JOURNAL

JOURNAL ARCHIVE

February 26, 2008

My wife and I had the pleasure of going to Orlando to be a part of the Clinical Trials Congress convention.

I was hired by the organization to give a motivational talk to the 600 plus guests in attendance.

I had the opportunity to meet such wonderful people, including Bill Wilson and event conference director, Kelly Potanka. The event was truly first class and I was so happy to be a part of it.

 

 

 

February 23, 2008

(In picture below - Erin Andrews and Tennessee coach, Bruce Pearl)

What an incredible game Dan Shulman and I had Saturday night - #1 versus #2. Memphis played host to Tennessee in a heavy weight match-up. It was pure excitement in the state of Tennessee as these two teams were battling for bragging rights and for the #1 ranking.

(In picture below - super star, Chris Douglas Roberts)

Memphis was entering the game with a 47 home game winning streak. The crowd was electric and the game lived up to all the hype. It came down to free throws at the end and Tennessee left Memphis with the #1 ranking.The first time in the history of the men's program that they will be ranked #1. It was truly an incredible atmosphere in Memphis with Priscilla Presley, Peyton Manning, Penny Hardaway, and Lindsay Davenport in the crowd.

(In picture below - my wife and me with Priscilla Presley)

Games such as these, where two teams battle with such pride and emotion, is what makes college basketball so special.

(In picture below - Melba Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Rece Davis and Memphis AD, R.C. Johnson)

 

February 17, 2008

I had a great time today reuniting with my good friend and former college basketball anchor, Chris Fowler. Chris was in Florida doing some work for EA Sports and he drove down to my home in Sarasota to spend some time together and to go to dinner. Howie Schwab, ESPN research guru, was also in town, so we had a blast trading stories over dinner. Chris does an outstanding job at ESPN, now doing tennis and of course, college football, among other things.

 

February 16, 2008

What a great game I had tonight, as Indiana played host to Michigan State. Dan Shulman and I were so lucky to be sitting courtside for this terrific match-up.

Before the game, I spoke to diaper dandy sensation, Eric Gordon of Indiana and also, superstar, Drew Neitzel of Michigan State. Two great kids and players.

 

February 13, 2008

What a great time it was to be back at Cameron Indoor Stadium for the terrific rivalry of Duke versus Maryland. It was a great match-up as always and I had so much fun being in that environment again.

It was fun meeting up with Lefty Driesell, former coach of Maryland. I also had a blast bringing my three grandsons to the game - who all loved being part of the Cameron Crazy crowd!

(In picture - Duke standout , Greg Paulus)

(In picture - ESPN reporter Stacey Dales)

(In picture - me with my three grandkids getting ready to go into Cameron Stadium)

 

 

February 9, 2008

I had a terrific time going to Lousivlle for the Louisville/Georgetown game on Saturday night. My throat surgeon from Boston, Dr. Steven Zeitels and Dr. Hillman joined me in Louisville to wire me during the game to monitor the stress levels of my vocal cords during the telecast. Also joining me at the game was Dr. David Deems from Sarasota and my son in law, Chris Sforzo (an orthopaedic surgeon) and Dr. Arun Khazanchi. Dr. Zeitels was very pleased with my progress and I am so happy to be back courtside!

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK HERE

 

 

February 6, 2008

WOW! What a great feeling it was to be at the Dean Dome for the UNC/Duke game. It ws so special to make my return to the booth for this special rivalry - the best in college sports. The fans were so great to me when I arrived at the Dean Dome and it was so special to see all my colleagues and friends again. (In photo below - Mike Soltys and Josh Krulewitz from the ESPN PR Dept. Two terrific friends who do a tremdous job at ESPN).

It has been a long tough road since my surgery on Dec. 18th. but I am so thrilled to be back doing what I love!

(In photo below, getting a chance to say hi to a great former player at UNC, Hubert Davis, and now a reporter with ESPN)

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK HERE

 

 

February 2, 2008

I have had the real pleasure over the past ten days to have visits from outstanding journalists including, Ed Sherman (Chicago Tribune), Michael LoPresti (USA Today), Brian Landman (St Pete Times), Joey Johnston (Tampa Tribune) and Richard Sandomir (New York Times).

It was nice to sit down and share my thoughts with these terrific writers regarding my past month, which included my throat and prostate surgery. I am so happy to be preparing for my return to the booth on February 6th for the Duke/North Carolina game. What a game to return to! I am so excited to see the fans to call the game I love so much. I can't thank everyone enough for all their support during this past month.