After years of acclaim, veteran studio host Doris Burke has gotten the call from ESPN to become the network’s primary color commentator for national broadcasts for the upcoming 2017-2018 NBA season. Burke, who had served as a commentator and analyst on select games, will be replacing Doug Collins as the network’s regular go-to talent for its games, all of which are nationally televised. In the league’s later playoff rounds, which ESPN doesn’t cover, Burke will remain in her role as the lead sideline reporter for those games.
Burke’s the first woman to fill the role, and the consensus is that she’s the most qualified person for the job.
With this promotion, it’s clear that she’s earned ESPN’s buy-in as well. Tim Corrigan, a senior coordinating producer for ESPN, said of Burke in a statement:
“Simply put, Doris Burke is one of the best commentators in sports. She's incredibly accomplished, respected and admired, and for good reason. Her work-ethic and her passion for the NBA are second-to-none, she's a great colleague and she makes our coverage better. Doris has spent a lifetime in basketball, and now, she'll be able to share all of her knowledge, from the booth, with NBA fans on a regular basis.”
Burke’s response to the news underlined both her enthusiasm and gratitude for her new role. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, she remarked:
“I believe if the players and coaches respect my viewpoint of the game, then fans will as well. And full credit there goes to the NBA and to ESPN. They are willing to put people like me in a position to do this. It's pretty cool to have a greater role and the chance to continue to cover a sport that I love with the best players and coaches in the world.”
Burke’s pedigree as a player and broadcaster casts little doubt on her abilities to handle her new assignment. She played college ball for the Providence Friars, setting the school’s record in assists. She began her broadcasting career in 1990 and joined ESPN in 1997, serving as an analyst for the network’s WNBA coverage. More recently, she teamed up with ESPN’s other NBA talent on the studio show “NBA Countdown,” where she got props from colleagues and fans alike for showing she hasn’t lost a step when it comes to her on-court prowess.
She won’t be able to showcase her moves from the announcing table, but something tells me she’s willing to live with her new trade-off.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.