End of an era – OKC Thunder won’t renew Brian Davis’ contract

A decade of service as the voice of OKC Thunder ends as the franchise elects to not renew Brian Davis’ contract.

For ten years, Brian Davis has been the warm voice pumped into OKC Thunder fans homes. Now, his journey with the organization is over. Did Brain Davis deserve to be let go? Did this all stem from his controversial comments?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have decided not to renew the contract of Brian Davis. For most Thunder fans this is heart wrenching. For some, it is long overdue. Brian Davis is the only voice Thunder fans have known, the only voice ever coming through their television sets.

Brian Davis has been through every twist and turn in the OKC Thunder organization. He has seen players come, and players go. He saw the 2012 OKC Thunder team make a miraculous run to the NBA Finals. Disappointing finishes, historic milestones, some iconic catch phrases and a passionate fanbase.

However, now that ride is over. The organization will have to do something for the first time since moving to Oklahoma City: Replace the voice of the team.

Remembering the better times:

While some might have felt his overly biased views, and over reliance on cliches and phrases were annoying; undoubtedly there were some great times mixed in. No matter if you loved him or hated his broadcasting prowess there is no denying he left an impression.

There were many iconic calls along the way:

• “Thunder on the high side!” brings joy to the ears of Thunder fans alike. Something Brian Davis would scream with glee when the OKC Thunder got back on top in a high contested game.
• “Si Senior!” Every time the OKC Thunder shooting guard Alex Abrines would nail a 3-point shot, there Brain Davis was with that line as Abrines ran back on defense brusheing his beard.
• “He made Chicken Salad, out of Chicken something else!” This line was arguably Brian Davis most iconic line. The one he will be most remembered for. This came after an unthinkable finish at the rim, a fancy pass, or a wildly contested shot that still falls in.
• Arguing with foul calls–even if they were correct. Some fans loved that about Brian Davis. They admired the fact that the OKC Thunder had someone in their corner to protest and object to every call. Others, thought it was absurd to get so worked up over a call that was correct, just to defend the home town team.

There are so many more catch phrases that Brian Davis would deploy during OKC Thunder battles against other NBA squads. However, there were also phrases that got Brian Davis into hot water.

What did he just say?

Brian Davis came under fire this season, when he said this during the final regular season game. A game in which Russell Westbrook clinched back-to-back triple double season averages. Davis was then suspended for game one of the teams first round playoff series.

Many people wanted Brian Davis’ head on the platter that day. The OKC Thunder organization felt it best to suspend him for a game, then decide his fate in the offseason.

While that comment was not the only factor playing into Brain Davis’ departure from the OKC Thunder broadcast crew it was surely a big one.

Russell Westbrook on Brian Davis:

Is the backlash fair?

It is not my place to tell anyone if they should, or should not be offended. Especially not when the phrase has such deep undertones.

However, do I personally feel Brian Davis is a racist? No.

Do I think he deserved to be fired over this comment? Yes.

While many people around the state of Oklahoma and the south, might feel that this is a commonly used expression that bares no punishment, they have to remember one thing. The NBA and the OKC Thunder are both global brands. The reach and platforms for this league are massive, and what broadcasters say will hit the ears of millions. From all different backgrounds, and walks of life.

The comments did not display racism, but rather a lack of understand, a lack of awareness. As a professional broadcaster, or even the common man, it is important to think before you speak. Clearly, Brian Davis did not understand his audience.

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• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

No, not a sub section of the NBA’s North American audience who has heard this phrase and gets the gist of it’s meaning. Rather, the audience tuning into an OKC Thunder game from other places around the globe. An audience that may not have previously been exposed to such phrases, and double entendres.

As a broadcaster, especially one with such reach, you have to understand how each string of words you put together may impact someone. How it might make them feel, both good or bad.

Again, while almost every person native to Oklahoma knows and understands the real meaning behind that saying, there are thousands, if not millions of people who do not.

Note: It is uncertain how much the end of the year comment played into the decision to let go of Brian Davis.

While I feel not renewing Brian Davis’ contract was the right move, I along with my fellow TI scribes thank him for his decade of service, countless memories and wish him well in his next endeavor.