All I can say is if he is rich enough to buy that TV, he could at least spring for professional delivery as CYA against dropping it or getting in a wreck. 
My sister's husband bought a plasma TV for the Wii the kids were getting at Christmas. He bought it two weeks before Christmas but they weren't going to be able to deliver it until after Christmas. He was tempted to drive it home himself, but for the same reasons you mentioned he figured it was better to wait.
If tk_42_1 friend bought the TV for the super bowl, waiting for them to deliver it a week after the game isn't an option.