Jason Benetti best described working with Bill Walton as like doing a crossword puzzle without any clues. And that’s how it was for the viewers and listeners at home, too.
Walton died at the age of 71 years old on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer.
His post-NBA career blossomed in media. Following a Hall of Fame yet injury-riddled playing career, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. Walton called NBA and college games for various networks like CBS, NBC, the Los Angeles Clippers, and ESPN/ABC. Back problems forced him to leave ESPN in 2009, but he returned to the network in 2012 to call Pac-12 games, continuing until this past season.
Walton’s broadcasting prowess wasn’t just entertaining; it was award-winning. In 1991, he won a Sports Emmy for best live telecast and was named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters ever by the American Sportscasters Association in 2009.
Known for his unorthodox style and captivating tangents, Walton, a UCLA alum, often teamed with play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch. Even battling health issues this past season, Walton’s on-air energy remained infectious.
That’s why his untimely passing hits hard, as those in sports media reflect on the man who was.
The best of Bill Walton on commentary: pic.twitter.com/MqwNQZj2dg
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) May 27, 2024
Interviewed Bill Walton on the phone as an intern at Scripps Howard News Service when I was 22 years old.
Walton: “Is this Bill Bender?”
Me: “Yes.”
Walton: “My name’s Bill, too.”
The interview was predictably amazing from there.
RIP to a one-of-a-kind-legend.
— Bill Bender (@BillBender92) May 27, 2024
Crushed to hear of Bill Walton’s passing. He was a legend and larger than life in every way. His passionate curiosity and kindness were so rare and made him a joy to work with. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and beautiful wife, Lori. May the conference of champions… pic.twitter.com/zxdFK2WxSi
— Molly McGrath (@MollyAMcGrath) May 27, 2024
RIP to an all time great Bill Walton
such a pioneer & unique spirit he could literally say anything and it didn’t seem out of place or out of character
true sign of greatness: sometimes would tune into a late night game he was calling just to hear him, the teams were irrelevant pic.twitter.com/OPr1lOWso6
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 27, 2024
He made everything fun. One helluva life lived. 1 of 1. pic.twitter.com/lGZCNb5QaO
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 27, 2024
You sent me an email in 2020 that said:
————-
PUT THE MUSIC ON,
as soon as it doesn’t seem right,
change the music/station,
but don’t turn it off
—————
I promise, the music will always be on.
I’ll miss you dearly, you marvelous, vivid, wonderful pic.twitter.com/aNMaAzRS6D
— Jason Benetti (@jasonbenetti) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton laughed at himself; cared deeply about people history ignored; and was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the Earth. A planet he both adored and transcended. RIP 💔 pic.twitter.com/9rCWruhGUs
— ‘Miserable’ Pablo Torre 🕳️ (@PabloTorre) May 27, 2024
My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it – and took it home. The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed pic.twitter.com/yCwVQNjQbN
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 27, 2024
The man took a joyride through the cosmos.
Thank you for your life. pic.twitter.com/RuYC2d2xs7
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) May 27, 2024
There will never be any one like Bill Walton ever again. One of one. Its all one song
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) May 27, 2024
Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was.
He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time -… pic.twitter.com/s8h134f4M4
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton. I’m happy that he’ll never know life without the Pac-12. He went out a king. pic.twitter.com/rDCZ3TYHMO
— Steve Bartle (@SBartle247) May 27, 2024
He was truly one of a kind. May he rest in peace.
