[Bluehorseshoe]

Chris Berman, the longtime ESPN sportscaster who has been with the company since 1979, is leaving the network after next football season, multiple sources tell The Big Lead. Berman is in the final year of his contract, which ends sometime after the 2016-2017 football season. He is expected to retire, rather than leave for another network.



Berman, 61, joined the network a month after its inception in 1979 and in addition to being one of the company’s longest-tenured employees, he’d certainly go on ESPN’s Mount Rushmore. As such, the network has lavish plans for a send-off that one source said might be akin to the way the Lakers sent Kobe Bryant into retirement. ESPN is currently preparing “summer camp” for its NFL TV team – which will feature new faces like Matt Hasselbeck, Randy Moss and Charles Woodson – and plans are being hatched for Berman’s send-off.

[DwightShrute]

he's too young to retire. I hope espn resigns Boomer

[Grits n' Gravy]

I'm sure the beancounters at espn are happy though. 1 less bloated contract to pay out.

He had his era but the act got old.

[pavyracer]

He has been boring for a while. He should have been canned a long time ago.

[DwightShrute]

he should have a nice pension

[ChuckyTheGoat]

he's too young to retire. I hope espn resigns Boomer

A few years back, on Dan Patrick Show, he said he was going to retire at age 62. So, on target.

I'll say that I've enjoyed his work. Unique knowledge and talent. Sure, over 37 years, it's ez to find some flaws in the guy.

I liked his diversity. Was knowledgable about CFL, MLB, and NFL.

[DwightShrute]

A few years back, on Dan Patrick Show, he said he was going to retire at age 62. So, on target.

I'll say that I've enjoyed his work. Unique knowledge and talent. Sure, over 37 years, it's ez to find some flaws in the guy.

I liked his diversity. Was knowledgable about CFL, MLB, and NFL.

he's a classic

[ChuckyTheGoat]

For sure, Dwight. As a response to any critics...who is going to replace him??

Think about it. The ESPN product is so watered down from 25 years ago.

The original 3amigos were Berman, Tom Mees (RIP), and Bob Ley. Ley does well in his professional niche.

Given ESPN's current personnel, who can step into Berman's host roles?

* I think Trey Wingo is dreadful - he'd be a mistake.
* Steve Levy is ok. But his top sport is hockey. Not sure he's an all-around guy.
* John Buccigross is probably the loosest, funniest guy there. I wouldn't mind seeing more of him.

[TheMoneyShot]

Absolutely a disgrace this ESPN/ABC Disney corp is. Berman doesn't want to retire.... he knows he's next to get a pay cut.

Hope the entire corp dies. I don't give a sh#$. One sick fukking corp.

Going to be a fukking nursery school with all these freshmen running around the network trying to fill spots. Hope they go under.

[jjgold]

I thought he was older than 61

[jtoler]

I thought he was older than 61

I know right.

[t-wizzle]

Most people can't stand him anymore. I don't mind him anymore but he's like a cartoon to me. Just a character.

[Johnnythunder]

Jesus 61...what a horrible diet he must have...I thought he was an old man 20 years ago.

[MUHerd37]

Surprised they will be giving him a good send off. Usually they kick the guy right out the building. Fukk ESPN.

[Art Vandelay]

I'm sure the beancounters at espn are happy though. 1 less bloated contract to pay out.

He had his era but the act got old.

That sums it up. I definitely will NOT miss him calling home run derby - "back, back, back" Just brutal!

[JJJ]

remind me when his last day on ESPN is so I don't watch.....I do not wanna see everyone crying and making a big tribute to him...business as usual

[GUMMO77]

Playa

[VeggieDog]

So long, Boomer. I remember when Sports Center was the best place to get scores and highlights. Now there's so many other places for that I don't even watch ESPN anymore unless there's a game on that I want to see.

[Sledge187]

I love this guy!

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Playa

No doubt, Gummo. That's reality.

Avg-looking guys who achieve fame now have more cards than they ever imagined. Have to play em.

[19th Hole]

More drinking time for the Boomer.

[turtlejc]

hes a jag off hot shot who treats his fellow employees like shit

cya later

[MUHerd37]

Back in the day NFL Primetime was great with him and Tom Jackson.

[Ralphie Halves]

I don't think he's in very good health. Whatever it is, thanks for the good times. NFL Live after the afternoon games was the shit, and he was part of the reason why.

[thechaoz]

Nobody circles the wagons like the 49ers!

Sometimes ,guys, simplicity is better. I watch barely any TV, and when I come home late at night I just like the simple highlights with him and Tom. I don't need all that jazz and craziness going on

[Ratpack]

rip swamie

[SEKTAUR]

Finally

[chico2663]

fuuuuuuuuuuck that mother fuuuuuuuuuuuucker. i couldn't watch because he was a jag.

[Nick Papageorgio]

Fox or NFL network will pick him up immediately if he decides not to hang it up after all. This will affect Tom Jackson, next to go?

[BIGDAY]

Fuk him. He quit.

[Nick Papageorgio]

Bigday/ Kirk, I wanna fukin hug you. Can we meet up for a cup of jo?

[jjgold]

these guys never retire

wait and see

[Mr KLC]

[jjgold]

Hair makes you look better

proven all the time

[TheMoneyShot]

Playa

Kind of favors Loshak a little in his prime.