Bob Costas: Reuniting with NBC after fallout?

Sportscasting stalwart Bob Costas looks back on how his nearly 40-year tenure with NBC came to an unceremonious end, which was formally announced January 2019. Costas remembers a 2012 concussion panel on NBC Sports Network that raised red flags among stakeholders and years later, a regrettable, quiet departure from the network. As the conversation wraps up, the eight-time National Sportscaster of the Year award winner hints that he thinks there’s a chance at redemption with his former employer.
#Journalism #Broadcasting #Broadcaster
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[@nathankirschbaum3856]

He’s one of the few people I’d actually like watching on tv. Calls it down the middle. Very professional, and worked hard.

[@bh1935]

to treat Bob Costas like NBC did is a disgrace. Costas was a gem for NBC. The man is a national treasure. I for one would love a NBC hour long tribute to this great man. thank you Bob.

[@bartstarr100]

Hey, they have Mike Florio!

[@margaretlakin3228]

You tell me Bob does 1+1=0

[@jamesanthony5681]

Hour long tribute? No.....! And I like Costas.

[@tonywellington7854]

is he ?

[@nickn.3953]

I think Bob would make a great MLB commissioner.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Too much paperwork. And meetings.

[@Whistlin10Speed]

Didn’t know bob had it in him to drop an F bomb 😂

[@Matt-hl5vm]

I love unfiltered Bob Costas. That’s what makes his new HBO show so amazing.

[@FatherDyer1990]

Love these back room, broadcasting stories.

[@josenieves6424]

The GOAT of sports reporters.

[@lg7014]

Graham, you've done a lot of great interviews, simply setting the guardrails, letting your subjects talk. I thought I'd never witness anything better than Niki Lauda. That said, you've moved the bar with Bob. Of course, he is a giant intellect and a top 5 story teller. Your ability to gain trust with open ended prompts allows us to see the insides of the great people in the other chair.

[@danieldougan269]

As a person with a journalism degree, Bob is one of my heroes in journalism. He is the type of sports journalist who transcends sports to just be a great journalist period. He is one of the guideposts of how to operate with integrity and fearlessness. The way he used the lens of sports to address larger issues was absolutely necessary, even if a lot of people didn't want to hear it. Sports happen within the real world. Competitors in sports have lives outside of competition, and sometimes broader issues even endanger athletes as they did in Rio. Likewise, competitors sometimes do things outside of the competition that impact the outside world. The way he ripped Jerry Sandusky to shreds (as he richly deserved to be) was legendary.

[@lg7014]

well said...he's the gold standard

[@fenwayify]

You may want to consider a different word than fearlessness. I'm pretty sure Bob felt plenty of fear and apprehension over bringing up the "elephant in the room" topics. However, he felt his own credibility was at stake and was obligated (to himself) to address the subjects. That's where I believe Costas distinguishes himself most from other broadcasters/journalists. That he can discuss an issue, without pandering or ignorance, fully prepared and in depth is nearly unmatched, especially in the current era. Ted Koppel, Edward R. Morrow, Mike Wallace, but not many. let alone in the sports arena...

[@danieldougan269]

@@fenwayify Courageous?

[@fenwayify]

@@danieldougan269 Yes, I see it that way. Some criticized him for venturing into delicate territory, such as in his interview with Mickey Mantle. Mantle obviously touched on and expressed his own self-perceived (and I'm sure other-perceived) failures, but he was a grown man, nobody forced him to answer or even sit for the interview. Not only that, Mickey showed enormous strength and courage himself in facing and admitting his failures as he did. Just like Betty Ford did when she shared news of her mastectomy and later her alcoholism, she did so in service to others (even pertinent today regarding vaccination). It's not always just about ourselves. In any case, exploring the truth does take courage and Costas has shown that courage repeatedly throughout his career, which he does yet again in the video clip here, pertaining to his unrecognized departure from NBC after 40 years. He's even strong enough to consider some kind of reconciliation, to make it right. I don't know about others, but such forgiveness is far more gracious than I've ever done. Last, the criticism toward Costas on Mantle, fails to recognize that Costas was a lifetime fan of Mantle, carrying his rookie card in his wallet most of his life (until it deteriorated and he replaced it). Mantle had such affection for Bob that his family asked him to do the eulogy at Mickey's funeral. The eulogy Bob gave was about as respectful and poignant as I've ever heard (short of Kipling's "Gunga Din"). I'm sure Costas has his failings, as everyone does, but from what I've seen, his strengths surpass his weaknesses, at least as a broadcaster, by a wide margin..

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@fenwayify Fearless and courageous are synonyms, no? If not, what is the difference, exactly?

[@monsanto.official]

holy shit i didn’t know i loved this guy! i didn’t know he cussed lolol

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

I love this gentleman that’s doing this interview !

[@BenMoss85]

If BOB COSTAS is using profanity… you KNOW he’s heated lol!!! NBC did him wrong!

