Sports Fans Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire
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Everyone Is Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire Immediately
ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen has long been the voice of NBA Finals moments. Breen is calling his 20th NBA Finals, but it’s the first time he’ll be working with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson in the booth instead of longtime partners Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Many viewers thought Breen lacked the fire and energy during one of the biggest moments of the series, a thunderous dunk by Pascal Siakam over Jalen Williams. Despite the noise, Breen hasn’t addressed the criticism publicly. He plans to return for the 2025-26 season, but the futures of his broadcast partners remain up in the air, according to The Athletic”s Andrew Marchand, Amazon Prime Video has reportedly shown interest in Jefferson, while DorisBurke’S return is uncertain. For now, all eyes stay on Breen, who has one more game to play.
Mike Breen has long been the voice of NBA Finals moments, his signature “Bang!” call etched into basketball history. But after two decades of leading ESPN’s coverage, some fans are starting to wonder if it’s time for a new voice to take the mic.
At 64, Breen is calling his 20th NBA Finals, but it’s the first time he’s working with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson in the booth instead of longtime partners Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson.
While Breen continues under a long-term deal and plans to return for the 2025-26 season, but criticism intensified after Game 6. Many viewers thought Breen lacked the fire and energy during one of the biggest moments of the series, a thunderous dunk by Pascal Siakam over Jalen Williams. The reaction wasn’t pretty.
Backlash Heats Up After Game 6 Call
ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen (Photo By Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Fans lit up social media following Breen’s lukewarm call of the Siakam slam. Many argued it deserved more than just a standard reaction from a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Mike Breen: “IT’S GOOD! IT’S GOOD! AT THE BUZZER! A 30-point lead facing elimination! Everything going down for the Indiana Pacers! They’re one quarter away from a Game 7!” 🏀🔥🎙️ #NBA #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/VKbVI6PZqN — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 20, 2025
One user wrote, “Mike Breen is horrible lmao Harlan was more alive for less impressive dunks.”
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Mike Breen is horrible lmao Harlan was more alive for less impressive dunks pic.twitter.com/vK9TIbHxoZ https://t.co/g6Sqesn0JA — Jake (@CookedBySteph) June 20, 2025
Another added, “I’m damn near ready to call Mike Breen ass at this point.”
i’m damn near ready to call Mike Breen ass at this point https://t.co/wTGRbsIlb2 — 🤺 (@philfanacc) June 20, 2025
The sentiment was echoed across platforms, with one fan saying, “Mike breen is so unbelievably washed.”
Mike breen is so unbelievably washed 🥀💔 https://t.co/b6gfB0EPfY pic.twitter.com/xbZkdKUWy5 — FCB Davis Howard (@ShyonDieon) June 20, 2025
Others called for his replacement altogether, suggesting voices like Kevin Harlan step in. “Mike Breen, it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you,” one user joked, mixing metaphors but clarifying the point.
Mike Breen it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you… someone get Kevin Harlan in there and let my man retire https://t.co/zPmu1Jms65 — Blindage (@Blindage_) June 20, 2025
Despite the noise, Breen hasn’t addressed the criticism publicly. And while he’s set to return next season, the futures of his broadcast partners remain up in the air. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN hasn’t locked in Richard Jefferson, whose contract is set to expire. Amazon Prime Video has reportedly shown interest in Jefferson, while Doris Burke’s return is uncertain.
For now, all eyes stay on Breen, who still has one more shot to quiet the doubters. Everyone will watch the broadcast booth closely when Game 7 of the NBA Finals tips off Sunday night.
