Bad Day for Chicago Basketball

[John Smith]

Van Lier and Sloan probably formed the most combative back court in NBA history. Both were tough tough players. Norman was a little crazy too. He and Kerr willl be missed.

[cryptique]

I had heard about Van Lier, but not about Johnny "Red."

 

Wow. I don't know if I'll even be able to watch a Bulls telecast anymore.

[Guest Jules]

Red died too? Shit.

[Moe_Syzlak]

John was a long-time family friend. He was one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. He simply loved the game and LOVED the Bulls. He was an unabashed homer and I loved him for it. It frustrated the hell out of my friends that weren't Bulls fans and that made it all the better. He watched and called the game as a fan! I always went to see him before the game when the Bulls were in town to take on the Nuggets. I couldn't find him before this year's game and that made me nervous. I don't know if it was health-related that he wasn't there, but I had a hard time imagining him ever leaving "the booth." I'll miss you Red!

[Guest Jules]

John was a long-time family friend. He was one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. He simply loved the game and LOVED the Bulls. He was an unabashed homer and I loved him for it. It frustrated the hell out of my friends that weren't Bulls fans and that made it all the better. He watched and called the game as a fan! I always went to see him before the game when the Bulls were in town to take on the Nuggets. I couldn't find him before this year's game and that made me nervous. I don't know if it was health-related that he wasn't there, but I had a hard time imagining him ever leaving "the booth." I'll miss you Red!

He had prostate cancer, right? He hadn't been doing too well for a while. Just a couple weeks ago Daley declared a day as "Johnny Red Kerr day" or something like that. At least he got some recognition before moving on. RIP Red.

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

I don't know if it was health-related that he wasn't there

It was recently announced that he was fighting prostate cancer and his broadcast duties were cut back significantly.

[Moe_Syzlak]

He had prostate cancer, right? He hadn't been doing too well for a while. Just a couple weeks ago Daley declared a day as "Johnny Red Kerr day" or something like that. At least he got some recognition before moving on. RIP Red.

Yeah he did have prostate cancer. I learned that after failing to find him in Denver. My dad was very close with John when he lived in Chicago, but had lost touch since calling it a life and moving to Florida. I remember a conversation I had with Red during Jordan's final season. He said Jordan was still the only player he was awestruck by. He knew him well, of course, but said you never got over that feeling that Jordan "was walking a foot above the ground." I always thought that quote was awesome as I am someone who worshipped Jordan.

 

ETA: nice article in the Trib.

[EL the Famous]

sad day in chicago sports/sports broadcasting. r.i.p. norm and johnny.

[LouieB]

Strange how things happen like this. Lots of nice press for both here in Chicago. Red Kerr was a particularly good sportscaster. Although Norm was not as good, he was fun as hell to listen to. They will certainly be missed.

 

LouieB