We wish him only the best in his long–term recovery. He went on to become the most–prominent and widely listened–to sports host in Canadian media history. During my tenure (1989–92) as the first producer of Prime Time Sports, McCown would routinely duck out of the studio and into a smoking lounge during commercial breaks between segments. The cause of his strokes wasn’t revealed, but the Bobcat has been a chain–smoker since his teenage years. Whether therapy can help him reclaim appropriate speech will not be known for awhile. Verbal communication is obviously the hallmark of McCown’s career. Ron Wilson, who coached the Maple Leafs from 2008 to 2012, suffered a debilitating stroke in December 2016 and only partially regained his ability to speak. Patients normally require months of physical and speech therapy to regain their capacities. Shannon’s prompt intervention, therefore, on June 15 cannot be understated. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death. McCown was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 21, 1952.Ī stroke that impairs speech and mobility is a serious health issue. Subsequent co–hosts included Toronto Star sports columnist Damien Cox Globe and Mail columnist Stephen Brunt and American writer (Sports Illustrated, now The Athletic) Richard Deitsch. Jim (Shakey) Hunt, the mercurial radio broadcaster (CKEY) and sports columnist (Toronto Sun), replaced Watters. McCown initially worked alongside co–host Bill Watters, who left in January 1991 to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as assistant general manager. Ultimately, Bob was fired by the radio station but he returned in early 1995 after TSN hired Shulman to become voice of the Toronto Blue Jays. For a brief period, in 1994, Dan Shulman took over as host of Prime Time while McCown moved to the FAN–590 morning show. What began as a 50–minute production on local radio in Toronto morphed into a three–hour spectacle (4–7 p.m.), simulcast nationwide on radio and Sportsnet TV. For obvious reasons, we figured the news would spread quickly.” McCown mentioned that he “can’t walk or talk” but was hoping to “get home and back on the podcast as quick as possible.” The BOB McCOWN PODCAST has become an Internet staple since the host parted with Rogers Communications in June 2019 after a 30–year run as the main voice of Prime Time Sports, the iconic afternoon–drive show that debuted on Oct. “But, I said it should come directly from him… and that’s when he composed the Tweet that everyone saw. “I met with Bob in the hospital on Thursday and he wanted me to break the news,” recalled Shannon. Īfter hosting the podcast, solo, for nearly two weeks, Shannon encouraged McCown to make his condition public. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS PODCAST THAT JOHN SHANNON AND OTHERS INSISTED McCOWN SEEK MEDICAL HELP. PARTIALLY STRIKEN McCOWN (BELOW) ON JUNE 15 HIS MOUTH FALLING OPEN WHILE LISTENING A NOTICEABLE DROOP ON LEFT SIDE OF HIS FACE. “He’s got a long recovery ahead,” Shannon offered, solemnly.īOB McCOWN (ABOVE) DURING A PRIME TIME SPORTS EPISODE WITH JEFF BLAIR. At least one concurrent stroke, in hospital, impaired his ability to speak and to walk. McCown’s stroke occurred on the right side of his brain. Facial weakness occurs on the opposite side of the body from where the stroke impacts the brain - on the left side for a right–hemisphere attack and vise versa. During an ischemic stroke, blood flow to a part of the brain is restricted by the narrowing or partial blockage of a blood vessel. Facial palsy occurs as a result of damage to the facial nerve inside the brain, caused by a lack of oxygen. Clearly, he had limited motor–control over his muscles. While listening to Boudreau, McCown’s mouth fell wide and unnaturally open. “He was admitted to hospital right away.” McCown, wearing sunglasses and a striped golf shirt, slurred many of his his words and presented with a noticeable droop on his left cheek. “After the Boudreau episode, we were all concerned and insisted that Bob seek medical help,” said Shannon, the former Hockey Night In Canada executive and panelist at Sportsnet. TORONTO (July 2) - The legendary voice of Prime Time Sports has been silenced.īob McCown, 71, is resting in hospital after incurring two, maybe three, strokes since June 15, when his alarming appearance during a podcast with sidekick John Shannon and former National Hockey League coach Bruce Boudreau prompted immediate action.
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