Fans react to Alabama’s decision not to renew Eli Gold’s contract: “Sad mistake for Bama.”
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 remarked 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,” emphasising that he had no intentions 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 certain 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.
Due to health issues, Gold missed the 2022 season, with Crimson Tide Sports Network colleague and basketball play-by-play commentator Chris Stewart filling in. Gold returned in a limited capacity in 2023, calling all home and select road games.
Gold said this week he is “healthy as a horse.”
Fans have since taken to social media to react to the news, including AL.com’s platforms.
“Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network,” Kendra Stabler, daughter of late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler, posted on X. “Terrible decision regarding Eli Gold. Mr. Gold, you are a legend and will be extremely missed. Can’t imagine Alabama football without you. Thank you for your dedication and all of the wonderful years you put into Bama.”
Fans spoke up on our AL.com and Alabama Crimson Tide on AL.com Facebook pages, reacting to the UA announcement and to Gold’s own response to the news.
Below are some reactions from fans to the announcement that Alabama will not renew Gold’s contract as Crimson Tide play-by-play announcer, with many wishing the legendary broadcaster well after 36 years on the microphone and others bemoaning the loss of a legend in the booth.
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