Bud Collins fired by NBC

[mentalcase]

By Charles Bricker
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted July 2 2007, 9:40 AM EDT

WIMBLEDON, England -- Bud Collins, the 78-year-old icon of American tennis, has been fired by NBC Sports after 35 years of hosting interviews, doing play-by-play and forging a bond with millions of tennis fans over the years.

Collins confirmed his firing Monday morning, but declined extensive comment, saying only that, "I've had 35 wonderful years with NBC and I hope to remain in tennis."

Those close to Collins said he was very hurt by his termination.

He was fired on June 22, shortly before the start of Wimbledon. A source said he arrived in London to find a message from Ken Schanzer, head of NBC Sports.

Collins will continue to work for the Boston Globe, his employer for 44 years. "I've walked these hallowed grounds for 35 years," said Collins, who is working here as a sort of broadcast lame duck. "I love Wimbledon. I love tennis."

 

[ACE of Hearts]

Wow,lol, guess it was time to fired the old fart!!!!LOL

 

[TennisandMusic]

Bud Collins was always pretty creepy to me. I wonder what happened.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Thank God...

But I am sorry to hear that it ended that way, I kinda feel sorry for Bud

 

[fastdunn]

why just before wimbledon ?

bud collins deserves a bit better exit than this, imho.

 

[ElSuegro]

I will miss his passion for and knowledge of tennis. But after a while, he kinda gets on your nerves.

The handwriting has been on the wall for a long time though. NBC kicked him out of the broadcast booth years ago, and relegated him to doing 30-second interviews after matches.

 

[DC Tennis Fan]

I know there are many people that don't like him but I always looked forward to his post match interviews. He brought some personality to the sport with his unpredictable comments.

I will never forget him calling Aranxta Sanchez Vicario the "Barcelona Bumblebee" and also his post-match interview with Jana Novotna after she finally won Wimbledon. Good luck, Bud. Some of us will miss you!

 

[sureshs]

It seems NBC was trying to set this up as a "tribute-filled retirement" for Bud, but he didn't like it and someone in his camp said he had been fired.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

I guess they heard some of the comments on this board and decided to fire him.

 

[alkibiades]

If there is any justice in the world, Dick Enberg will be next, and the end will come soon.

 

[Defcon]

I can't say I will be mourning him, but he was an old-timer who at least knew the history of the sport he's talking about.

 

[Gundam]

Wasn't he a son of sport coach at a university and was actually a quite good tennis player himself? Winning some senior tournaments etc long time ago?

 

[Craig Sheppard]

Bud Collins was always pretty creepy to me. I wonder what happened.

This is my view as well. "A little long in the tooth" is quite an understatement with Bud. I agree he was a character and back in the '80s and even into the '90s he was this wacky guy... but as of late he just seemed creepy and unable to relate to the new generation of players. Can't say I'm upset to see him go. Agreed about Dick Enberg as well from a few posts back... another aged "personality" that doesn't fit in.

 

[bluegrasser]

I like BC, he loves the game and he's colorful in his own sort of way. he's like Cossell (s?) you hate and love him at the same time, but when he's gone there's a void.

 

[Defcon]

But Dick Emberg makes some pretty good (though cheesy) intro videos to slams. Its much better than the usual crap from Patrick McEnroe.

 

[prince]

he and bob barker should start hanging out .

 

[Morrissey]

I have a list of others who should get the boot. Starting with P (Roddick Blake homer) Mac, Dickie Enberg (sorry you´re anice guy but your time is up pal), Mary (I might be losing my mind and can´t shut up in the process) Carillo and Pam Shriver. Keep Darren Cahill for sure, keep Mary Jo (She´s fine with me) and put more Brad in there, yeah he´s nuts but he knows tennis, I also find his stuff entertaining.

 

[mrw]

Bud has forgotten more than most of the talking heads know about tennis
(J Mac is the exception here). His knowledge and experience span generations of players. He has witnessed it all. It is unfortunate that some genius in a suit somewhere determined he doesn't poll well with the <25 year olds.
I hope he ends up on the Tennis Channel with his own show.