[@ARIZJOE]

Yes, surprising. Bob was angry, and rightly so. That betrayed his true feelings.

[@charlieh3998]

One of the most thoughtful people you will ever find

[@DaveLynchJazzGuitar]

He's amazing. He's like a walking encyclopedia on Baseball.

[@joelewis8992]

I love when bob covered the bulls and mj a true nbc legend 🐐🐐

[@leonardwharris]

Sooo good the best

[@jiggeplaya7182]

Heck yea!

[@tomace4898]

Nobody could verbally fellate MJ better than Bob Costas!

[@ARIZJOE]

Bob shows himself to be very fair, objective and mature. I'm surprised he's not more disappointed in ESPN. Bob had an affinity for Larry King, his silliness even. Given his "Later" interviewing skills, CNN should have supplanted King with Costas many years before the former retired. Bob Costas' career was legendary, but he could have been even bigger. He was hardworking, insightful, and a first-rate journalist. Very funny too.

[@justinroark88]

The 90s are so nostalgic because they were so good. Good NBA, good television, good movies, no Tiktok, no FaceTime.

[@hectorlopez1069]

He's an icon in sports.

[@victoriajoyce7363]

Such a class act.

[@sastrinidis]

Bob Costas is the voice of the Olympics

[@derricdueker64]

By the way, Bob covered the Spirit in St. louis. Bob, ABA legend.

[@ARIZJOE]

That's right. It all started with the ABA. Another bizarre red, white & blue fact.

[@Crusader7077]

I remember reading years ago about Bob Costas signing with a publisher to write an autobiography, but I haven't heard anything further relating to it since then. I hope he follows through on it. It will be a great read.

[@pse888]

Graham, what with Rogan and Stern talking to hear themselves talk, it's so REFRESHING to watch you interview. You allow your guests to talk all they want! Respect.

[@andrew_l1900]

The difference is Rogan doesn’t interview, he has conversations and they go wherever they go. He doesn’t have a pre written set of questions to ask then sit there silently. Completely different things

[@pse888]

@@andrew_l1900 IMO Rogan is a prima donna.

[@Houseofyards]

That's why independent podcasts are popular these days. No higher up from corporate tell you what to say or how the show format should be.

[@DavidMossMGS]

Graham you’re the best

[@garymcaleer6112]

Bob never exploited for gain. Just a very factual & decent man. The same can't be said for NYT, WP & some magazines who will slander just for shock value; and a paycheck.

[@michiganman4624]

Homerun Graham

[@ryanellis4474]

Graham, teach me your ways!

[@NoNameNo.5]

I grew up hearing al Michaels and bob costas….when they did BaseKett ball my life was complete

[@poolmannocal6299]

The NFL needs to be called out.

[@mmageek]

Editor: the 10 second preview for a 6 minute clip is pointless, I came here for Costas. I won't come back if pointless inserts continue.

[@dickjohnson9694]

As they called him in high school, Bob Two Inch, good for you Bob, two inch. lol

[@tomsampson8084]

I have always liked Bob Costas. I just wish he would have stayed with baseball. Instead, he wanted to do a talk show, other sports, no sports but anchor the Olympics. NBC really didn't know what to do with him much of the last 20 years. He should have followed baseball even if it meant changing networks. He might have become the new Vin Scully.

[@kevinmadden1645]

Costas has always reminded me of J. Chadsworth Huntington (Steve Franken), the snobby rich kid on Dobie Gillis.

[@djquinn11]

Bob seemed a little unhinged when he dropped that f-bomb. Seemed a bit out of character.

[@richardcoreno]

Terry Pluto's oral history of the ABA -- "Loose Balls" -- prominently feature the recollections of Bob Costas.

[@ARIZJOE]

Terry Pluto - top guy from Cleveland. He's written a lot of books, which Costas appreciated. "Loose Balls" is full of unbelievable revelations.

[@johnhedtke7571]

I recall Bob Costas announcing Big Ten Basketball by himself roughly 75 thru 77. some syndicated outfit. I couldn't recall his name. Then I saw him on NBC. I thought "hey it's that young guy, he's good. The Best football pregame was on NBC Bob Costas, Mike Ditka, and Joe Gibbs. It was only a half hour, I learned more in that half hour listening to those guys. Now it's just a big cliche' fest.

[@chromebomb]

An honest man i like him

[@chatbud]

No wonder I don't see him covering swimming with Rowdy Gaines anymore...

[@orangehoof]

I've never been a huge Bob Costas fan but if Michelle Tafoya deserves a 'goodbye' moment (and she did), then Costas definitely does. At sports, he was top notch for several decades. At politics, the kindest thing I could say is "stick to your lane".

[@michaelkraus4135]

Your right Bob too liberal for me , but a ICON with his timing & voice,

[@taly4life]

Easier to speak up when you have money in the bank. I respect those who are in positions and haven’t had the equity yet

[@pdubs1575]

Absolutely great point!!! The balls get bigger and the mouth looser when you’re financially secure!!