Also Read: Everyone Is Praying For Beloved ESPN Reporter Lisa Salters
The Gas Station With A Shockingly Large Breakfast Menu
Buc-ee’s, a gas station chain that is known for its fresh Texas BBQ, offers a friendly place to fuel up and grab a bite to eat. In addition to everything you’d find at your local convenience store, the Texas-based chain offers an extensive breakfast menu surpassing major fast food chains with a whopping 27 dishes. With a menu as expansive as Texas itself, its origins trace back nearly a century ago in central Louisiana with Arch and Mae Aplin, a married couple who took great pride in their general mercantile store. A generation later their grandson, Arch Aplin III, was born and would go on to open his own gas station. Inspired by his dog and using his own nick name, the iconic name Buc-ee’s came to fruition.
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Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
Buc-ee’s, a gas station chain that is known for its fresh Texas BBQ, offers a friendly place to fuel up and grab a bite to eat. In addition to everything you’d find at your local convenience store, the Texas-based chain offers an extensive breakfast menu surpassing major fast food chains with a whopping 27 dishes.
Buc-ee’s menu started off small, offering customers sandwiches, tacos, and donuts. Fast forward to today, and Buc-ee’s breakfast menu has grown, now providing more options than McDonald’s (25 items). Buc-ee’s features hand-chopped brisket — a meaty menu item favorite that’s made every morning. It’s a key ingredient used in the stop’s brisket egg taco, a favorite among Buc-ee’s fans. Some others include Kolache, a Czech pastry that’s a Texas staple. Kolaches can be sweet or savory and are traditionally made with fruit or cheese filling. This version offers flavor combinations such as strawberry-cream cheese and sausage-and-cheese.
Buc-ee’s breakfast menu is no joke, offering a wide variety of items for hungry patrons to choose from. The selection is themed around sweet-and-savory options that satisfy the tastes of most people who walk through the door. Moreover, the value is hard to beat, with most of the offerings priced under $4, which is quite the deal compared to $5.99 McGriddles from McDonald’s. With a menu as expansive as Texas itself, its origins reflect a wholesome beginning rooted in taking pride in one’s work.
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Read more: 8 Dishes To Avoid Ordering At Cracker Barrel Based On Reviews
How Buc-Ee’s Came To Be
Photo of a buc-ee’s gas station – Hapabapa/Getty Images
Since opening in 1982, this gas station-convenience store hybrid has provided friendly service throughout the Southern U.S. However, its wholesome origins trace back nearly a century ago in central Louisiana with Arch and Mae Aplin, a married couple who took great pride in their general mercantile store. A generation later their grandson, Arch Aplin III, was born and would go on to open his own gas station. Inspired by his dog and using his own nick name, the iconic name Buc-ee’s came to fruition. Although it started as a fairly standard convenience store, Arch made it his own, installing brass ceiling fans and using rough oak to line the upper walls.
Breakfast became a staple after opening the second Buc-ee’s in 1985, thanks to an on-site kitchen where staff prepared sandwiches, tacos, and donuts for patrons. This store marked the beginning of a large expansion that unfolded over the next two decades. The chain evolved, adding clothing and other merchandise as more Buc-ee’s locations opened across Brazoria county.
As of 2025, Buc-ee’s has expanded throughout the Southern United States and continues to open new locations. Whether it’s one of their mouth watering brisket breakfast tacos or tasty Czech Republic inspired Kolaches, Buc-ee’s will surely have something for you on the menu.
Read the original article on Chowhound.
Fans demand ’embarrassing’ ESPN legend Mel Kiper retire after ‘disgusting’ remarks over Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft snub
Kiper, 64, has been with with ESPN since 1984 and is one of the most recognizable NFL Draft voices. ESPN fans called for Kiper to retire after his Shedeur Sanders rant. The ex-Colorado Buffaloes quarterback was widely expected to be a first-round pick Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sanders was eventually selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns.”I don’t see, outside of not having the rocket arm, 4.6 speed, what is he lacking?” Kiper said during ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage. “I don’t understand what the heck’s going on with this,” Kiper continued. “This kid should’ve been a first round draft choice”
Kiper, 64, has been with with ESPN since 1984 and is one of the most recognizable NFL Draft voices.
