I have known and spoken with Rice for years. While he may play a character on TV he has one of the sharpest basketball minds I have come across. He would spend hours before games and when doing broadcasts on Blazer TV compiling notes and statistics. Remember the man cut his teeth first as a college coach, then broadcasting next to the great Bill Schonely. He was a true professional who embraced Portland and Rip City. This feels more like a loss than a firing. Rice was the crazy uncle in my large Blazer family who will be missed. This thread is for nice things to be said about the Mikes. Posts that are negative will be deleted.
Great idea Sly... who says mean old dogs dont have big hearts? I will miss them both. They worked so well together, that I never really even fathomed hearing anyone else. This will truly be a shocker next season when we hear new, unfamiliar voices. *wipes a tear away for our fallen comrades*
i too will miss "the wild one". keen basketball mind, and a great deal of fun to listen too. still going to follow him on twitter.
Tone was such a good guy and very personable. Wish him well in the future. Mb and mike rice were the only way i liked to listen to games. They will be missed.
After 25 years, Rice probably deserved to go out on his own terms with retirement. Given his age I could understand the team pushing him towards that in the next year, but an outright firing is a rather callous move. He's been a staple for too long for that. MB annoyed me at first but he's improved over the years, as his chemistry with Rice has grown and his tendency to get sulky whenever things go south has lessened. I'll appreciate the way they loved the team and worked with each other. It'll be difficult to replace their knowledge and passion towards the franchise and their chemistry. Team is taking a risk with that. As for 'Tone, good job good effort.
might be already suggested, but Sly, this thread isn't enough. IS there a real meet and greet with them this summer? If not, we should try to get something where us fans (behind ropes for the fanatics) can all show up and cheer and say thank you to them if they were to show up?
I've never met Barrett but have met Rice and he is a prince of a man. I don't know how I'm going to watch Blazer games without hearing his voice. I hope both of them wind up on their feet. All true Blazer fans care and love you both.