National Basketball Association

Pistons' radio play-by-play man Mark Champion to undergo heart surgery

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Detroit Pistons’ longtime radio play-by-play man Mark Champion will undergo scheduled heart surgery on Thursday. He’ll be out for a few weeks.

Longtime Detroit Pistons’ play-by-play voice Mark Champion announced Wednesday on Twitter that he’ll be undergoing heart surgery.

According to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, Champion will have a valve repaired.

Champion, 66, said he will have a valve repaired.
Champion is optimistic because the surgery has become routine is certain aspects.

“The procedure has gotten to the point where it’s like taking your appendix out,” he said. “It’s just amazing how the science has advanced in valve repair, so that’s encouraging.”

Pregame host Jake Chapman will fill in and keep the seat warm.

“The Pistons have been wonderful,” Champion said. “They told me to take care of business and get healthy, and get back to work. They’ve been fantastic. We’re covered there.”

Champion does the play-by-play on Detroit’s 105.1 FM alongside color commentator and Piston legend Rick Mahorn.

Champion has done play-by-play for the Pistons since 2001, occasionally switching off with TV play-by-play man George Blaha when the Pistons are on national TV. He also did play-by-play for the Detroit Lions from 1989 until 2004.

Champion was a recipient of the Ty Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting in 2004, which is awarded by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association.