Did the team really reveal that he had an enlarged scrotum? Might as well have said "MC Big Balls" isn't returning. Yeesh.
Really? I never saw that. Did they edit the article? PORTLAND, OR (July 12, 2019) -- Brian Wheeler, the long-time voice of the Portland Trail Blazers, will not return as the team's radio play-by-play broadcaster next season, it was announced today by Trail Blazers President and CEO Chris McGowan. "Brian Wheeler has been an integral part of the broadcast team and Trail Blazers family since 1998 and his voice is synonymous with all the many great play-by-play calls over that 21-year span," said McGowan. "We thank Brian for his contributions to the franchise and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. " Wheeler, who joined the Trail Blazers in 1998, was one of the NBA's longest-tenured broadcasters with 1,823 games called for Portland. "I want to thank the Portland Trail Blazers for the incredible opportunity and honor of calling radio play-by-play for the past 21 years," said Wheeler. “I was honored and blessed to be a Blazer for 21 seasons, and fortunately I’ve accumulated some precious memories that will last a lifetime.”
I think he was referring to an article like this: https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest...dcaster-brian-wheeler-sidelined-health-issues "Wheeler, 55, will miss Friday’s exhibition finale at the Moda Center, then at least the first three games of the regular season as he battles scrotal lymphedema."
Just hope this isn't a sign that Wheels is getting worse. It was a hell of a 21 years, and I'll miss hearing him on the radio, but I'd rather he stick around on this Earth at least another 21.
Or it's a standard clause in Blazers employees contracts? I mean, they release medical information on players all the time
Personally wish Brian all the best, pleasure listening to him. We really have no idea how much the decision was Brian, the team, or a collaboration of both. But I fully support the franchise ending his role if they judge its best. Hell right now Zach is the only Blazer outside DameCJ who's been with the team more than 1 year. It's fine to have a revolving door of players: but not an announcer every 21 years? I'm sure there's multiple reasons and it's a touch decision for Blazers Mgmt but ultimately they have to do what's best for the team long term. Some fans just assume the worst of management and bitch about everything possible. I suppose that's why fan is short for fanatic.
There are a number of young Blazers/CSNW employees probably itching for an opportunity. Maybe even Barrett?
Wow, Ralph Lawler is retiring as well. I’ve always enjoyed Lawlers calls, and of course his rules; it’s the law! Both Wheels and Lawler are huge parts of their organization.
Or he wasn't okay with it so his lawyers were threatening to sue the Blazers. But both sides came to a settlement which included Wheels stepping down as radio play by play with a NDA and a settlement to end the issue.
Since it came out when he missed some games the first time do to this issue, not sure why it is a big deal. His condition has been reported before, so not like it was a secret. I did hear he had one year left on his contract and will get paid for this next season.
HIPAA only covers certain entities. The Blazers would be covered under HIPAA as they likely provide Wheel's health insurance. So would his doctors and insurance companies. Reporters are not covered by HIPAA. Plus he was cited to provide this information: