Albert began his broadcasting career in the early 1960s after graduating from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. He started as a ball boy for the New York Knicks, which led to an opportunity to fill in as a radio announcer. His talent was quickly recognized, and he became the regular radio voice of the Knicks during the 1963-1964 season. Albert would go on to serve as the lead announcer for Knicks games for nearly four decades.
In addition to his work with the Knicks, Albert became the voice of the New York Rangers, handling play-by-play duties for the NHL team. His versatility also saw him cover a wide range of sports, including football, boxing, and horse racing.
Albert's national profile increased when he joined NBC Sports in the mid-1970s. He became a prominent figure in the network's NBA coverage, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA Finals on multiple occasions. His tenure at NBC also included coverage of the Olympics, NFL, and college basketball.
In 1997, Albert faced a significant scandal that led to a temporary derailment of his career. He was charged with sexual assault, to which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges, resulting in his firing from NBC. However, after a period of rehabilitation, he was able to return to sportscasting.
Albert's career rebounded in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He worked for Turner Sports, calling games for the NBA on TNT, and also returned to the MSG Network to call Knicks games. His work with Turner Sports also included coverage of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.
Throughout his career, Albert received numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award. He was also awarded the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) Sportscaster of the Year award on multiple occasions.
Albert's influence extended beyond his own work, as he comes from a family of broadcasters. His brothers, Al and Steve Albert, also pursued careers in sports broadcasting, and his son, Kenny Albert, is an accomplished sportscaster in his own right.
Marv Albert announced his retirement from sportscasting in 2021, concluding his career with the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. His legacy in the industry is marked by his distinctive voice, memorable calls, and his ability to rebound from personal controversy to maintain a long and successful career in sports broadcasting.
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On April 11, 1975, the atmosphere was charged at the playoff game between the New...
Playoffs Game 3 - New York Islanders vs New York Rangers - Radio Broadcast / On April 11, 1975, the atmosphere was charged at the playoff game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers, marking Game 3 of their series. This matchup came at a critical time for both teams in their first-ever playoff encounter, a battle reflective of the growing rivalry. The Islanders, only in their third season and experiencing their first playoff run, were keen to establish themselves against the veteran Rangers team. The Rangers, with a robust lineup and seasoned playoff experience, were determined not to let the newer franchise overshadow them in what had become a closely contested series.
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