Time for Chick to Hang It Up?

The Laker game is on and I’m sitting on my couch reading because it’s a blowout. I am brought back to attention when I hear: “Worthy steals the ball! Worthy dribbles up the floor!” Play-by-play from Laker broadcaster, the marvelous Chick Hearn. The only problem? It was last year.

A basketball player hangs up his shoes and calls it a career when his legs just will not carry him up the court any longer. So when should an announcer? Yes, it’s a painful question, but one that is timely for discussion. Indeed Chick Hearn has given the Lakers years of wonderful service. The best at his position to be sure.

But any fan who listens on a consistent basis can recount the mistakes that have slipped out of his mouth practically every night for the last few years. Add to that the cantankerous tone that befalls him any time the Lakers happen to be slouching and what you have is reason to turn down the sound.

But am I entirely alone on this position? Do we really need another Harry Caray who everyone ends up making fun of?

The timing is perfect for the Golden Throat to call it a career. Let the Lakers hang the vocal cords in the rafters along with the other jerseys, and let the torch be passed to the very adept Paul Sunderland; just as Magic handed off to a young Nick Van Exel once upon a time.

OK, bad example, but nevertheless ...

Rick Cipes

Los Angeles