2 Mel Kiper was ‘disgusted’ with Shedeur Sanders’ treatment at the NFL Draft Credit: ESPN
2 Shedeur Sanders was eventually selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns Credit: Reuters
According to ESPN’s website, Kiper is the most accurate analyst for NFL Draft predictions.
“His breadth of knowledge is unmatched,” ESPN’s website states.
“His pre-draft predictions are frequently the most accurate in the business, often as high as 80 percent correct in his first-round selections.”
But one selection Kiper got very wrong was Sanders falling down to the fifth round.
The ex-Colorado Buffaloes quarterback was widely expected to be a first-round pick Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
His slide to the fifth round was the biggest talking point from the event.
And Kiper was left horrified at how the draft unfolded for Sanders.
“I think it’s disgusting,” Kiper said during ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage.
“I don’t understand what the heck’s going on with this.
“I don’t see, outside of not having the rocket arm, 4.6 speed, what is he lacking?
Shedeur Sanders breaks silence after NFL Draft first-round snub with clear 6-word message over his future plans
“Somebody’s gonna have to explain that one to me.”
Kiper continued, “I mean, we could go to 102 picks and end today without Shedeur Sanders being picked.
“That’s nonsensical. This kid should’ve been a first-round draft choice.”
Sanders was eventually selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Kiper also made a comparison to Peyton Manning, when there was debate between him and Ryan Leaf in 1998.
The 64-year-old said, “We’ve said that pocket passers, old school traditional pocket passers, have to prove themselves to the NFL.
“The NFL doesn’t go crazy over those kinda guys.
“They really haven’t jumped at the opportunity to take those quarterbacks.
“Peyton Manning, people were debating Ryan Leaf. Bill Polian took him.
“I had calls from people saying, ‘He should be a third-round pick.’
“This was Peyton Manning. So, Shedeur Sanders, I got the same thing.
“I fought it. But I had to fight it a lot, with the calls saying ‘Yeah, he’s not that. He’s not 6-3, 230. Doesn’t have the rocket arm. Doesn’t run 4.6. Can’t change that.”
Fans tuning in for the draft on ESPN claimed it was time for Kiper to retire after his 40-year career.
“Mel best days are behind him,” one wrote. “It’s arguable if he even had best days.”
Another said, “It’s a devastating reflection on ESPN that they keep Mel Kiper on their staff after all the talent they fired.”
While a third posted, “Time to retire Mel Kiper – what an absolute embarrassment the last three days.”
And a fourth commented, “Time to keep him off the air.”
Sports Fans Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire
Mike Breen has been the lead play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s coverage of the NBA for decades. Fans are starting to question if he’s still the No. 1 option for the job. Breen, 64, is calling the NBA Finals for the 20th time in his career. It’s the first time he’s calling the championship series with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson. He spent so many years sharing the broadcast booth with Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. The Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster. The NBA Finals will take place on Sunday night, we’ll see if Breen can end the season with an iconic performance.
Mike Breen has been the lead play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s coverage of the NBA, making simply terms like “bang” his catchphrase. Though he’s been great for decades, fans are starting to question if he’s still the No. 1 option for the job.
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Breen, 64, is calling the NBA Finals for the 20th time in his career. It’s the first time he’s calling the championship series with Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson. He spent so many years sharing the broadcast booth with Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.
Even though Breen hasn’t been that sharp this season, he’s expected to return for the 2025-26 season. His broadcast partners, however, aren’t guaranteed their spots.
“While ESPN intends on re-signing Jefferson, it has not yet locked him up with his contract expiring, according to sources briefed on the talks,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic wrote. “Amazon Prime Video has expressed some interest in Jefferson, according to the same sources. Meanwhile, Burke’s spot is not guaranteed for next season, according to sources familiar with ESPN’s preliminary plans. While Breen, the Basketball Hall of Famer under a long-term deal, is not going anywhere, ESPN will evaluate its entire roster.”
