Doris Burke’s has been slow but tough. Initially a basketball player who played for the Providence Friars women’s team, her life took a sudden turn with a broadcasting career. She joined ESPN in 1990, working in various roles within the organization. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that her career actually took a turn for the best—at the expense of Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Bundy. Notably, ESPN cut Gundy after 16 years as the network’s top NBA game analyst owing to a cost-cutting move. Jackson, on the other hand, was offered the option to stay, but only as part of the No. 2 broadcast team. Instead of accepting the demotion, he chose to walk away. That left an opening on ESPN’s top NBA crew, and Burke was the one to fill it. Since then, it hasn’t been too easy for Burke…

While the veteran became the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on television, criticism haven’t died down. Case in point: Columnist and “perennial pot-stirrer” Jason Whitlock heavily criticized Burke in August 2023, saying, “I absolutely love Doris Burke. She does a really good job, but she is not qualified to be the No. 1 broadcaster on the NBA. “All of that is out the window. You place a woman in this spot – Doris Burke is good, but if you think she’s woman enough to criticize these multimillionaire NBA players and coaches, it’s not gonna happen.” What’s more?

The broacaster recently made a big error while commentating for the OKC vs Cavs game. Midway through the second quarter, the referee blew the whistle for a foul, sending a Thunder player to the line for free throws. Since it was free throws, she automatically assumed it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when it was actually Jalen Williams. The latest controversy, though, arose after the latest Miami Heat vs New York Knicks.

On one hand, the Knicks defeated the Miami 116-95, with Mikal Bridges scoring 28 points, Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 23 points, and Josh Hart tying a franchise record with his eighth triple-double this season. On the other hand, fans felt defeated by Burke’s reportedly “insufferable” commentating skills. Notably, this comes merely weeks after ESPN play-by-play commentator talked how Burke sets the tone. “I have a T-shirt that pays homage to her. It says Doris Burke is my favorite broadcaster — and she is, like, she literally is. I really debated if I should bring the shirt to shootaround, but there is no shootaround so that is out of the question. She really sets the bar, sets the tone. I remember following her in college basketball when she was doing women’s basketball, and at the time, she was set up with Beth Mowins. I remember just always trying to make an effort to talk to her. Her pace, her authenticity, her knowledge, her swag, to be frank, is unparalleled.”

Having said that, the latest controversy started with one particular X user, casually tweeting, “Doris Burke is one of the most insufferable commentators to listen to in all of sports… Easy mute EVERY time.” Soon enough, the discourse spread like wildfire.

Doris Burke fails to impress critics

Burke, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, has built a respected career through her deep basketball knowledge and decades of experience. However, her commentary style isn’t for everyone. Her calling back-to-back games has sparked frustration among others, particularly those outside New York. “Doris Burke two games in a row for us non-NY residents is BRUTAL,” wrote one user. This also comes amid many alleging how Burke is unusually harsh while criticizing the Knicks.

Another netizen chimed in with, “Nba rating are down because I have to listen to Doris Burke on the call then Kendrick Perkins at halftime.” This reaction taps into a common complaint among certain NBA fans—broadcaster fatigue. Doris Burke and Kendrick Perkins bring a ton of experience and strong opinions, but many fans dismiss their styles. Fans praise Burke for showcasing deep analysis and storytelling, while Perkins frequently delivers blunt, sometimes exaggerated takes. For viewers who prefer a more straightforward call or less talk-heavy halftime analysis, this duo can feel like an overload.

Many feel Doris constantly criticizes the team, with one frustrated fan voicing it loud and clear: “Stop having Doris Burke commentate Knicks games. It’s all negative Knicks slander.” 

Top Comment by Swanny

I’m a Celtics fan… NBC Boston broadcast the games …. when they are on nationally and she’s broadcasting… TORTURE

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That sentiment isn’t unique to Knicks fans—Lakers supporters recently had their own issues with Burke during a controversial call involving Luka Dončić. During a heated moment against the Celtics, Jaylen Brown elbowed Dončić, and officials overturned the initial offensive foul after a coach challenged the call. Fans already expressed their frustration with the call, and Burke’s dismissive reaction further fueled the fire. Instead of acknowledging the contact, she downplayed it, saying, “I don’t think that’s enough unless there’s a different angle here.”

Many believe Burke’s commentary consistently leans against New York, nitpicking mistakes while giving their opponents the benefit of the doubt. Whether it’s unconscious bias or simply her broadcasting style, it’s clear that a large section of the NBA fanbase feels Burke’s takes aren’t always as neutral as they should be.

One fan summed it up bluntly: “Doris Burke doesn’t think the Knicks can beat the Cavs or Celtics, and I respectfully think it’s a f—— travesty ESPN replaced Van Gundy and Mark Jackson with her.”

The frustration stems from Burke’s perceived lack of faith in the Knicks. New York fans still remember last year’s playoff series against Cleveland, where the ‘Big Apple’ dominated in five games. Yet, despite that convincing win, Burke still doubts their ability to beat the Cavs again—let alone take down the Celtics. While the Cavs this year are different, but even giving them a chance is brutal.

This criticism isn’t just about the Knicks, though. Many fans feel that ESPN’s decision to replace Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson with Burke has weakened the broadcast. Van Gundy was known for his deep understanding of the game, and Jackson brought the perspective of a former coach and player.

Whether it’s intentional or not, the perception remains—Burke’s analysis often sells New York short, and fans aren’t letting it slide.