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April 24, 2014
Yesterday the Browns and WKYC announced that Bernie Kosar would no longer be the color commentator for Browns preseason games on WKYC. Today, Kosar–by way of Mary Hipp at ThinkMediaStudios–responded. They’re none too happy, it would seem.
I’ll let him tell you:
I was informed yesterday by the Cleveland Browns and WKYC that I have been replaced as a 2014 preseason game day color commentator. I believe that this decision stems from my slurred speech impairment, which is a direct result of the many concussions I received while playing in the NFL. This is very unfortunate, as I believe my football acumen and ability to describe what is happening on the field, has been well received by Cleveland Browns fans. I love to put the personal touch, pride in the Browns, and pride in our Cleveland community into the broadcast. Being able to share these preseason games with my fellow Cleveland Browns fans is truly one of the remaining joys in my life. I would hope that WKYC would reconsider utilizing my in-game talents and overlook my concussion-induced impairment. I want everyone to know that I still bleed Brown and Orange.
– Bernie Kosar
Discuss.
[Related: Whither Bernie Kosar]
55 Comments
100% accord – I far prefer his analysis over Wilcots. Here’s one thing I left unsaid: we don’t know what WKYC’s thinking is, whether Bernie in his current state is difficult to work with, unintentionally unprofessional, doesn’t prepare, ignores directions given in production meetings, whatever. This is a business decision for the station to make, and reap the benefits, suffer the consequences, whatever. I’m sure it was not an easy or rash decision.
“Does Jimmy ever consult with fans before trashing our traditions and symbols? Is he that obtuse?”
One example of what someone wrote, friend. Maybe I’m off, but this smacks of an attitude that Bernie is entitled to this job for reasons other than his on-air analysis.
Again, I do not prefer listening to Wilcots over Bernie, quite the opposite. Nor do I think the fans have no right to voice their displeasure over the choice. My prob is what I perceive as a knee-jerk, sacred cow protection thrown over a former jock, which sometimes leads to the jock’s hubris and public outbursts when a position is withdrawn (Jim Brown a number of times, now Bernie), and sometimes does not (Jim Chones).
I believe you’re over-thinking this, Harv. Bernie is popular and he was fired and replaced by a corporate drone. Many fans are very upset. It’s as simple as that. You seem to be making more of this than it is.
look pal, people far dumber than you have said that to me. What else ya got?
Well, I just don’t want those “willies” to progress to full-blown jitters.