chas ... Unfortunately - for me - Steve has already responded, but I will give my answer since you asked for it:
I have the benefit of knowing Steve fairly well, and consider him a close friend ... that being said, knowing Steve as I do, I am POSITIVE he was not putting Jazz musicians down in any way, shape, or form ... he has too much respect for musicians and the art to do that ... In MY opinion, Steve was commenting on the sorry state of affairs today, in that, polished musicians - Jazz or otherwise - are not listened to the way a guy strumming guitar and singing songs from the "Top 10 Do Not Play List" as my son would call it, is listened to, and what seems to take first priority in many venues, is the 'game' on TV ...
I ABSOLUTELY did not take it as a 'put down' of Jazz musicians, and having read his post several times, even being a fan of Jazz, I fail to see how anyone would - but PERHAPS if I WERE a Jazz MUSICIAN ...