Hot Rod has Alzheimer's

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

https://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/57440127-87/hundley-jazz-alzheimer-broadcaster.html.csp

Bummer. Hot Rod, in his prime, was light years beyond what we get to listen to now. Ah well.

 

[fishonjazz]

He has it to some extent for like the last 10 years and yes its sad.

I fear the day when it hit my parents but at least my grandma turned 90 last friday and mentally she is sharp ever.... its amazing really, she never loses her train of though or has any confusion about what is beijg said in any convo.... im quite proud of her really..
Hopefully it is genetic and my parents and myself will dodge the senile end to life

 

[franklin]

...has Alzheimer's like Jordan got poisoned by the shoe. Nothing a handle of whiskey can't fix.

 

[Thee Jazz Fan]

I deal with Alzheimer's every day. I'd rather have a terminal disease. This is horrible news, and saddened by this news

 

[Joe Bagadonuts]

My grandpa died of Alzheimer's. I can't imagine a more terrible way to go. This news is devastating. Hot Rod was a fantastic announcer. He was much better than any of the current Jazz announcers.

 

[Gameface]

This makes me very very sad. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Hot Rod. One of the greatest ever. Not an understatement.

The one year I had season tickets was his last as an announcer and I sat about 7 feet from him. I watched him work as much as I watched the games. He's a pro. I probably annoyed the ever living **** out of him because I scream my *** off the entire game and I may have driven him to retirement. His wife obviously cared for him a great deal, from what I could tell, and he had his **** together every game. My favorite part about the seats i had was I was right across the isle from a legend.

This really does make me very sad.

EDIT: The woman I assumed was his wife is his "partner" and her name is Kim Reardon. Anyway, she was a nervous Nelly who patiently waited at the end of every quarter to assist him and at the half to escort him wherever he had the privileged to go at that time. She seemed as devoted as any woman I've ever seen in my life to a man she loved deeply. I imagine he is immensely lucky to have her.

 

[fallenchicken]

Sad news.

 

[Gameface]

I've admitted I'm a cry baby before and I'll admit it again. Tonight has been a cryfest for me. Hot Rod is one of the biggest links I've had to the Jazz. When I was 16 I worked at Shopko and I'd listen to his "simulcast" because I was the cashier in the electronics department. I'd call me dad (RIP) frequently to discuss big plays. Hot Rod allowed me to "see" the game because he was just so damn good. Having watched so many of his televised broadcasts helped me know what he was saying on the radio.

Some of the best moments I had with my father came while listening to Hot Rod. I honestly owe that man more than I could ever repay.

 

[jimmy eat jazz]

He has it to some extent for like the last 10 years and yes its sad.

I fear the day when it hit my parents but at least my grandma turned 90 last friday and mentally she is sharp ever.... its amazing really, she never loses her train of though or has any confusion about what is beijg said in any convo.... im quite proud of her really..
Hopefully it is genetic and my parents and myself will dodge the senile end to life

My father was completely senile in his last days. Death, as hard as it was for those who loved him, was infinitely
preferable.

 

[Stoked]

Nothing scares me more than getting Alzheimer's when I am old. This is horrible.

 

[Hotdog]

...has Alzheimer's like Jordan got poisoned by the shoe. Nothing a handle of whiskey can't fix.

Its well known that he liked to drink. I wouldn't doubt it if the drinking has something to do with it. Kids, watch your alcohol intake. It causes brain damage.

Hot Rod was a stud. Very crappy news. Best play by play guy ever. Which is why its is so hard to get used to Locke's dumbass.

I had the privilege of meeting Hot rod and hanging out with him back in the day. He used to go to the bar Demetris a lot. I would see him there a lot. Used to be one of my favorite bars back in the day. They closed it down though. Very cool guy.

 

[JAZZGASM]

My grandfather was a big Jazz fan. He went blind for the last 10 years of his life. Because of Hot Rod he was still able to sit in front of the TV and enjoy the games with the family due to Hot Rod's style.

Of course, the play by play style that used to be the standard in the NBA has changed to have more banter and off-court information (with separate radio broadcast).

Hot Rod retired from television at roughly the same time as Stockton and Malone. No more yo-yo-ing, frozen ropes, belt-high dribble, old refrigerator, cow hide globe... It was a fitting end to a great era.