Broadcasters CLARE BALDING and STAN COLLYMORE "have led the tributes" to commentator DAVID OATES, who has died after a short illness at the age of 50, according to Mike Dawes of the London DAILY MAIL. Former Liverpool striker Collymore wrote on his Twitter account: "Sincere condolences to Lotty & Family at hearing the sad news of the death of David Oates. Worked with him many times, devastating news." Balding tweeted: "So shocked that BBC friend & colleague David Oates has died. He was a loveable Eeyore." Rugby Football League CEO NIGEL WOOD added: "David was not just a friend to the sport, he was a friend to many people at the RFL and we are shocked and saddened by his untimely death. As a broadcaster he was the consummate professional" (DAILY MAIL, 2/4). Head of radio sport RICHARD BURGESS said, "Everyone at BBC Radio Sport is in shock at this terrible news. David was a trusted and much-loved colleague who provided many years of loyal service to the BBC." Acting controller of BBC Radio 5 live JONATHAN WALL said, "No one ever had a bad word to say about David." Fellow TV and radio broadcaster NICKY CAMPBELL tweeted, "RIP David Oates. Wonderful pro. Lovely human being" (BBC, 2/3).
