|
Monday, August 5 Updated: August 6, 12:49 PM ET Reactions to the death of Chick Hearn Associated Press |
||||||||||
The death of Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn on Monday is being felt far and wide.
''Generations of fans were brought to the NBA by the voice and
vision of Chick Hearn. From Wilt and West to Magic and Kareem to
Shaq and Kobe, Chick was a fixture as the 'Voice of the Lakers' and
a legend in his profession.''
''He was a real joy to be around as a person. He certainly
helped me appear to be bigger than life. More importantly, he was a
true, great friend. I will miss him.''
''He's up on the pedestal all alone. There's no other around
like him.''
''I'll never forget all those times when I needed a hug, when I
needed a high five, he told me, 'It's going to be all right.' He
always uplifted me and uplifted other people, and I'll tell you
something, basketball and the Lakers, without him calling the
games, it would have never been the same.''
"It's a sad, sad day. ... We've been together 15 years. The
relationship grew every year.''
"He gave me 'Big Game James,' he was the one responsible for my
nickname, and I'm known by that nickname everywhere I go.''
''What Chick has meant to the Lakers and the popularity of NBA
basketball can never be underestimated. His words-eye-view is as
responsible for this success as any of the great players who have
worn a Laker uniform or an NBA uniform. We will be forever grateful
to him.''
''The family is doing well and is very thankful that Chick has
not suffered over these past several days, and are also thankful
that he is now in God's hands.''
''We have lost a dear friend and a true broadcasting legend
today. I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for having to
be able to enjoy his work for all these years.''
''Chick is like a fatherly figure. When the going was tough
during the season, he gave everybody encouragement.''
''I've been following the Lakers for 39 years. The only voice I
ever heard was Chick's.''
''It was clear that he loved to do what he did. You could feel
the passion he felt for the team. It was clear he loved the fans,
too. There are just some people you think will never go.''
''I really feel that we have lost an icon. It was very hard for
me to deal with it from the beginning in terms of his personality
and knowing him.''
''Words cannot express what Chick Hearn has meant to all sports
fans in Southern California. Our heart-felt condolences go out to
his wife, Marge, the Hearn family and the Lakers organization. The
sports world lost a legend today." |
|