ESPN Analyst Barry Melrose Retires After Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Barry Melrose
Emmy Award-winning hockey analyst Barry Melrose has officially announced his retirement.
The former NHL coach, 67, who has been an analyst at ESPN since 1996, revealed on Tuesday, Oct. 10, that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, leading to him 'stepping away' from the network, and his career.
Fellow sports commentator John Buccigross and frequent collaborator first broke the news on Oct. 10, sharing a video montage packed full of memorable moments from throughout Melrose's career, narrated by Wayne Gretzky, who led the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in Melrose's first season as coach, according to the publication.
"Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and is stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his," Buccigross tweeted. "I've worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century. Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor sharp wit, he was always early & looked like a million bucks. I love him. I'll miss him."
ESPN later confirmed the news, publishing a statement from the longtime employee.
"I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey," he said. "It's now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next."
He added, "I'm beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years. Thanks for the incredible memories and I'll now be cheering for you from the stands."
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