When it came to comedian Artie Lange's appearance on HBO's Joe Buck Live Monday night, Michael Irvin had the best post-game analysis. 
"It's just refreshing to see white-on-white crime," the retired pro-Bowl receiever said from the audience where he was stationed with a mike, probably thrilled that he was at a safe distance from the conversation on stage.
The comedian, a regular on the Howard Stern show, basically hijacked the first episode of Buck's show, which takes the place of Costas Now.
In addition to making homophobic remarks about Buck and Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, and calling Jessica Simpson a "fat chick" whom he compared to "Saturday Night Live's" Chris Farley, Lange insulted his host on a professional level.
When Buck admonished Lange, well into his off-color remarks, to take his feet off the table, Lange responded "I'm trying to get comfortable. Somebody should look natural on this show."
Lange managed to steal the show from Buck's big-get - Brett Favre, who talked about his recent shoulder surgery and discussions with the Minnesota Vikings about returning to the NFL.
And the foul-mouthed comedian also left fellow showbiz types, actor Paul Rudd and SNL's Jason Sudeikis to try and smooth things over and keep the show on an even keel.
The episode is drawing comparisons to Buzz Bissinger's tirade on blogging on "Costas Now," last year.
Whether the awkward but attention-snaring start will be good or bad for Buck remains to be seen.
After Lange held a cigarette in his chin, no hands - a supposed demonstration of healthy smoking that garnered almost no laughs - Buck quipped, "I think it's in chin number four."
Lange replied, "Number 4, the show you won't get to."
No one laughed at that either.
