Celebrating Bob

Originally Published: Aug 31, 2010 5:45 PM CDT

This is Bob Barry Sr’s last go-round. He said so himself today in Norman. 50 years calling college games in Oklahoma. 50 years.

There are those who have been all too ready to rip Bob for missteps in the booth in the past few years. There are others who actually appreciate what he’s meant to his profession, and to the Sooners and the Cowboys over the years and who can give their honest opinions about him without the cheap shots. Then there are those who just like or love him for who he is, period.

Who is Bob Barry? To me, he’s a kind, funny, self-deprecating man who’s filled a storehouse full of goodwill to go along with his talent and insight as a sportscaster. I’ll remember Bob for the energy in his voice, his easy laugh and for what he said to me on the driving range at Southern Hills several years ago. I won’t give the details, but it still makes me smile.

Bob Barry isn’t perfect. No one is of course, and the Sooners don’t go 14-0 and win the BCS title every year either. But I’ll bet Bob would also tell you that the passion that brings some fans to criticize him or anything else is the same passion that’s made his job so prominent, and so much fun for so long.

In other words, the good with the bad.

And in my book, Bob Barry will always be good.