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Jim Hawthorne, who has been the voice of the LSU Tigers since 1982, will miss his first LSU football game since taking the job.
Hawthorne is recovering from a successful medical procedure he underwent last week. He is expected to make a full recovery, but won’t be able to make it to Tuscaloosa, Ala. this Saturday to call the fourth-ranked Tigers’ game with the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide.
He has called the last 387 LSU football games.
“I appreciate all of the wonderful thoughts, prayers and well-wishes from LSU fans,” Hawthorne said in a statement released by the school. “The show of support has been overwhelming. It’s truly humbling to have so many people call, email, and send text messages asking how I’m doing. I can’t respond to all of them, but they are very much appreciated.”
This is the 71-year-old Hawthorne’s final year calling games for LSU. He will retire at the end of the Tigers’ basketball season.
Earlier this year, Hawthorne received the Chris Schenkel Award in recognition of his long broadcasting career.
Patrick Wright, who announces LSU’s women’s basketball games, will call the LSU-Alabama game in Hawthorne’s place on Saturday. Gordy Rush will host head coach Les Miles’ radio show on Wednesday.