 

[diredesire]

If there is any justice in the world, Dick Enberg will be next, and the end will come soon.

I'm glad some people agree with me! He tries to make every match seem like an epic drama. If he toned it down and just called the match, i'd have much less of a problem with him. He just tries to make everything seem so... meaningful! Sometimes a grunt on an ace isn't trying to punctuate a retaliatory come back after being broken 3 sets ago. GET REAL!

But Dick Emberg makes some pretty good (though cheesy) intro videos to slams. Its much better than the usual crap from Patrick McEnroe.

This is a point where I'll have to concede. Some of his intros are quite good.

This is my view as well. "A little long in the tooth" is quite an understatement with Bud. I agree he was a character and back in the '80s and even into the '90s he was this wacky guy... but as of late he just seemed creepy and unable to relate to the new generation of players. Can't say I'm upset to see him go. Agreed about Dick Enberg as well from a few posts back... another aged "personality" that doesn't fit in.

I think this describes it well.

I have a list of others who should get the boot. Starting with P (Roddick Blake homer) Mac, Dickie Enberg (sorry you´re anice guy but your time is up pal), Mary (I might be losing my mind and can´t shut up in the process) Carillo and Pam Shriver. Keep Darren Cahill for sure, keep Mary Jo (She´s fine with me) and put more Brad in there, yeah he´s nuts but he knows tennis, I also find his stuff entertaining.

I think you've nailed it.


Sorry for the griping, but the commentators really get on my nerves. I don't watch much tennis as it is, and everytime i TRY, i remember why. Even though I love watching the pro game, it's tiring, and annoying to turn the TV on to the extremely lame commentary. Shut carillo up, shut enberg up, talk half of P-mac's air time away, and we've got a good thing going. I'm happy with Cahill, he doesn't make a point to talk during dead air time.

 

[jmsx521]

CEOs can be quite crude; to them it doesn't matter that you are 78 years old.... It's all about the business!

 

[Kaptain Karl]

I never could stand Collins as a commentator or an interviewer. He thought he was far more clever than I ever did. (His tennis encyclopedia is very good, though.)

My opinion is NBC fired him 34 years and 51 weeks too late.
Good riddance. I am truly delighted to have lived long enough to "witness" his firing.

- KK

 

[Kobble]

I have mixed feelings of Collins. Sometimes his interviews were good, sometimes bad. I do find it interesting that Federer declined an interview with him after his bombardment appointment with Nadal, and now he is done. Hmm?

 

[Dan007]

YESSSSSSS!!!!! I could not be any happier right now!!!!!

 

[jmsx521]

Well, I think they are connected.... Federer’s disrespect was responsible for the 78-year-old's humiliating exit. Not that I liked him, but as a rule, you don't mess with the elderly whether you agree or disagree with them.

 

[Keifers]

I have mixed feelings of Collins. Sometimes his interviews were good, sometimes bad. I do find it interesting that Federer declined an interview with him after his bombardment appointment with Nadal, and now he is done. Hmm?

I haven't heard about this. Can anyone fill me in?

 

[Craig Sheppard]

I haven't heard about this. Can anyone fill me in?

All I heard was that after losing he refused to do any interviews. Roger always seemed very terse with Bud though. If there's more to the story someone else should share...

 

[superman1]

I've always liked him. And if you're going to fire a broadcasting legend, at least call him up before he gets on a plane to do his next job.

 

[Kobble]

Keifers, Collins was throwing tough questions at Federer after the 2006 RG final. Essentially, saying Nadal was too good and handed him his ass. Roger replied with "He is a grinder." Bud seemed to want Federer to admit Nadal had his number, possibly in general. So, I don't think Federer wanted to hear it for the second straight year. Maybe Federer complained?

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Jim McKay was a broadcasting "legend". Bud was just another guy in the booth, by comparison.

- KK

 

[tenis]

Well, the old commentators are fired, but the new ones are much worse than the old ones. Just look at Patrick, Pat, etc. Very bad!!! Good commentator is "invisible", with little bit more intelligence than what we see now.
Bunch of craps.

