Tim's Statement Regarding his future with the SEC NETWORK:
"Yesterday, as I was leaving Memphis and the wonderful folks at St. Jude Childrenās Research Hospital, ESPNās Brett McMurphy (a favorite guest of ours on the Tim Brando Show) aka āSources McMurphyā reported via Twitter, that I was being added to the ensemble of talent with the SEC Network. While accurate, his story is not yet complete.
Let me clarify, Iām genuinely excited, grateful, and cannot wait to be a part of the SEC Network Team. Yes, I have verbally agreed to join them! However, this story going public was not something I was prepared to address so quickly.
Since my exit from CBS in January, there has been much speculation about my future. (Most of it connecting me with the SEC Network.) The usual line of questioning towards goes a little like this: āHey Tim, How you doing? Going to the SEC Network?!ā
I have pledged to live in the here and now of life. The truth is, at this stage, I have no idea if I will be involved in any of the SEC Networkās coverage of College Football. I am hopeful and remain passionate about my love of College Football. In whatever capacity they deem me worthy of inclusion; I will be ready to work.
Okay, thatās what I donāt know. Here is what I do know. The SEC Network wants me to call a lot of College Basketball. I have always placed College Hoops on a pedestal and the chance to get back into the SEC in the winter, along with my ACC relationship with Raycom genuinely excites me.
This marks my return of sorts, to ESPN as a Network. In many ways, this is a return to where it all began almost 30 years ago. They had been on the air only 6 years when I got there at age 29. Three decades later, the World Wide Leader launches yet another Network. This time, itās in my own backyard with the Gold Standard of Intercollegiate Athletics, The SEC.
This is a great day for me and I am thrilled to have this opportunity with the SEC Network. Some reports yesterday had me doing āJust Basketballā for the Network. That may not be the case, but it might be true for the coming season. The bottom line is, whatever they want me to do, in any capacity, studio or games, I will attack it with the same enthusiasm I had in 1987 when we debuted the original College Gameday with Lee Corso and the late, great Beano Cook.
The term most associated with my career status these days is āVeteran Broadcaster.ā To that end, I sincerely hope that my role with the SEC Network will enable me to pay it forward. My plans are to help the many young broadcasters they employ, both in front of and behind the camera.
I began my journey of covering the SEC in 1979. Itās that experience and understanding of the Conferenceās history that is the greatest attribute I hope to bring to all facets, in every sport that the SEC Network covers.
Many thanks to the Executives at ESPN and the Conference Office in Birmingham, for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to joining so many talented friends and colleagues as a part of the SEC Networkās Inaugural Team!" -Timmy B