WESLACO - Dave Brown steps down as CHANNEL 5’s Sports Director. He announced the following:
The station has given me time to explain where I've been the last three months and what's coming up next. At the end of July, I was forced to deal with some health issues. They were serious but treatable.
So that's what I've been doing during a leave period from work. I've focused 100 percent on my health. And I feel better.
During this time, I was constantly evaluating what it would take to allow me to return to the newscasts. That was always the ultimate goal.
It had been my intention to work the next four years at CHANNEL 5 while my son completed college. Sometimes life intervenes. That's where I stand tonight.
Health issues have forced me to end a 34-year career as the daily sportscaster here at CHANNEL 5. Truth is I am facing an ongoing situation that requires more time than I can devote to my job.
I leave with no regrets. There are many things we've accomplished as a news team here.
I have an immense pride in helping this station grow from runner-up status in a two-station market to the dominant news operation it is today. I'd like to think our sports coverage had something to do with that.
I've worked for just three general managers and four news directors over four decades at the station. That's a testament to the stability of this company and its ownership, the Manship family in Baton Rouge.
They allowed a native Texan who talked too fast and looked too young to learn and grow as a sports reporter. And for that opportunity, I'll be forever grateful. I'm thankful for the consideration of all the managers, past and present, here at CHANNEL 5.
General Manager John Kittleman and News Director Jenny Martinez allowed me to define our sports product on my own terms through features like 60 Sports Seconds and First & Goal for Valley high school football.
I've worked with many professionals in this building. Many friends, too many to enumerate, they all have my respect. I'll miss the interaction on the anchor desk with Rick, Oscar, Letty and Tim. I'll miss sports office discussions with Joel.
I'll miss the bantering with producers, assignment and tape editors and reporters.
And as much as anything, I'll miss the photographers. They always performed at a high standard and made us look good in the process.
I thank the athletes, coaches and teams for allowing me to tell their stories. There was always respect for their effort.
I never criticized the high school kid who fumbled at the one-yard line, missed a key free throw, or let a ground ball roll through his legs. I might criticize the team but never the individual.
And for the professionals, who were getting paid, I tried to hold them to a higher standard. At the same time, fairness in coverage was always the goal.
Most of all, I thank the viewers. To those who've shared a few minutes with me on a nightly basis, I thank you for your loyalty. My goal was to inform and entertain. Sports should be fun. And I always tried to convey to you my enthusiasm for the games.
I can't leave under these circumstances without thanking my family, my wife and son, for their love and support during this time of decision.
Finally, though I'm leaving the anchor desk and full-time employment here, I'm not leaving CHANNEL 5 completely. I'll still be contributing content to the sportscast, the web site, and other special projects.
I've been privileged to share my time with our loyal viewers.
One of the nicest compliments came from a high school student here at the station for a Masterminds taping. He saw me in the building and told his friends, "That's Dave Brown. When he comes on the news, my dad and mom won't let us talk."
Audience appreciation like that is a blessing and will stay with me forever. Thank you all, so very, very much.
My signature tag out has always been, "That's sports."
Tonight I say it for the very last time.
