D.C. Sports Media Approval Ratings: Steve Buckhantz
No matter what happens throughout the rest of his career, Steve Buckhantz's broadcasting resume will forever feature two highlights: breaking the news of Joe Gibbs's first retirement, and "Daggggggggger!!!!!!"
Anyhow, Buckhantz has been a fixture in local broadcasting for several decades, earning more than 150 mentions in The Washington Post over that span. He spent nearly 14 years as sports director and lead anchor at WTTG in D.C., becoming a newsmaker himself not just with the Gibbs story but when Dexter Manley made a suicide threat to the broadcaster during a phone conversation in 1995.
He earned the Bullets/Wizards play-by-play job on HTS starting in the 1997-'98 season, after Mel Proctor left HTS for a job calling Padres games in San Diego. Other rumored candidates, according to The Post at the time, had included Johnny Holliday, Bob Rathbun, and Bullets radio voice (and most-approved D.C. sports media person) Charlie Slowes. (The Orioles job on HTS was open at the same time, and Buckhantz's departure from WTTG led to Brett Haber's hiring.)
Before landing the Wiz job, Buckhantz had done college sports calling for HTS, been the play-by-play man for Navy football (working with John Feinstein) and announced several regional NFL broadcasts for Fox. He also previously anchored sports at stations in Atlanta, Tennessee and Harrisonburg, where he went to school at James Madison. He was born in the District and raised in Northern Virginia. In recent years, his "Dagggggerrrrr" business and genial attitude have earned him dozens of mentions on the biggest sports blogs, from an ode to his bare chest (on Mister Irrelevant) to a greatest hits compilation (on Sports By Brooks) to a love letter and recap of his kissing escapades (on Awful Announcing).
Bearing in mind that you have just two options, here's your chance to judge Steve Buckhantz. Choose carefully, and offer explanation below.
Past results after the jump.
Charlie Slowes (81 percent approval)
Chick Hernandez (80 percent approval)
Mike Wise (77 percent approval)
Steve Czaban (75 percent approval)
Tony Kornheiser (74 percent approval)
Dave Feldman (73 percent approval)
Brett Haber (71 percent approval)
John Riggins (69 percent approval)
Larry Michael (18 percent approval)
By Dan Steinberg |
June 17, 2008; 10:57 AM ET
| Category:
Media
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Posted by: John Taylor | June 17, 2008 11:09 AM
gotta love buck
Posted by: antonio | June 17, 2008 11:13 AM
Buckhantz being any but the top rated? To that I say:
"Not possible! Not Possible!"
Posted by: Alberto | June 17, 2008 11:14 AM
I would be stunned if he doesn't get over 95 percent.
Posted by: StetSports.com | June 17, 2008 11:18 AM
Buckhantz could pull a Ron Burgundy ("I'm Steve Buckhantz...go **** yourself, DC!) and I'd still approve.
Posted by: EdTheRed | June 17, 2008 11:28 AM
As a Wiz supporter, it is difficult not to like Buckhantz. His demeanor and professionalism toward the local NBA team is unparallel when compared with other "homerish" sportscasters.
The thing that stands out with Buckhantz is his respect for the other team and their players. He doesn't mind acknowledging how good Kobe or LeBron is as players and Phil Jackson or Popovich as coaches, for example; while at the same time justifying the talents of Jamison, Butler, Arenas, and even Eddie Jordan.
Posted by: greg | June 17, 2008 11:32 AM
Whole-heartedly approve of my fellow Duke!
I love listening to him and Phil. They keep the game interesting and light, even when we're playing down to a cellar dwellar, consequentially, I tend to drink a lot less during Wiz games than Skins games.
Plus he's been immortalized by the bobble head!
Posted by: WaPoLiveFan16 | June 17, 2008 11:40 AM
The first time Buck and Phil interviewed that idiotic Geico caveman at halftime was some of the most uncomfortable, and hysterical, television I have ever seen.
Posted by: bryc3 | June 17, 2008 11:56 AM
Wow, Buckhantz is getting a Steinz-ian approval rating. Reference: http://misterirrelevant.com/index.php/2008/06/17/dan-steinberg-is-the-pride-of-fredonia-ny/
Posted by: Jamie Mottram | June 17, 2008 12:09 PM
this should be 100% approve, how can you not like Steve?
Posted by: Jake | June 17, 2008 12:11 PM
Approve without reservation. He's got a sense of humor, and he's a smart guy.
Posted by: TMU | June 17, 2008 12:37 PM
god bless the buck
Posted by: rfzonadc | June 17, 2008 12:55 PM
Other than the fact that his heavy hairspray usage has substantially contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer, it's hard to come up with a real gripe. Doesn't hate Czaban enough, maybe?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 17, 2008 12:58 PM
Bucks is cool, two thumbs up...
Posted by: DirtyHarry | June 17, 2008 1:22 PM
100% Approve
Posted by: Eric G | June 17, 2008 1:38 PM
Buck seems like a nice guy, but he's too much of a company (Wizards, Inc.) man for me. Since "neutral" is not an option, I'll have to go with disapprove.
Posted by: Sorry Buck | June 17, 2008 1:54 PM
Restoring the good Dukes' name in sports since Scott Norwood decimated it
Posted by: laxbigj | June 17, 2008 2:29 PM
When is Dave Johnson going to be added to this poll?
K
Posted by: SEKim | June 17, 2008 4:20 PM
Being a JMU alum and huge Wizards fan..I pretty much have to love this guy.
Sometimes I feel he gets too negative when he says things like 'the Wizards have missed 8 eight free throws", when they are winning by 12 with three minutes left.
Lets go Dukes! 2004 National Football Champions!
Posted by: H Street | June 17, 2008 4:31 PM
OT - for the caption contest:
"Buckhantz shows Dave Johnson and Eddie Jordan a little video called 2girls,1.........."
Posted by: apqjr | June 17, 2008 6:28 PM
Sorry Buck, I approve because of the opposite reason. It's sometimes annoying how unbiased he can be. Our local play-by-play guys are more neutral than the national networks.
Posted by: sitruc | June 17, 2008 11:32 PM
You're RIGHT! I DON'T hate Czabe enough!
Just kidding, I love the guy.
Thanks for all the nice comments folks!
Posted by: BUCK | June 19, 2008 1:21 PM
No one can touch Buckhantz, period. Buck has always and will always be in a league all his own!!!
Posted by: stcepal | June 20, 2008 3:53 PM
He loves basketball and he means well, but usually his broadcasts are just a never ending torrent of statistics and numbers.
Sometimes, after a while, I have to turn the sound off.
Posted by: DDB | June 20, 2008 6:35 PM
I was never much of a basketball fan, but Buck and Phil make the games interesting even for a female viewer....plus he is a GREAT dresser! Love those ties!!
Posted by: Bootsie | June 30, 2008 12:10 AM
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