HOT CORNER

A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

What: “Sports Illustrated’s Night of Champions”

Where: Ch. 4, Saturday, 8 p.m.

This one-hour show, featuring a star-studded cast of athletes, coaches and Hollywood celebrities, concludes with the announcement of Sports Illustrated’s co-sportsmen of the year and the magazine’s sportswoman of the year.

The problem is, the show was taped Monday night, and if you’ve been paying attention you should know that Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson are the co-sportsmen. They are on the cover of the magazine that came out this week.

Jennifer Capriati was named sportswoman.

Award shows are bad enough, even when there is some suspense. Take away the suspense, and there’s not much left.

Saving the show somewhat is host Bob Costas. Also, there are special honors for Magic Johnson, Muhammad Ali and Dale Earnhardt, and a special tribute to New York firemen.

But you may be better off watching the figure skating on Channel 7. Or the animated musical special, “Story of Santa Claus,” on Channel 2.