Vanderbilt broadcaster resigns, enters rehab after slurring words during radio show
Long-time Vanderbilt play-by-play broadcaster Joe Fisher is resigning from his position and entering a rehab facility. This comes shortly after Fisher was reportedly slurring his words during Monday night’s coaches show on ESPN 102.5 The Game.
Fisher revealed the news via his Twitter account:
I have had the honor of being the Voice of the Commodores for 23 years. Recently I went on the air representing Vanderbilt at a time when I should not have. I was unacceptable to me and to the university. I write this to tell you two things.
— Joe Fisher (@joefishervu) December 3, 2020
First, as of this morning I am checking myself into a rehab facility to address an issue I’ve struggled with for a long time. As a result I will be off the grid and out of pocket for a while. Second, I have resigned my position at Vanderbilt effective immediately.
— Joe Fisher (@joefishervu) December 3, 2020
I had hoped for a different resolution but that was not to be. I have wonderful memories and experiences with great coaches, players, staff, broadcasters and fans. I will cherish them always. God bless, I love you, and anchor down. Joe
— Joe Fisher (@joefishervu) December 3, 2020
During the broadcast, Fisher repeated different versions of the same questions to interim coach Todd Fitch, according to The Tennessean. This was the first coaches show since the firing of Derek Mason. Willy Daunic announced on 102.5 The Game that he’s replacing Fisher for Vanderbilt’s final 2 games.
In addition to football, Fisher also served as the play-by-play announcer for Vanderbilt basketball.
Vanderbilt athletics director Candice Lee issued a statement via Twitter regarding Fisher’s resignation.
“We appreciate your service and will never forget the great moments and memories shared with Commodore Nation,” Lee said “We now applaud your courage. Focus on what matters most & take great care of yourself on this journey. We wish you all the best.”
He had a brutal job in bringing excitement and entertainment to Vanderbilt athletics. That would probably lead many a good person to destructive behavior.
Derek Mason changes lives!
Joe Fisher was set to be a lifer at Vanderbilt. He was an institution there. I feel so sorry for Joe. When he worked at WSMV Channel 4 in Nashville, I was at another station, and we were friends more than rivals.
As for Willie Daunic, he is the regular radio PBP man of the Nashville Predators, so I don’t know how that’s going to work in January through March when the Preds and Vandy have conflicting schedules. I got to work side by side with Willie at press row many nights, and truth be told, he is one of the most underrated journalists in the business. He will do a great job at Vanderbilt, especially basketball, as he is a former Commodore basketball player in the CM Newton/Eddie Fogler days and former all-conference baseball player during the Roy Mewbourne days. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and suited up in one exhibition game for Toronto while progressing through the Minors.
I really feel sorry for Candace Lee. She really stepped into a quagmire when she took the AD’s job. She deserves a bonus. Maybe in two years, she can resign and run for Mayor to fix Nashville’s many problems. It will be less work, unless Mr. Cooper really mucks up the works.
What a shame, having a voice of the program is really important, as much as Mizzou fans like to make fun of Mike Kelly, he’s actually good at the job, having him to introduce Eli Drinkwitz as the new HC helped make that moment special.
A Man who cannot control the bottle is no Man. Period. If you can’t have ONE drink (beer, whatever) and stop; you need to leave it alone. It is a weakness; not a sickness. Truth is hard; but truth none the less.
you sure are judgmental. i’m sure you have no faults of your own right? but i guarantee you are addicted to something and have personal issues of some kind. we all do. it never said anything about alcohol anyway
Yeah, didn’t say but I could see how Vandy football could drive you to drinking. Sales have been up the last few years in Arkansas as well.
It would be nice if you posted an informed opinion instead of that drivel.
People even get addicted to cleaning and organizing for Heaven’s sake. Let’s just recognize how many different ways we waste our lives. Like reading and writing on football blogs, lol.
How true. I admittedly have OCD issues with cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. Visitors look at our kitchen and think it’s never been used. Speaking of OCD, there is a great Covid-related Youtube video about Monk. If you were a fan of that series, you should check it out. Tony Shaloub actually got Covid.
Your lack of empathy is appalling. “Don’t throw rocks when you live in a glass house!”
The most amazing part of this story is that there’s still Vandy fans who care about the state of the program enough to get smashed. I can’t even care that much about UT.
It may be prescription meds. Nothing was said about alcohol. Even if so, addiction is disease and is treated as such. Weakness or bad habits can lead to addiction. I wish him well. At least he admitted he needs help and is seeking it.