(cache) Gus Johnson Is Out as Knicks Play-by-Play Radio Voice -- Back Porch FanHouse

Words I never thought I'd read: Gus Johnson has been let go. That's right, the guy who could make the most unwatchable sporting events seem like Duke-UNC, Pats-Colts, Lakers-Celtics, etc..., has been relieved of his duties as the Knicks play-by-play radio voice by the MSG Network.

Not because he wasn't great at his job but because, like most of us, he made himself scarce when the Knicks played. Specifically, writes the New York Post's Phil Mushnick, "Over the last two seasons, Johnson, 43, had annoyed MSG Network shot-callers by missing many games to work outside TV gigs, including CBS' college basketball and Showtime boxing."

Mushnick adds: "Johnson's hype-reliant play-by-play style -- he's easily excited -- seems to make him more attractive to broadcasting executives than popular among genuine sports fans."

Yeah, I couldn't disagree more with that. I have yet to meet a sports fan who doesn't love Johnson. Between the sterile observations of Jim Nantz and the sanctimony of Joe Buck, Johnson's a welcome change of pace. Whatever, I'm guessing Gus will be just fine. In addition to the CBS and Showtime gigs, he's also the voice of Madden 11. And perhaps more impressive: he has his own sound board. Imagine what would happen if genuine sports fans actually liked him.

In case you're wondering, Johnson's primary replacement "is expected to be Mike Crispino, an MSG TV and radio multi-tasker since 1992."

Comments (Page 1 of 1)

richcantwell109 10-21-2010 12:42PM

This is not good news to N.Y. sports fans, but probably great for Gus. I wish him well. Obviously he's doing fine and doesn't need the inevitable Dolan induced headache. Most fans I know love Gus Johnson, Mushnick is a writer we all love to hate, he's an a$$.

00 10-21-2010 1:01PM

Everyone who loves hoops knows Gus Johnson is the MAN. The best. End of discussion.

Those who disagree are idiots, and in all likihood, old.

Terrell 10-21-2010 2:16PM

Its New Yorks loss for sure,Gus will be just fine. He is one of the best in the business.

bobjmurphy9 10-21-2010 2:52PM

bring back Marv Albert at all cost.

gkram180 10-21-2010 4:36PM

Johnson is great for basketball. For football, and especially boxing? Not so much.

pdhogan56 10-21-2010 4:48PM

I like Johnson also especially on Pro Football and March Madness.

jasoncoker1 10-21-2010 5:15PM

Gus Johnson is the nuts.

vangumby82 10-21-2010 5:30PM

Never liked this clown...Gus always enabled the clownish selfish play of a Nate RObinson.

Bitch 10-21-2010 5:55PM

theres a difference between excited and OVERLY DRAMATIC, this guy is a joke especially when it comes to the knicks who haven had something to be excited about in a decade

jnjnvegas 10-21-2010 6:15PM

GUS HAS BEEN ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORIE SPORTS ANNOUNCERS. HE IS HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE MANY ANNOUNCERS I LOVE TO "MUTE." STARTING WITH MUSHMOUTH MUSHBERGER !

Lakergregg 10-21-2010 6:19PM

Mr. Wilson allow me to introduce myself, I'm the sports fan who doesn't love Gus Johnson and his played out over the top "And 1" style.
Lets see Gus Johnson or Chick Hearn? Gus Johnson or Vin Scully?
I'll take Chick and Vin.
The funny thing is as screwed up as the Knicks and their ownership is it'd be hilarious if they replace him with another screamer, Kevin Harlan.