Verne Lundquist advises successor Brad Nessler not to read criticism

Verne Lundquist is enjoying his final laps as CBS’ play-by-play announcer for the network’s SEC on CBS football telecasts. Next season, Brad Nessler will take over for Lundquist in the lead announcer chair, partnering with Gary Danielson each Saturday.

In an interview with Damon Amendolara on CBS Sports Radio Wednesday night, the legendary broadcaster was asked what advice he had for his successor. Lundquist suggested Nessler avoid social media and all the criticism to be found there.

“I think the social media aspect of this cannot be overlooked,” Lundquist told Amendolara. “This instant communication is something that I’m still trying to get used to because of my age and my lack of awareness. We’ve had fun with this, the fact that I do not have a Twitter account and I never will, but my brother sends me this stuff – both good and bad – because he’s really into it.”

Nessler appears to have already taken Uncle Verne’s advice, likely reaching that conclusion about social media himself. He does not appear to have a Twitter account. But maybe he has some relatives who can send him tweets, links and clips, just to make him feel better about himself. Friends and family are here for humility.

Lundquist’s advice for Nessler can be heard at the 4:00 mark, but you can listen to the entire interview here:

Lundquist did acknowledge, however, that an experienced broadcaster like Nessler is surely aware of the passion SEC fans have for college football and how it’s channeled through social media.

“Brad has been a national telecaster for 25 years, at least, and he lives in Atlanta,” Lundquist added. “So he is certainly aware of the exposure this chair will give him. I hope he’s like me. I don’t read that stuff. I’m an avid reader of websites. I’m looking at my laptop right now. But when it gets to the commenter section, I just click to something else. We all say we don’t read that stuff and if you do read it, you get harpooned. I don’t care how tough you are. It’s sometimes tough to take.”

Don’t read the comments. Maybe never tweet? Wiser words were never spoken, Mr. Lundquist. (Although wouldn’t it be funny if he became a prolific tweeter in retirement?)

[The DA Show]