Doris Burke Deserves Better — Rick Carlisle Speaks Up Amid ESPN Uncertainty
As Game 1 of the NBA Finals tipped off between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, something unexpected stole the spotlight—Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle’s heartfelt defense of ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke. With rumors swirling about her future at the network, Carlisle took a moment before the game to honor a woman he says has "changed the game."
Just a day earlier, a report from The Athletic suggested that Burke’s position at ESPN, specifically on the high-profile NBA Finals broadcasting team, might be in jeopardy. While ESPN is reportedly committed to re-signing Richard Jefferson and already has play-by-play legend Mike Breen locked in long-term, Burke’s spot appears less certain heading into next season. That possibility has stirred up a mix of confusion and disappointment among fans and industry professionals alike.
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Burke, who was scheduled to call the Finals with Breen and Jefferson, made history when she became the first woman to serve as a full-time NBA game analyst on national television and the first woman to call the NBA Finals on both radio and TV. Her contributions have gone beyond just analysis—she's been a symbol of perseverance and excellence for women entering a still largely male-dominated space.
Carlisle’s comments were more than just a tribute. They were a quiet protest against how this news broke—leaked, uncertain, and poorly timed right before one of the league’s biggest nights. “It was just so sad to see these reports leaked unnecessarily before such a celebrated event,” he said. “She’s paved the way for so many.”
Carlisle wasn’t alone in his praise. Across the league, Burke’s influence is well recognized, especially among young women working in local markets or rising through the media ranks. He even joked about trying to recruit her into coaching—acknowledging her deep basketball IQ and connection to the game.
Whether ESPN decides to restructure their Finals crew or not, one thing is clear: removing Doris Burke from that team would be more than a personnel change—it would be a step backward. As Carlisle so aptly said, “She has changed the game.” That kind of impact doesn’t vanish overnight, and it shouldn’t be treated like just another contract in a media shuffle.
So, as Burke continues to lend her voice, wisdom, and passion to the Finals broadcast, the broader sports world watches—not just to see who wins the championship, but to see how ESPN chooses to value one of its most impactful voices.
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