Longtime CBS Golf Broadcaster Gary McCord Speaks Out After Firing

One of the most outspoken commentators in the buttoned-up world of golf commentating is speaking out after being fired by CBS last week.

Gary McCord, who was banned from commentating in 1994 at Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters because his remarks about the speed of the 17th green were deemed too controversial, was informed he wouldn’t be part of the network’s coverage when it restarts in January.

McCord, who started with CBS at the 1986 Memorial Tournament after his 13-year playing career came to an end, says CBS Sports president Sean McManus told him he had a job at the network as long as he wanted it.

However, McManus apparently reversed course on that decision and decided not to pick up the option on McCord’s contract.

“This is not how I would have preferred to see it end,” McCord said. “I’m going on 72. I’ve been doing this for 30-odd years. I knew I was coming to the end of the deal, but I was going to go out on my terms. That’s not happening now. Bottom line, they fired me. You just don’t do something like this. You shouldn’t do it this way. No chance to say thanks to the viewers, to all my CBS friends? That’s what you get for 35 years?”

In addition to letting McCord go, CBS also did not pick up an option on his colleague Peter Kostis. He has been with CBS since 1992.

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