Chet Simmons passes

[Dr. Howard]

Great TV innovator was also commissioner of the USFL. You can either credit him or blame him for Chris Berman at ESPN but Chet Simmons developed many great ideas during his long career. Died at 81 in Atlanta.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=915556&BCCode=BNENTERTAINMENT

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Throughly enjoyed the USFL as a kid. RIP.

 

[fishwrapper]

"Throughly"
[ruhf-ly] adverb,-er, -est, noun, adverb, verb, adjective
Mixed emotions. Both completely and difficult or unpleasant.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Thoroughly.

There, I spelled it right. Happy?

 

[Lugnuts]

I used to work with his son - great guy. My condolences.

I was happy to see Chet really being given his due at the Sports Emmys a few years ago when they gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. He really was a pioneer.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

I was a nobody working at a little paper. He was a big shot at NBC.

One of the retired players from the local pro team had signed on to work for NBC and I figured, "what the hell, give it a shot."

Called the main number at NBC, asked for Chet Simmons.

He answered his own phone and was agreeable to answering my questions, fully understanding that I was nobody from a little paper.

Thanks, Chet.

 

[Blitz]

Condolences to extended family and the many friends he likely has.
This was a person who looked into the future how the fine-tuning/gradual improvement of the televising of sports could and would matter to viewers.
RIP, Chet Simmons.