Don Criqui. Allen Pinkett OUT At Notre Dame Radio

Pinkett, Criqui (Barrett Sports Media photo)

Longtime Notre Dam Irish football national radio analyst Allen Pinkett has confirmed that ND’s new multimedia partner, JMI Sports, will not retain the 54-year-old former Irish All-America running back, nor play-by-play man Don Criqui for the network broadcasts.

“I spoke with Mr. Stultz (Friday),” Pinkett told the South Bend Tribune, referring to JMI Sports president Tom Stultz. “Their plan is they want someone more local — like ‘live in South Bend’ local — because they want to do some packages during the week, and they wanted somebody who was there.

“So it was a good run. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to do it since 2001, but this thing comes to an end, so I just wish whoever’s going to do it next the best of luck.”

Pinkett resides in Valparaiso, Ind. The 78-year-old Criqui lives in Essex Falls, N.J. Both men are Notre Dame graduates.

Criqui has partnered with Pinkett on ND broadcasts since the 2006 season. He followed Tony Roberts, who was abruptly fired by Westwood One after 26 seasons of broadcasting ND games in May of 2006.

On April 26 of this year, Notre Dame announced a 12-year multimedia partnership with JMI Sports, a deal that included Notre Dame’s national radio rights.