Jeff here…
As many of you know, growing up I was a huge Atlanta Braves fan (and still am). The voices of three Braves announcers – Ernie Johnson, Sr., Skip Carey and Pete Van Wieren – provided part of the soundtrack of my life growing up. They returned every summer and settled into our house like regular members of the family, calling Braves games, whether it was on the radio or on “SuperStation WTBS”.
Even though I haven’t been a fan of the NBA since I was a kid, I’ve been aware of Johnson’s son, Ernie Johnson, Jr., and his success hosting the NBA on TNT studio show with the likes of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The few times I saw the show I could definitely see the appeal and why it is so popular.
Only recently have I found out what kind of man Ernie Johnson, Jr. is when he is not on camera. In May he won a Sports Emmy for best studio host. He promptly presented it to the daughters of the late Stuart Scott, who died after a long battle with cancer early this year, saying “this (award), there’s only one place it belongs, and it’s on the mantle at Stuart Scott’s house.”
But prior to that, the ESPN news magazine show E:60 had profiled Ernie Johnson and his family. I’m not going to spoil it for you, but do yourself a favor and carve out 20 minutes of your day and watch it.
One of the primary messages we want to convey through this blog is that every life matters, and every life deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That message comes through loud and clear through Ernie Johnson, his son, and his entire family.
Fearfully and Wonderfully 