 

[guynamedsean]

Bud Collins is to tennis
as Larry Merchant is to boxing

 

[jmsx521]

Keifers, Collins was throwing tough questions at Federer after the 2006 RG final. Essentially, saying Nadal was too good and handed him his ass. Roger replied with "He is a grinder." Bud seemed to want Federer to admit Nadal had his number, possibly in general. So, I don't think Federer wanted to hear it for the second straight year. Maybe Federer complained?

Perhaps, Bud could’ve been told to use more tactful questions and comments, but firing him for that is too much.

 

[tennissavy]

If there is any justice in the world, Dick Enberg will be next, and the end will come soon.

Amen. I was thinking that as soon as I read here that Collins was fired. Enberg is the most annoying person I have ever heard on television, period. Now, after they get rid of Enberg they need to fire Tim Ryan who is second on the annoyance list. Of course, why stop there since that dope Patrick McEnroe needs to off the tv toute de suite.

 

[Ronaldo]

Gonna miss Bud's slacks. The Tennis Channel should pair Bud up w/Donald Dell this summer for old times sake.

 

[tennissavy]

Jim McKay was a broadcasting "legend". Bud was just another guy in the booth, by comparison.

- KK

That's true and Jim McKay never annoyed me.

 

[omniexist]

Perhaps, Bud could’ve been told to use more tactful questions and comments, but firing him for that is too much.

Interesting take. It seems Bud is in court terms, "leading the witness"..it's like some sort of passive/aggressive questioning to Fed. Of course Fed would resent it..anyone would.

Oto, too bad about being fired. Getting fired is one of the worst things and I wouldn't wish it on most people including Bud.

 

[z-money]

why just before wimbledon ?

bud collins deserves a bit better exit than this, imho.

Correctamundo he is still bud collins. anyone who knows there tennis knows who bud collins is(unless your 12 and under)

 

[Mick]

maybe NBC was afraid that Roger Federer would not talk to bud collins again like he didn't at the FO

 

[Chadwixx]

I dont like bud collins (on tv, sure he is great in real life) but alot of people do. He brought a different simple element that alot could relate to. Firing him is pretty bad, just dont let him do fed interviews. Talk to some people who know little about tennis they will tell you about his interesting outfits and stuff. Definitly an asset to the game. Low class by nbc, you dont just cut someone like that loose, you let them fade away gracefully. Just goes to show you the people running things now, clueless.

You cant blame him for pushing fed in the interview, they were trying to confirm the rivalry between the two. Him being the media needs that to survive.

"Enberg is the most annoying person I have ever heard on television, period. Now, after they get rid of Enberg they need to fire Tim Ryan who is second on the annoyance list"

Enberg is like the man around there, he does whatever event he wants to. Is he like the boss or something?

 

[WillAlwaysLoveYouTennis]

Though I will say most of my memories came from late 80s and throughout the 90s commentating, comments and interviewing from Bud Collins, I always thought he added an 'oddball' banter and personal rhythm to the sideline game of watching and play by play of tennis.

No one wants to get fired or released in such a fashion, just before a big tournament or event, and I think it's rather shabby on the surface, but I do not know what went on at the inside, if they offered him retirement for example, and he didn't take it, or whatever.

I appreciate him for what he did bring different from others to the microphone, and I don't think people should disrespect him just because of his age or his clothes or his reporting style. So many commentators play just towards what a script says and statistics that someone hands them they try to bring into a conversation. Collins was individual and unique.

But there is always time to finish at one place or thing and move on to another. I, too, would find a show featuring him on the Tennis Channel something I would tune into if I am in an area which broadcasts. If the other commentators could step up and be more individual I would like that as well.

Luke Jensen did a good one on Wimbledon Tonight, he had his views and he stuck to them, he didn't cave or try to keep agreeing with a co-host. I really dislike listening to those who either spout unfounded views that the network has on a card for them to make certain they voice (i.e. a commentator saying, Canas was suspended for steroid use, and he was not) or they only hype the Americans on an American station or they are not honest in reviews. Collins did his own thing, but often that is not appreciated in the slightest.

 

[bluescreen]

i dont like bud collins that much, but i dont think they shouldve fired him like that. it shouldve been brad.

