They Don’t Want Downing in Booth

How could anyone prefer Al Downing to Ross Porter? The true measure of a sportscaster’s effectiveness is the extent to which he melds with the game and reports the action inconspicuously. Ross Porter does this beautifully.

As for Downing: Although having served up the biggest gopher ball in the history of the game no doubt gives him a certain perspective that the rest of us lack, his obtrusive manner and condescending tone make it too unpleasant for anyone to appreciate it.

DAVE STUART

Los Angeles