Respondents to Alabama’s decision not to extend Eli Gold’s contract: A regrettable error for Alabama
The Alabama football fan base felt shockwaves when they learned longtime play-by-play commenter Eli Gold would no longer be a part of the University of Alabama football radio broadcasts.
“It was not an amicable ending to this relationship,” Gold said on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 the morning after news broke he would no longer serve as the “Voice of the Crimson Tide,” emphasizing he had no plans to retire.
Gold, 70, said he proposed doing one more full season before calling it quits. “They weren’t interested in that. They wanted to make a change now. There were things I wanted to say that they didn’t really want to have out in public.”
As the voice of the Crimson Tide, Gold has provided the soundtrack to the Alabama fan experience, whether you attend games in person and wear a radio set in your ear, or even when you watch from home and switch out the audio for the local broadcast.
Due to health issues, Gold missed the 2022 season, with Crimson Tide Sports Network colleague and basketball play-by-play commentator Chris Stewart filling in. Gold returned in a limited capacity in 2023, calling all home and select road games.
Gold said this week he is “healthy as a horse.”
Fans have since taken to social media to react to the news, including AL.com’s platforms.
“Very sad news out of Alabama & The Crimson Tide Network,” Kendra Stabler, daughter of late Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler, posted on X. “Terrible decision regarding Eli Gold. Mr. Gold, you are a legend and will be extremely missed. Can’t imagine Alabama football without you. Thank you for your dedication and all of the wonderful years you put into Bama.”
