WABC 770 AM and syndicated radio host Don Imus quietly fired the legendary sportscaster earlier this week, according to the NY Daily News. The 78-year-old Wolf shocked his co-workers around 7:20 a.m. Friday telling listeners it was his final broadcast on “Imus in the Morning.”
“Finally gentleman — this being my last day on the Imus show with you gentleman. I’d like to leave you with this song” — before launching into his own “Imus” show staff-themed version of “Thanks For The Memories,” which mentioned nearly everyone on the show, except Imus.
Later the sports anchor told the Daily News that he had no plans to hang up his microphone. “You’d have to ask Imus that question,” Wolf said by phone from his Naples, Florida home when asked why he was leaving the program.
“It was fun working with him (Imus) and the rest of the guys for the last 20 years,” Wolf said. “I have nothing but fond memories.”
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| Sid Rosenberg |
Imus could not be reached for comment Friday. WABC program director Craig Schwab did not return calls to the Daily News.
On the Imus show, Sid Rosenberg will be taking over Wolf’s job.
Wolf, one of the longest lasting and best-known personalities in New York City local news, is famed for his many catchphrases, including “Let’s go to the videotape!” to introduce highlights.
He began working as a sports broadcaster in 1961 and hit the big time when he joined ABC Sports’ “Monday Night Baseball” and the Olympics.
Wolf landed at WABC/Ch.7 in 1976 and moved to its crosstown rival, WCBS/Ch. 2 in 1980.
He also worked for WUSA in Washington D.C. and rejoined WCBS/Ch. 2 in 1997.
Wolf was fired from Ch. 2 in 2004 and joined WABC in 2006.
A sad way for a very nice man to leave.
ReplyDeleteThe Nicest!
DeleteSorry to hear this...Warner Wolf is so diversified...guess he shined too much!!!
ReplyDeleteSad to hear
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. I go back to the WCBS FM days with Warner.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God Bless
Just another bad move from senile old Imus. Guess Warner, who was a REAL PRO was too much for you. Patagonia head McGirk should be the one who got fired - not Warner. When Imus goes, all those idiots that run his show will have nowhere to go and then maybe a real show wil take the 6am-9am slot instead of people who belong in a mental asylum.
ReplyDeleteReplacing a Legend with Sid Rosenburg is an insult.
ReplyDeleteWarner was there when Imus needed him the most.Imus was one of the most hated media figures after the Rutgers incident and Warner was right there! stuck with the tool thru and thru .... and this is the Thanks he gets - I'm done listening to his show.
Bad move Imus. Sid Rosenburg couldn't shine Warner's shoes! Sid's an amateur. Warner is a class act. Imus you should man-up and tell the real story. The BS story you came up with was lame!
ReplyDeleteImus is no fool. Between his age and his health, he's looking for ways to hasten the demise of his show without being in breach of contract. Replacing Wolf with Rosenberg is a gigantic leap in that direction.
ReplyDeleteWhy was he fired ?
ReplyDelete