Brandstatter (r) said that he was never given any explanation for the firingJIM BRANDSTATTER
Jim Brandstatter's 31-year career as the Lions' radio analyst "came to an abrupt and surprising end" yesterday when WJR-AM "notified him of termination with three years remaining on his contract," according to Chengelis & Dickson of the DETROIT NEWS. Brandstatter will be replaced by former NFLer Lomas Brown, who WJR likes because he "had a lengthy NFL career and lives locally." Brown will be paired with play-by-play voice Dan Miller. WJR GM Tom O'Brien said, "With Lomas available -- an 18-year veteran and a seven-time Pro Bowler -- and a well-respected Detroit Lions guy who still lives here and is still involved in this community, we though he would bring a great perspective." The move does not impact Brandstatter's position calling "play-by-play for Michigan football radio broadcasts" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/11). O'Brien indicated that WJR "wanted to go in a different direction in its third year as the team's flagship." However, Brandstatter said that he was "never given any explanation" for the firing. He said, "Never anything from anyone, anybody about my job performance." Brandstatter: "I called the people over at the Lions and they didn’t know. They were not aware. We all got blindsided today” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/11). Brown has "appeared as an analyst on ESPN and local networks" in the past. He also has called Lions preseason games (MLIVE.com, 7/10).
