Out of all the local announcers in sports, Los Angeles Clippers play by play man Ralph Lawler is one of my favorites. The 76 year old longtime announcer may not have the national notoriety of the likes of Vin Scully or Chick Hearn working in the same city (after all, the Clippers aren’t exactly as renowned as the Dodgers or the Lakers) but he’s equally beloved by the team’s fans being the voice of the franchise for almost 40 years. And if you’re watching a late night game on NBATV and watch a Clippers home broadcast, you’re treated to his signature catchphrases and enthusiasm that make him one of the most enjoyable listens in the league.
Earlier this week in a home game with the Clippers though, fans and viewers alike had to be concerned over what sounded like Lawler slurring his speech in the first half. In the video below, it’s hard to understand Lawler as the action quickly moves up and down the court.
While it sounds fairly scary, thankfully Lawler tweeted that he was fine afterwards and would be ready to broadcast the team’s next game this weekend:
Thanks for everyone's concern. I am fine.
See you Saturday.— Ralph Lawler (@Ohmeomy) January 8, 2015
According to the LA Times, Lawler was battling the flu while one of his radio colleagues said it was a battle with food poisoning. Lawler has announced over 2,700 Clippers games in his career. That alone and having to broadcast the team’s games through the Donald Sterling era of losing is worth some kind of government medal. Hopefully Lawler is back to feeling 100% soon.
[LA Times]
