The Alabama football fan base was shocked to find that longtime play-by-play commentator Eli Gold would no longer be a part of the University of Alabama football radio broadcasts.
“It was not an amicable ending to this relationship,” Gold said on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 the morning after it was announced he would no longer be the “Voice of the Crimson Tide,” adding that he had no plans to retire.
Gold, 70, suggested playing one more full season before retiring. “They were not interested in that. They wanted to make a shift right now. There were some things I wanted to say that they didn’t want to hear in public.
As the Crimson Tide’s voice, Gold has supplied the soundtrack to the Alabama fan experience, whether you attend games in person and wear a radio set in your ear, or you watch from home and switch the audio to the local broadcast.
Gold missed the 2022 season due to health difficulties, so Chris Stewart, a Crimson Tide Sports Network colleague and basketball play-by-play commentator, filled in. Gold made a limited return in 2023, calling all home and select travel games.
Gold stated this week that he is “healthy as a horse.”
Fans have subsequently taken to social media to express their reactions to the news, including on AL.com platforms.
“Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network,” said Kendra Stabler, daughter of late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler, on X. “A terrible decision with Eli Gold. Mr. Gold, you are a legend and will be much missed. I cannot picture Alabama football without you. Thank you for your dedication and all of the fantastic years you spent at Bama.
Fans reacted to the UA announcement as well as Gold’s own response to the news on our AL.com and Alabama Crimson Tide Facebook sites.
Below are some reactions from fans to the announcement that Alabama would not renew Gold’s contract as Crimson Tide play-by-play announcer, with many wishing the longtime broadcaster well after 36 years on the microphone and others bemoaning the loss of a legend in the booth.
Best wishes to James Lynn Burke: “You are all things Alabama, and you will never be replaced.” Thank you for anything you have ever done; it is greatly appreciated. RTR.”
Shellia Bradley: “Awe.” This is heartbreaking. He will be greatly missed. “Best wishes, Eli!”
Kathy Cavender Harvey: “I’m delighted you’re healthy! We’re going to miss hearing that unique voice that we adore!”
Hope Vines: “He’s the best. Always admired our team. “The other guys have a long way to go to be like Eli.”
Carol Romines: “He is the voice of Alabama!”
Dawn Marquart Collins says, “There will never be another Eli Gold.” He will always be the voice of Alabama football, and it is unfortunate that his legacy will come to an end this manner. “We love you, Eli.”
Paula McClenny Downs says, “What in the world! Thank you, Eli, for your lovely voice and enthusiasm for Alabama football. Believe me, fans will miss you! “So sad…”
Kayla Blakesley: “Touchdown, Alabama” will never be broadcast the same way! Thank you for your great voice and commitment to The Tide!!”
Darrell Redding: “Just as Saban is the greatest college coach of all time, you are unquestionably the greatest sports announcer. Very painful news, but best wishes to you and your family, Eli.”
Angie Barnett: “God will provide fresh opportunities for Mr. Gold. Sometimes closing a door can be a godsend. “Best wishes to him.”
Unhappy fans
Sharon Brakefield: “I disagree with this judgment.
Roberta Norris says, “This stinks!”
Kellie Tuma Atcheson: “A bad mistake for Alabama. Thank you, Mr. Gold. I’ve always appreciated listening to you.
Beth Collins Adams says, “This absolutely breaks my heart.”
Barbara Godley Daugherty says, “A very sad moment for UA and its fans!”
Gwin and Melissa Greathouse: “We believe fans should resist this! Let’s start a petition! “We want Eli to stay until he decides to retire.”
Jon Duffell said, “Very awful decision. Sir, thank you for all of your amazing play-by-play calls over the years. “Your voice and passion will be greatly missed.”
Debbie McCollum stated, “Not that my opinion matters…but this is NOT RIGHT.”
Jimmy Glisson: “What a horrible way for Eli and Bama to conclude their amazing, long friendship. My main fear is whether this is a sign of additional changes that may affect the traditions that are important to Alabama fans and supporters. Best wishes, my friend. RTR.”
Linda Galloway: “It’s very wrong to treat Eli in this way.” He should have been entitled to dictate the circumstances of his departure. It doesn’t make sense. He has played such a crucial role in Bama football.”
Sherrie Floyd: “One more season would have been ideal, and he certainly deserves to be honoured in a more respectful manner.” I’m dissatisfied with how this was handled.”
Bradley Grey: “Bama nation dislikes change. We enjoy loyalty. We appreciate tradition. The University is making a critical error here. “This will not go over well.”
Malia Boozer: “I am deeply sorry for Eli and disappointed with the university. I’ll miss hearing him.
Terri Ross: “No disrespect to Chris Stewart, but this is a slap in the face for Eli. He is a legend in the sports broadcasting world.”
Tyler Richards: “There is no other voice for Alabama football. “This is terrible.”
Happy for Chris Stewart.
Teresa Tindle: “Chris is the best choice. I am confident he will miss Eli as much as the rest of us. “He will be the new voice of Alabama.”
Doug Kellett: “Excellent decision. Chris has demonstrated that he deserves to be behind the microphone. Congratulations to him.
Chris Kelley: “Eli, time had passed. Chris did an amazing job this year, and it’s time to hire him full-time.”
Eddie Hughes: “Chris does an excellent job. It was time for Eli to stand back.”
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