The Big Lead has a pretty big scoop regarding the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Chris “[Insert Chris Berman nickname here]” Berman will retire from ESPN once his contract is up with the company after this upcoming football season. This will leave ESPN with a big pair of shoes to fill, as Berman is arguably the most recognizable employee that ESPN has.
But Berman is also rather polarizing among people who watch him twice a week on Monday Night Countdown and Sunday NFL Countdown. That was evident on social media, when people with conflicting stances on Boomer took to Twitter and either bid him farewell or good riddance.
*UPDATE: Not so fast?
Chris Berman's agent denies retirement report:"Chris is NOT retiring. Loves what he's doing too much and is too young to hang 'em up."
— Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) May 27, 2016
Berman's agent adds, on retirement report: "Perhaps people with an agenda put it out there."
— Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) May 27, 2016
On one hand, a ton of people are happy to see Berman go. Sure, he’s a legend, but his schtick has grown old in the eyes (and ears) of many sports fans.
Boy I'm glad to hear Chris Berman is going to retire in one year. His act has been tired for two decades.
— Dean Schleicher (@DeanSchleicher) May 27, 2016
He's had a wonderful career, but … I don't know many sports fans (with ears) upset over the announced retirement of Chris Berman.
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) May 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/BenG412/status/735997289488125952
Nooo! (Sarcasm) https://t.co/L1drx0slhW
— Gene Battaglia (@GeneBattaglia) May 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/jordanwalter75/status/735997147921842176
On the other hand, Berman is somewhat of an institution at ESPN. He’s been doing football, baseball, and golf for years, and there is always a sense of familiarity when you hear Berman speak. That’s the case for a handful of other on social media.
https://twitter.com/Alexander1Great/status/735997270177546241
Wow. My friend for nearly 45 years. Gobsmacked MT @thebiglead 2016 NFL Season Will Be Chris Berman's Last at ESPN. https://t.co/qIwGffLJFR
— Keith Olbermann⌚️ (@KeithOlbermann) May 27, 2016
Chris Berman retiring after this year. He takes a lot of shtick but man did I LOVE NFL Primetime growing up. Best highlight show ever
— Ryan Fabro (@RYANFABRO590) May 27, 2016
As a fan & someone who's worked with him I can say Chris Berman is a 1st class guy all the way. Gonna miss his highlights after he retires.
— HIMothée Havewemet (@TeeJayLew) May 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/ZacWassink/status/735996925967773696
Well… I am speechless. Forever my favorite guy.
"Report: Chris Berman to Retire from ESPN" via @TeamStream https://t.co/MNNNiAFQhT— Ashley Cox (@AshCox_) May 27, 2016
Can't believe Chris Berman is retiring after this season. Coverage of all things NFL just won't be the same without Berman. #boom
— Riley Benson (@RealRileyBenson) May 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/CalvinOlivas/status/735999891567038465
The Big Lead mentioned that Trey Wingo and Suzy Kolber are the two names most likely to replace Berman on both of the shows he hosts. No matter who they select, it’ll be weird watching ESPN without Berman, whether you like him or not.
