardize its good greasy thing. With the sport redlining in Seatbeltgate, Fox aired interviews with gearhead Playboy centerfolds instead of news. Isn't Fox a member of the press? "No," said czar David Hill, "we're television. Cameras, cameras."

* Grading on the curve: NBC's Kentucky Derby ... C. Bob Costas getting less air than Bob Neumeier ... D. Letterbox Up-Close-And-Equinal features ... A. Torn Durkin's "He was as fast as Secretariat!" call ... A+ for drama ... F- for accuracy (Monarchos ran ...