Sports Anchor Drew Soicher Makes Embarrassing Comments about Pat Bowlen and Alzheimer’s

Dec 6, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen attends the game against the Oakland Raiders at the O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

There are times to be funny and times not to be funny, Drew Soicher of 9News apparently has no clue where that line is. On Thursday night while on the air doing what passes for a sports report, Soicher said the following:

"“There’s so much talk about Alzheimer’s at Denver Broncos Training Camp, That I had to look at the roster to see if it’s a new player.”"

I’m not even sure where to begin with this, it’s one of the most insensitive comments I’ve heard in a very long time. Soicher was obviously trying to have fun in light of Wednesday’s sobering news about Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who stepped down due to his ongoing battle with this horrible disease.

Soicher has long been known as a guy who is more interested in cracking jokes or playing with his bobble head collection than he is in covering sports. Personally, I’ve never liked his act but there are many who enjoy him. However he stepped way over the line with his recent comment and must be held accountable.

There are so many concerning things about Soicher’s comments but the fact that channel 9 is “The official station of the Broncos” is really disturbing. It’s not my place to call for anyone to be fired but it I’m involved in the management at channel 9, I’m taking a hard look at some things.

Because I can promise you that Soicher’s words have made their way into the locker room and the offices of Dove Valley, and they will not be received well. It would not shock me and I would fully support it if the Broncos chose to freeze Soicher out. They control who gets access and who doesn’t and Soicher may have a tough time interviewing the water boy at this point.

The Broncos are also professional enough to understand that Soicher was acting on his own and that channel 9 is probably just as disgusted as everyone else. However the public relations department of the Broncos will be watching the situation closely and if they don’t like how it’s being handled, then they will take action.

Wednesday was a very emotional and sad day for everyone involved with the Broncos and for a clown like Soicher to use that situation to get some laughs is disgraceful.

Anyone who can watch John Elway almost come to tears when talking about Bowlen one day, and then make a joke about it the next day is clueless and classless.

I’ve heard a few jokes and insensitive comments from other people and they are just as foolish, but for a professional like Soicher to make that joke on the air is just inexcusable. Maybe it shouldn’t come has a surprise, Soicher has always been a two-bit, wannabe hack and he completely embarrassed himself with his recent attempt at humor.

Bowlen has always represented the Broncos and the State of Colorado with class and dignity, and Soicher thought it would be funny to make a joke about the recent news.

It’s sad but not surprising from a guy who thinks bobble heads are more important than the score of tonight’s game.