Doris Burke Speaks out Amid Rumors of ESPN Firing

Doris Burke believes that the NBA fans criticizing her don't have consistent opinions, highlighting some of their logical inconsistencies.

Doris Burke Speaks out Amid Rumors of ESPN Firing

Doris Burke (Image by FirstSportz)

Doris Burke has been elevated to ESPN’s top announcers’ crew after Mark Jackson and Jeff van Gundy were let go in 2023. The veteran announcer was once considered a really good commentator and was lauded for her unbiased coverage. However, over time, people have begun criticizing her approach to the role. Many believe that Burke needlessly harps on narratives that have social media traction.

For instance, one of the criticisms that fans have had this playoff run was how she treated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA has been averaging around 10 free throws per game this year in the playoffs. He also averaged 9.2 freebies per game in the regular season. Many NBA fans have run with the narrative that the reigning MVP is a foul-baiter.

This isn’t just a Twitter sentiment – Jaden McDaniels took a flagrant foul in frustration during the Conference Finals. It’s clear that there’s a set precedent to how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive tendencies are being viewed by some fans. Doris Burke, Richard Jefferson and Mike Breen had a segment during the Conference Finals that alluded to this.

However, it seems all hell has broken loose since the announcers broke the veritable fourth wall. By admitting to the existence of a foul-baiting narrative, they gave more credence to the notion than they deserved. This criticism seems to have returned to Burke, who spoke about the controversy on an ESPN podcast.

One of the storylines in the Western Conference Finals, in Game 1 in particular, Minnesota had some frustration about the number of free throws that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took. And NBA Twitter goes crazy for certain guys who they call ‘free throw merchants.’ The situation reminds me a little of Dwyane Wade in the 2006 Finals. People were incensed at the number of free throws. So we talked about the storyline, ‘free throw merchant,’ and we did that because in Minnesota, 19,000 fans were chanting ‘free throw merchant.’ 

Burke then explained that she takes the criticism with a pinch of salt.

Usually, I can tell I feel like I’m doing a decent job when multiple fan bases are pissed off at me… at various times, Boston fans think I hate them, Knicks fans think I hate them, Sixers fans, and now Oklahoma City’s like, ‘why doesn’t Doris like SGA?’ I love SGA. Absolutely love him.

Doris Burke could be demoted from her ESPN role

The wave of criticism for ESPN is hardly new. Basketball and football fans alike have been vocal in their disdain for the Disney’s sports network. The outlet has now become barely watchable in the eyes of a large majority of NBA fans. The likes of Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith have changed their perception from measured journalism to hot take artistry.

However, Mike Breen and his ESPN co-announcers were considered one of the better elements of their broadcast. Breen’s characteristic ‘Bang!’ calls have adorned many NBA highlights with a vintage announcer moment. Yet, his excellence hasn’t saved Doris Burke from the prying eyes of the ever-critical basketball community.

Doris Burke could perhaps save the sweet gig she currently has if she pulls off a clutch Finals performance. As a member of ESPN’s top announcing crew, this may be her final go-around if she doesn’t manage this feat. As a trailblazer for women in sports media, Burke is already immortalized in her niche. However, she would be hoping this isn’t her Last Dance for her journey as an announcer.

Also Read: