Friday afternoon, CBS-2 fired one of Gothamist's favorite sports broadcasters, Warner Wolf. Wolf's contract was to expire in August, but CBS-2 got rid of him early, getting rid of a legend in New York sports. Because of the long weekend, the news got lost, which may be why Gothamist didn't hear about this until now. We're upset with CBS-2, getting rid of Wolf in this way. He never said goodbye and we never said goodbye. Wolf told The Times, "I didn't get to say goodbye. So I have to say goodbye to my loyal viewers through you." Warner Wolf started in New York, working for WABC from 1976-1980 and was with WCBS from 1980-1992 and from 1997 until his firing on Friday. To Channel 2, we say, "Shame, shame, shame, shame on you!"
A young Gothamist remembers watching Wolf every day on Channel 2, his funny highlights, his incessant laughing at times, and of course we remember the classic, "Let's go to the videotape!" We'll miss his use of cue cards and his prediction of scores and we'll miss those highlights of horseraces at Aqueduct. We'll miss everything about Warner Wolf. Sadly, an adult Gothamist didn't catch Warner Wolf as much as we would like, but anytime we heard his voice, we were immediately reminded of good times. Gothamist also remembers the first "departure" of Warner Wolf, when Bernie Smilovitz replaced him. Thankfully, Wolf returned to New York a few years later.
Mr. Wolf tells the Daily News that he looks "forward to being on the air as soon as I can." Gothamist hopes that he returns to TV as soon as possible. Until then, we'll replay the moments in our memory, going through our mental videotapes.
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Network sportscasting has tough competition in New York. Len Berman, Scott Clark, Russ Salzberg... It's a tough decision to displace any one of these guys for Warner Wolf. Then again, someone might be making a jump to WCBS, as they've been aggressive with talent lately. Maybe Warner can grab a vacancy if that happens. He could also jump to a cable anchordesk (YES, MSG, etc.), or transition to a radio broadcast. If he wants to stick around NY, he's got options.
brian, the times article says they are hiring/have hired chris wragge from houston.
Ahh. My fault for not RTFA.
There's a spot open in Houston! Warm weather!
I have to say that Warner Wolf's disappearance from the NY market gave WNBC's Len Berman the opportunity to steal the place of sportscaster in my heart. I love what the Times's Richard Sandomir says about Len, being subtle and witty; plus Sandomir's props for Otto Livingston are right on. I can't stand the ABC 7 guy - to smarmy. Does anyone remember Gary Apple, the old CBS sports guy, maybe the #2? SO BORING.
yes, i do remember gary apple. i think the good thing about him was his name. obvs.
I hate it when newscasters go to obvious on their names. Storm Field? Please...
I was def. a fan of "Let's go to the videotape". Warner wasn't the best sports anchor out there, but at least he had personality.
actually, i think that storm was his real name, given to him by his dad, frank field who was also a weatherman and on cbs 2 for the longest time.
That makes it even worse!!
I'm in my mid 30's and I remember very well Warner's days on ABC in the 70's. He was really a hoot and was extremely popular. His 4 minute sportscasts were eagerly anticipated. Phil Muschnick from The Post wrote an article slamming Warner a bit in Monday's edition. Kicking a man when he's down, I think, but he made some good points as he always does.
I saw Warner down at MSG not long ago. The man is puny...like midget puny...
Wow, you're right. Great stuff from Mushnick as usual.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05312004/sports/22055.htm
The picture alone is worth the click through.
Boooo!
Where else can I get my nightly fix of not-even-close horse race flash finishes? this sucks.
boo on cbs. and, russ salzberg and tom mcdonald (ny1) are both so bad i can't even listen to them. TM is worse.
Shame on Channel 2 is right. Warner Wolf is a historic figure in NY sports. I grew-up in the New York area enjoying, as I still do, the wonderful moments of our NY ball-clubs. I moved to LA five years ago, and you just do not realize what you have until it's gone. He is an original and a throw-back (in the best way) to an age when at times sports delivers bigger than life moments. It was always our treat that Warner was there to express those times in his own unique wonderful way.I am out-of-the loop as to the climate in NY tv sports broadcasting today but to terminate Warner without an appropriate send-off speaks very poorly to the management at CBS's N.Y. offices. CBS owes Warner the dignity and gratitude and credit of putting their local evening sports broadcasts on the map. Some programmer with smarts will find the right forum for Warner. CBS, shame on you for this undignified way of treating a unique member of our community. Secondly, you disrespect Warner's fan base. That kind of thing come's back to bite one in the arse.
I do not watch CBS since they fired Warner. The CBS management has no brains.
How can any TV station fire one of the 3 Stooges' sons?? Pure Heresy!!!
Warner Wolf was real....he was and will always be a symbol of NY sports. I clearly remember when I was younger how Warner would say "let's go to the videotape"...and of course today we don't use a videotape...but warner was famous for that saying....I know Warner was from the old school but he should have had the opportunity to bow down with grace and dignity. One wonders why people jump from network to network. Basic thing...NY fans and NY in general should have been able to say thank you Warner for your service and your true love of the sports world. This parting would have been one that CBS would have been able to file and people would have said "warner...thank you...and you will ALWAYS be part of our video tape". Warner will be on the air again...he is too NY to just be gone. The Yankees should pick him up as a sportscaster or honorary member....
I've watched Warner for years on CBS, even as far back as when Jim Jensen was the anchor. I was so excited when he came back to NY. I've even TIVOed him for the last 3 years from 6:24 - 6:30.
I'm so angry at CBS that I will stop watching the 6:00 evening news altogether.
I hope Warner can stay in NY -- he IS New York Sports. And if you don't believe me, "let's go to the videotape"!
I'm truely sorry to hear of the treatment dealt to Warner Wolf by the management of CBS TV New York. It is incomprehensible how how a corporation can treat thier talent like that and expect any sort of loyalty in return. I don't think this can bode well on the unfortunate position Chris Wragge will be put in upon his comencement of his duties on CBS. I have known for several month of Warners departure, but had no idea it would be under these circumstances. I'm sure Chris Wragge also was not aware of the disposition of Mr. Wolf when he agreed to fill the position. Good luck Chris, keep your six covered...
I switched to CH2 every evening just to watch warner do the sports and hoped to catch him doing a horse race replay. He gave the show alot of class and spirit.I will really miss his upbeat attitude and energy. I will not watch CBS CH2 again..
I followed Warner around the networks.Now there is no reason to look at 2 anymore.I'll just move to Berman until Warner shows again
Just decided today, to look up WW's infor on Google following his discussion of stress this morning on WABC-Radio. He mentioned the CBS incident, and "two" people there who were responsible (but he didn't mention any names per se)
I find CBS to be totally unorthodox in all that they do - starting with Murrow, and continuing with Rather (and they didn't even do right by him in the end, although that's where he eventually got it anyway).
Even Roz Abrams just recently fell of the face of the earth - no explanation.
I am extremely displeased with their entire group of lame and cold anchor persons, including a woman sports caster who calle herself 'Sam."
My advice to all: Get away from CBS as soon as possible.
George Murphy