Alabama Football Parts Ways with Longtime Broadcaster Eli Gold
Greg Byrne, the athletic director of the University of Alabama, sidestepped questions regarding the decision not to retain Eli Gold as the play-by-play broadcaster for Alabama football’s Crimson Tide Sports Network during a press conference on Monday. When pressed on the matter before an appearance at the Birmingham Tip Off Club’s Monday meeting, Byrne simply stated, “We wish Eli nothing but the best going forward.”
Gold, who had been the voice of Alabama football since the 1988 season, will not be returning after this offseason. Crimson Tide Sports Network (CTSN) offered Gold a reduced role in the broadcast along with an opportunity to cover the A-Day game in April, but he declined the offer.
In his place, basketball play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart, who substituted for Gold during the 2022 season and called Alabama away games in 2023, will take over as the full-time football play-by-play announcer next season. Addressing the change, Byrne highlighted the university’s partnership with Learfield for multimedia rights and clarified that Gold and other broadcasters were contract workers with Learfield. He praised Gold for his significant contributions to the university and its athletic programs, expressing excitement for Chris Stewart’s future in the role.
Despite the university’s decision, Gold remains active in broadcasting and has secured a position as the play-by-play announcer for the Nashville Kats in the new Arena Football League. He emphasized that his departure from Alabama was not due to health reasons, stating, “This is not, with a capital N-O-T, not at all health-related. I am very healthy. Everything is wonderful. I am healthy as a horse.”
The news of Gold’s departure from Alabama football sparked various reactions from fans and media outlets. Some expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, while others speculated about potential reasons behind the move. Amidst the discussion, Gold remained gracious and optimistic about his future broadcasting endeavors.
While the university’s decision may mark the end of an era for Alabama football and its broadcasting team, it also signals a new chapter with Chris Stewart taking on the role of play-by-play announcer. As fans reflect on Gold’s longstanding tenure and look ahead to the upcoming football season, there is anticipation and curiosity about what the future holds for Crimson Tide football broadcasts.
