Amid swirling rumors about Doris Burke potentially leaving ESPN after the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle took a moment to voice his admiration for the Hall of Fame broadcaster. Speaking to the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Carlisle shared his disappointment over the timing of the reports — and his deep respect for Burke’s impact on the game.
Burke, who is currently calling the Finals alongside Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson, was the subject of a piece by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. In the article, Marchand noted that ESPN’s lead trio would cover the championship series but suggested that Burke’s future with the network is hanging in the balance. While Breen remains locked in on a long-term deal, ESPN is reportedly reevaluating its on-air talent.
Carlisle didn’t hold back his frustration with how the situation unfolded.
“I saw the things that were leaked yesterday about Doris Burke, and I just wanna say a couple of things. She has changed the game for women in broadcasting. … It was so sad to see these reports leaked. Really unnecessary before such a celebrated event.”
Carlisle praised Burke as “a great example of courage,” adding that she’s inspired many women in sports media, including his 21-year-old daughter. He even listed several female reporters for whom Burke has paved the way, emphasizing her influence beyond just the broadcast booth.
According to Marchand, ESPN may be looking to recreate the chemistry it once had with Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson. But in the meantime, Doris Burke remains front and center — even if fans are split.
Fans Are Divided on Doris Burke, But Carlisle Sees Coaching Potential
Despite Carlisle’s endorsement, the reaction on social media has been harsh. One user on X wrote, “Doris Burke has the worst voice in sports,” while another said, “Womp womp, she’s a terrible broadcaster.” It’s clear that Burke remains a polarizing figure in the world of sports commentary.
Still, Carlisle believes Burke’s basketball IQ could translate into coaching, saying she has the knowledge and feel for the game to thrive in that role. Whether her future remains at ESPN or takes a different path, Burke will continue to leave her mark, starting with her Finals coverage in 2025.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
