As most sports radio stations across the country return from being off for the Memorial Day holiday, many hosts had their first chance today to talk about the passing of Bill Walton who died Monday at the age of 71. Walton was a Hall of Fame player, but to many, especially the younger generations, he was best known as one of the most entertaining basketball broadcasters of all time.
Dan Bickley and Vince Marotta had the chance to welcome Dave Pasch to their show on Arizona Sports, Bickley and Marotta Mornings. Pasch and Walton were longtime partners on ESPN college basketball broadcasts.
“The number of tributes you see pouring in tells you a lot,” Pasch said. “The focus is on the friendships and the uniqueness of Bill, and he made you laugh and smile…The guy you see on TV, that’s who Bill is…He was so kind to everybody. He had a way about him. The players loved him because he was so funny…they just got a kick out of him…Everyone got a kick out of Bill because he was so authentic…He brought the best out of me. He wanted me to be authentic on the air because he wanted to be authentic on the air.”
In Dallas at 105.3 The Fan, morning hosts Shan Shariff and RJ Choppy talked about Walton on their show, Shan & RJ. “He was really just a treat to listen to tell stories,” said Choppy. “He loved his concerts. He said he never compared concerts, championships, coaches, children and congratulatory messages.” Shariff added, “He is to me, arguably the most likeable sports personality in modern television.”
In Detroit, Mike Stone was filling in for Jon Jansen on 97.1 The Ticket. Stone talked about Walton as a player and then added, “In the media, he was really, really funny and would say the craziest things…He was hysterical, he was really good…He was one of a kind…He is a treasure that will be missed.”
Jim Costa added, “Incredibly likeable and he did it his way. He was as genuinely himself even when it was weird even if it was off-putting to other people. He was himself always, even if it was odd to people. That was going to be Bill Walton being Bill.”
In Houston on SportsRadio 610, Seth Payne compared Walton to John Madden, saying, “It seemed like they sucked every ounce of joy out of life…He was such a free spirit in the world of sports where people try like hell to tamp down your free spirit…Whether you agreed or disagreed with a lot of his takes on life, I feel like everybody should try and emulate his ability to enjoy life.”
Bob Haynie of 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore said about Walton, “He became kind of a polarizing broadcaster because of his unorthodox style. He was a little out there with what he did…He just kind of lived on his own terms but was beloved by everyone.”
Dan Patrick said on The Dan Patrick Show, “So many positive memories…. Bill went out of his way to make you feel good, to make you smile…When you thought of college basketball, Bill Walton was the name, the face…you can’t help but have a smile on your face when you think about Bill.”