 

[ktownva]

What??? No way they could do Bud like that. That is just wrong! The best part about the post-match at Wimbledon was Bud's interviews. The trophy ceremony is a snorefest! Time for a YouTube tribute to Bud's greatest interviews....anyone?

 

[chlsmo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon07/news/story?id=2923678

I think he is gonna finish after this Wimbledon.

 

[ktownva]

Another thing....for those who don't like Mary Carrilo....you are insane! Every big tennis match should have Mary and Mac in the booth, and Bud in the stands. Those three are the best, most entertaining, most knowledgable ever!

Commentators I can't stand are Dick Enberg (dude sounds like he should be broadcasting a wine tasting), Pat Mac ("the dropper!"....ugh), and Pam Shriver (wake me when she's over).

-

 

[theace21]

Bud was like Dick Vitale, a little over the top...but he loved tennis and probably has interviewed every champion over the last 50 years. He had insights from watching matches that most of us only can dream of. While at times he was a pain, and his pants were always the subject of many comments from the players - his years of first hand experienced will be missed...

 

[alan-n]

He's 78 years old time to move on. If the players in the locker room are not comfortable with his interviews or presence, then he should be out of a job. Just because he has been around the game for so long does not make him a bigger figure than the young players with multiple grand slams under their belts. He more than likely rubbed a few tennis stars the wrong way.

 

[Ronaldo]

Though I will say most of my memories came from late 80s and throughout the 90s commentating, comments and interviewing from Bud Collins, I always thought he added an 'oddball' banter and personal rhythm to the sideline game of watching and play by play of tennis.

No one wants to get fired or released in such a fashion, just before a big tournament or event, and I think it's rather shabby on the surface, but I do not know what went on at the inside, if they offered him retirement for example, and he didn't take it, or whatever.

I appreciate him for what he did bring different from others to the microphone, and I don't think people should disrespect him just because of his age or his clothes or his reporting style. So many commentators play just towards what a script says and statistics that someone hands them they try to bring into a conversation. Collins was individual and unique.

But there is always time to finish at one place or thing and move on to another. I, too, would find a show featuring him on the Tennis Channel something I would tune into if I am in an area which broadcasts. If the other commentators could step up and be more individual I would like that as well.

Luke Jensen did a good one on Wimbledon Tonight, he had his views and he stuck to them, he didn't cave or try to keep agreeing with a co-host. I really dislike listening to those who either spout unfounded views that the network has on a card for them to make certain they voice (i.e. a commentator saying, Canas was suspended for steroid use, and he was not) or they only hype the Americans on an American station or they are not honest in reviews. Collins did his own thing, but often that is not appreciated in the slightest.

Whatever became of that tennis forum show on TTC with a host and three guests? Collins hosted it at least once.

 

[babySuri]

omg thank god he is gone. he always talked about some weird, random nostalgic moment that even the old people here would have trouble recalling. i don't really care much for the other commentators. i just tolerate them. bud collins, though....he gots to go. buh-bye!

 

[TacoBellBorderBowl1946]

I didn't like him, but they shouldn't have fired him. Who will take his place now?

 

[alwaysatnet]

This is my chance to kick Bud Collins while he's down. Where should I start though? He was such a pretentious clown and his schtick was so tiresome,i.e. net judge Fingers Fortescue.

How about his ghastly, purposefully ugly trousers? He delighted in wearing clothing so wretched it induced more nausea than seasickness. His bowties were another fashion affectation I could do without.
How about his corny alliterative nicknames he just had to hang on players? The Barcelona Bumblebee. The Bellville Belter. Boom Boom Becker.
Here's a nickname he forgot. How about Bud the Baldheaded Blatherskite?
How about his fondness for playing tennis without shoes? How many times did he mention that? And how many people cared?

After Federer won Wimbledon in 2003(?) I'll never forget the look on his face when they led him into a little room and then shut the door so Bud Collins could ambush interview him. He looked like a trapped rat and it was then I realized how wild animals could gnaw off their own legs in order to escape their confinement.
He's had a thirty-five year run! Enough is enough. It's too bad he was fired but no one is guarenteed a life time job(though Collins probably has come very very close).