Eli Gold's Dismissal with Michael Brauner of WNSP on The Joe Gaither Show

How do you say goodbye to a legend on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 176: Feb. 22, 2024.

The Thursday edition of "The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral" welcomes Michael Brauner of WNSP 105.5 FM in Mobile into the show to talk about a legend. Crimson Tide Sports Network's football play-by-play broadcaster Eli Gold will not return to his role in 2024 and it's stirred up a bevy of mixed emotions.

Gold served in his play-by-play role for the Crimson Tide football program since 1988 and saw Alabama football claim seven national titles during his tenure. However, the 70-year old legend dealt with health issues that limited his ability over the last two years.

After beating cancer he made his long anticipated return to the radio booth this past season for home games, but it appears his time behind a microphone for the Crimson Tide has come to an end.

Brauner helps the program decipher the decision to let Gold go and to replace him with veteran basketball and baseball play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart.

What kind of product do you want from your radio broadcast? There is certainly something to be said for the nostalgia, history and tradition that Gold brought to broadcasts, but how do you balance that with the need for accurate and timely information and descriptions of the action?

Gold was quick to announce publicly that the decision for change did not come mutually and that he turned down a number of overtures the University tried to make towards him to make the decision more palatable. Will he come to regret the way he's handled the end? How will these few days impact his 35-year legacy?

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