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 9: ESPN reporters JJ Redick, Doris Burke, and Mike Breen look on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns on March 9, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)Barry Gossage/Getty Images
Unfortunately for Breen, he received plenty of heat during Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
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Fans really had an issue with Breen’s call for Pascal Siakam’s thunderous dunk over Jalen Williams. They thought it lacked the necessary enthusiasm for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
With that said, NBA fans are wondering if Breen should retire.
“Mike Breen, it’s time to retire or at least ask ESPN to upgrade your coworker,” one fan said.
Another fan wrote, “Mike breen literally doesn’t care he needs to go retire.”
“Mike Breen it’s time to leave the football before the football leaves you… someone get Kevin Harlan in there and let my man retire,” a third fan said.
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“One of the greatest plays in finals history ruined by Mike Breen’s lack of enthusiasm,” a social media user commented.
Breen, a recipient of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award, has not addressed all the noise regarding his future.
Luckily for Breen, there’s still time for him to silence his critics.
Game 7 of the NBA Finals will take place on Sunday night. We’ll see if Breen can end the season with an iconic performance.
Related: ESPN Replacement For Doris Burke Has Emerged
Sports Fans Calling For Legendary ESPN Announcer To Retire first appeared on The Spun on Jun 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
LeBron James fits that prove he would’ve crushed the 2025 Met Gala
LeBron James would’ve been a top contender for best dressed at the 2025 Met Gala. The event celebrated “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an exhibition and theme centered on the art of tailoring through our cultural lens. LeBron’s outfits often reflect cultural reverence, immaculate tailoring and personal storytelling. The NBA great has evolved into one of the most stylish athletes in the world, blending tradition and trend with the confidence of a man who understands how much fashion can say without a single word. The best examples of LeBron’s high-fashion chops came in 20/23 at Paris Fashion Week and in 2024 at the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer menswear show. The look was part sleek noir, part rockstar, and 100% Met GalA worthy of the elite spaces he’s just as comfortable in as he is on the runway. He wore a sharply tailored double-breasted tuxedo with satin lapinels forgoing a shirt for a layered jewelry-forward shirt.
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Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
LeBron James might not have made it to the 2025 Met Gala (where he was tapped as an honorary co-chair) due to an apparent knee injury, but make no mistake: His fashion legacy already proves he would’ve been a top contender for best dressed. The event celebrated “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an exhibition and theme centered on the art of tailoring through our cultural lens, emphasizing sharp silhouettes, rich textures and the historical roots of Black elegance. And when it comes to Black dandyism — past, present and future — we could argue that Bron Bron always had the receipts.
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Over the years, the NBA great has evolved into one of the most stylish athletes in the world, blending tradition and trend with the confidence of a man who understands how much fashion can say without a single word. His outfits often reflect cultural reverence, immaculate tailoring and personal storytelling. Whether he’s on the tunnel runway or the front row of Paris Fashion Week, his looks command attention. That’s why his absence wasn’t just a missed photo op, it was a missing moment of what could’ve been another iconic entry in his style archive. These seven outfits prove that LeBron’s sense of fashion would have not only fit the night’s theme, but likely surpassed expectations.
1. Thom Browne short suit ensemble (2018 NBA Finals)
Back in 2018, LeBron stunned the world when he pulled up to Game 1 of the NBA Finals in a Thom Browne suit — a tailored outfit with a blazer, white oxford shirt, tie and fitted shorts that stopped above the knee. Complemented by high socks and polished black brogues, the look turned the tunnel into a runway. The ensemble became a viral moment, not just for its originality but for how it challenged traditional ideas of masculine dress codes in sports (the post-game interview also sparked an iconic meme). It’s the kind of daring-but-disciplined look that would’ve turned heads at the Met Gala, perfectly in step with the event’s love for boundary-pushing menswear.
