There was some major news in the sports world earlier this week, as Arash Madani announced his unexpected departure from Sportsnet.
The veteran broadcaster had worked with Sportsnet for 16 years, the first 14 of which he was best known thanks to his great coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays. An exact reason for the departure wasn’t given at the time, though he did indicate that it wasn’t his choice. He opened up about that on Thursday in an appearance on The SportsCage Podcast.
“We know what we sign up for, this is a volatile industry. Changes happen all the time,” said a seemingly well-spirited Madani. “My name came up this week, and that was that. You’re disappointed, you’re upset, all those things are real, it’s true. … You feel the stages of grief when something like this happens.”
Though many would be bitter and hold the company who let them go in ill will, Madani is taking a much different approach. The 2017 George Gross Trophy winner is instead focusing on how lucky he was to have such a great opportunity for nearly two decades.
“I’m from Truro, Nova Scotia. I got to the Masters, Wimbledon, Olympics, Super Bowls, NBA Finals, World Series, and they paid me to be there,” Madani said. “You know what I mean? How can I be mad about that? I got to do play-by-play. I got to interview all these people, Derek Jeter, Christine Sinclair, Roger Federer, David Beckham. Like what? Me?”
In his original post announcing his departure, Madani hinted that he will continue to work in the media world, though it remains to be seen exactly where that will be. Regardless, he seems to be in good spirits despite the disappointing news, which is great for many Canadians who watched him for years to hear.