[@lynnturman8157]

When you are famous or have a platform, it's harder to speak the truth in the era of cancel culture.

[@hippyvt4203]

Why can’t you just release the whole interview uncut? Hate the way you string in out

[@buckeyewill2166]

Football is about big bucks. It’s also a religion in the USA. It’s the reason why ESPN left PBS when they decided to do CTE on their show Frontline.

[@paulsolon6229]

He’s a pro

[@gravelgirls]

What a shame.

[@ryanstrnad1852]

Bob drop an f-bomb? I never seen it where it said "most replayed" ever since I started watching KZbin.

[@dreamcage1801]

Maybe he can possibly return to NBC when the NBA makes their return.

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

maybe NBC didn’t think Bob had earned his accolades yet and knew God has plans for him to still dew his greater work , his crowning achievement , lets see what God has in store for Bob ,

[@ckn711]

Bob, you were definitely my favorite sport reporter on TV. In this world today this is what you get for being brutally honest.

[@scottyskydog]

There loss!

[@jamesanthony5681]

*their

[@ghnfyhj]

This goes to show you that you are just a number. Period! Companies all they want (depending on what it is) is money and ratings.

[@mjmeadows1016]

I think that Bob Costas is the ultimate professional and have enjoyed everything that he has done! Alot of the younger generation can study him as he is the best of the best!

[@Snowpaux]

I want Bob 🥰

[@jasonjackson5493]

Anyone who explains for 15 mins why they are not bitter about a situation......... he's clearly bitter lol

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

They asked him about it so he provided an answer. I wouldnt blame him if he does have some bitterness or resentment. He gave NBC 4 decades and in turn they unceremoniously dump him, without even giving him a chance to say goodbye on the air.

[@donniemoder1466]

First of all, thank you Bob Costas, I really enjoyed watching and listening to you over the years. Second, so many people leave their jobs unceremoniously without a proper goodbye. Everyone would like their service acknowledged. Everyone would like a real gesture of thanks made. I think Bob Costas had such an illustrious career, he does not need any such acknowledgement from NBC top brass. He was promoted, supported and extolled all the time when he was working there. NBC isn't really the same as when Costas was there anyway. All the top brass are probably gone anyway.

[@user-yb3yo5oe2g]

I like Costas but I find it ironic when he talks about his "journalistic integrity" in light of his interview of Mark McGwire over his steroid use, and how he didn't challenge McGwire's contention that steroids didn't enhance his performance on the field. Everyone knew that McGwire used that interview as his "Mia Copa" moment in order to get back into MLB as a coach, and Costas allowed himself to be used. I found it disappointing.

[@davidreynolds1921]

Bob Costas is the best, Joe Buck is not even in the same league.

[@jamesanthony5681]

As far as baseball? Not sure about that. Joe Buck got a lot better when he stopped using those 1960's references, and stopped trying to be annoyingly funny in hopes of getting a talk show/sitcom gig. I prefer Costas, however.

[@stalactite642]

circle back to Trump and Bob

[@justinofhudson]

Ugh Bob Costas !

[@ExKUKicker]

The devil will always come to you with a smile and an offer selling you on how you deserve more. In the end...its always less, never more. And that smile? Ha...it, too, is a lie.

[@stalactite642]

who stutters more than you Graham the actor interviewer

[@bobd9868]

You’re a tool. He’s a great interviewer because he shuts up and listens.

[@johndcornell6341]

I hate guy's that cover sports they don't like...he's obviously a baseball guy that could care less about football...and they had him cover the NFL for years...l could tell when l watched it wasn't his thing

[@bartstarr100]

Sports Journalism is a complete joke. Nothing but Rumor-mongering and virtue signaling. Yuck. Talk about the games and the matchups. Cannot stomach ESPN for 5 minutes. Puke emoji.

[@craigjames2604]

31,000 views…… only 140 comments. Sorry bob , NOBODY wondered where you were.

[@jorgemontefusco650]

Always had lukewarm feelings about Costa. Always though he was a sanctimonious windbag. When he started bashing Trump and using phrases like, “ circle back,” he lost me. What’s his problem? He’s made millions.

[@dzjc01]

Bob, why would you sit down with this mook? You've got underwear older that this guy (and it probably has more stories). Cripes, anyone with a camera gets a show now. Yeah, I know, he "interviewed" Mike Tyson and it went viral. Holy cow Wally!

[@jamesanthony5681]

I haven't seen 'mook' in a long time. I agree with you, however. Some of Bensinger's questions are cringe awful.

[@okjoe5561]

People got tired of Costas' political lectures. People watch sports as entertainment, they don't care what an announcer's personal agenda is. Costa still doesn't get it.

[@Nelson-rd1et]

Stick to sports Bob- Your narcissism about politics etc no one cares about.