2. Louis Vuitton Damoflage ensemble (2023 NBA Opener)
At the start of the 2023–24 NBA season, LeBron showcased his fashion-forward sensibility by wearing a Louis Vuitton outfit designed by Pharrell Williams. The ensemble included a collarless Damoflage-patterned tweed jacket and matching trousers, complemented by a green Speedy Bandoulière 40 bag and Super Vision sunglasses. This look highlighted LeBron’s ability to merge high fashion with sports culture. While chains and heavy accessories weren’t part of this moment, his streamlined silhouette and contemporary flair captured the essence of quiet luxury.
3. All-white double-breasted suit (2022 NBA Season Opener)
LeBron kicked off the 2022–23 NBA season in striking fashion with an all-white double-breasted suit that exuded crisp elegance. The sharp tailoring was paired with layered silver chains, white sneakers and oversized sunglasses, giving the outfit a fresh, modern energy while nodding to classic menswear. The tonal palette emphasized LeBron’s height and frame without overpowering his accessories, allowing each element of the look to shine. Understated yet luxurious, the fit is proof that minimalism, when executed with this level of precision, can be just as impactful as bold color or print — an easy contender for the Met carpet.
4. Double-breasted tux (2023 Louis Vuitton show)
One of the clearest examples of LeBron’s high-fashion chops came in 2023 at Paris Fashion Week, when he and Savannah James attended the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2024 menswear show. LeBron wore a sharply tailored double-breasted black tuxedo with satin lapels, forgoing a shirt for a layered, jewelry-forward aesthetic. It was part sleek noir, part rockstar, and 100% Met Gala worthy. The way he carried the look—confident, unbothered, and custom-fitted—reflected the self-assuredness of a man who’s just as comfortable in fashion’s elite spaces as he is on the hardwood. Paired with Savannah’s equally elegant look, the duo easily could’ve shut down the Met steps.
5. Retro paisley and flared trousers (2024 birthday party)
When it comes to retro flair, LeBron knows how to dial it all the way up without losing luxury. At a 70s-themed private event for his birthday, he went full disco soul with a paisley-patterned silk shirt, flared trousers and tinted shades. While the vibe was playful, the execution was tight: The shirt was rich in color and texture, the pants were tailored to fall just right and the accessories brought the era back to life. This wasn’t costume, it was homage. LeBron’s ability to channel the spirit of a decade while maintaining fashion-forward polish showed just how versatile his style portfolio really is. It also speaks to the Met Gala’s love of theatricality when done with taste.
6. Camel double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit (2024 tunnel walk)
In one of his most commanding tunnel walks, LeBron arrived in a camel-colored double-breasted Louis Vuitton blazer styled over black trousers. The tailored structure of the jacket, with its relaxed waist, strong shoulders and gold chain pin, was pure runway precision. LeBron balanced the formal silhouette with platform tan sneakers, amber-tinted aviators, and layers of chains that gave the look dimension without overpowering it. This outfit struck a perfect harmony between old-school luxury and contemporary swagger—precisely the kind of fashion moment that would’ve shined at the Met Gala, especially given its celebration of Black tailoring and expressive flair.
7. Midnight Blue Velvet Suit (2021 NBA 75th Anniversary Team)
Bron brought prep-school polish to the Staples Center hardwood with a cropped grey suit layered over a buttoned plaid shirt. He punctuated the look with A-COLD-WALL x Nike Zoom Vomero +5 sneakers, black socks with white stripes and a lapel pin that subtly nodded to the occasion. The tailoring was tight and intentional — narrow shoulders, high-ankle hem and a fitted waistline that gave the whole ensemble a clean, sculpted energy. While more understated than some of his bolder looks, this outfit was a quiet flex in tailoring discipline and personal flair. It’s the kind of refined, slightly offbeat silhouette that would have harmonized beautifully with the Met Gala’s celebration of Black elegance and sharp lines.
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