ABC/ESPN has demoted Hall of Famer Doris Burke from its NBA Finals team and promoted longtime network commentator, Tim Leger, to its No. 1 team, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic.
Legler will pair with longtime lead play-by-player Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson on The Finals. Jefferson recently agreed to a new contract with ESPN after working his first Finals in June. Burke was on the Finals’ team for two years, becoming the first woman in history to be an analyst on one of the traditional four major American sports (NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL).
ESPN declined to comment.
ESPN is discussing a contract extension with Burke, whose contract ends after this upcoming season. She could likely end up on ESPN’s No. 2 broadcast team.
29 comments
big win; legler is underrated
Thank god. I like Doris but she is just terrible to listen to.
YES!!!!!!
At least it’s 1 step closer to feeling like a professional major broadcast again.
I’m not a sexist, but I couldn’t stand Doris’ illogical comments. I miss when NBC used to do straight up commentary with Marv and Mike
No disrespect to Doris but I’m really glad to see Legler get promoted, he’s one of the best.
Good lord thank god, besides the blatant favoritism she would show throughout a series her voice is straight nails on chalk
OMG THEY ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING GOOD
Really like Jefferson but it really should be just Breen and Legs
r/NBA 12/25
Thank the lord
I think Doris is a nice lady at least on camera and from what I know, and she’s paving the way for more women to be in that role which is great and I like her commentary. But for the finals i think it’s best for a change
Legler is one of the best
Thank fuxking God. Good riddance Miss Boston
Thank you Jesus
Thank god
ESPN listened to its audience!?
Thank god
#BONJOUR, MR. HARTENSTEIN
First good news I’ve heard out of ESPN in a while. Legler is a total basketball nerd, and his only bias seems to be his love for the game. I’m looking forward to hearing more of him.
Happy Legler finally got his big break. Dude is such an awesome listen, especially when he talks about shooting
Legs is a phenomenal choice. Dudes got goat levels of basketball IQ .
That’s because Doris can’t stay neutral and the things she says very clearly tell you which team she is rooting for.
Doris was better on the sidelines than in the booth.
God is real
This is great news. Doris is terrible I hope they get rid of Reggie miller next.
Thank god. Doris was awful.
Well deserved, Legler is one of the only ESPN employees left that is worth a damn
The world is finally healing