The announcement that longtime play-by-play analyst Eli Gold would no longer be a part of the University of Alabama football radio broadcasts shocked the Alabama football fan base.
The morning after it was announced that he would no longer be the “Voice of the Crimson Tide,” Gold declared on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, “It was not an amicable ending to this relationship,” stressing he had no plans to retire.
The 70-year-old Gold claimed that before retiring, he suggested doing one more complete season. “That did not pique their interest. Right now, they desired a change. They weren’t really comfortable having things I wanted to say out in public.
Whether you watch from home and switch the audio to the local broadcast, or you attend games in person and wear a set of headphones, Gold, as the voice of the Crimson Tide, has created the soundtrack to the Alabama fan experience.
According to Gold, 70, he suggested doing one more whole season before ending things. “They showed no interest in that. They were ready for a change. They didn’t really want to discuss certain things in public, but I had something to say.
Whether you attend games in person and listen to a set of headphones or you watch from home and change the audio to the local broadcast, Gold, as the voice of the Crimson Tide, has created the soundtrack to the Alabama fan experience.Kendra Stabler, the late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler’s daughter, commented on X, saying, “Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network.” “A horrible choice with relation to Eli Gold. You are a legend, Mr. Gold, and I will miss you terribly. Without you, Alabama football is unimaginable. We appreciate your commitment and the amazing years you spent at Bama.
Following the UA announcement and Gold’s own statement regarding the news, fans reacted on our AL.com and Alabama Crimson Tide Facebook sites.
The following are some remarks made by supporters following the announcement that Alabama would not extend Gold’s contract as the Crimson Tide’s play-by-play announcer. Many of them wish the seasoned broadcaster well in his final 36 years behind the mic, while others express sadness over the passing of a legend in the booth.
James Lynn Burke: “Alabama, you are all things that cannot be replaced.” I sincerely appreciate everything you have ever done and thank you for it. RTR.
Shelly Bradley: “Sigh” This breaks my heart! We shall really miss him. Warm regards, Eli.
Kathy Cavender Harvey: “I’m happy to hear that you’re doing well! We will miss hearing that unique voice that we adore!
“He is the best,” says Hope Vines. I’ve always adored our team. To become an Eli, the other men have a long way to go.
Carol Romines: “He is Alabama’s voice!”
Dawn Marquart Collins: “Eli Gold will never come around again.” This is a tragic way to finish his legacy as the voice of Alabama football, which he will always be. Eli, you are loved.
