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 said 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.
Chris Stewart, a basketball play-by-play commentator for Crimson Tide Sports Network, filled in for Gold during the 2022 season due to health concerns. In 2023, Gold made a limited comeback, calling all home games as well as a few away ones.
This week, Gold declared that he is “healthy as a horse.”
Since then, followers have reacted to the news on social media, including the platforms of AL.com.
Kendra Stabler, the late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler’s daughter, posted on X, saying, “Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network.” “A horrible choice with regard 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 pages.
