Ahead of Game 3 of NBA Finals, Rep. Magaziner Recognizes Trailblazer Doris Burke on House Floor

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) spoke on the House Floor to recognize Doris Burke, who is making history as the first woman to serve as a television game analyst for a championship final in one of the four major professional U.S. sports leagues.

Burke made history several times over the course of her impressive 34-year career. She was the first woman to call a Big East men’s basketball game, first woman to call a New York Knicks broadcast, and the first woman to call the Conference Finals and NBA Finals on radio and television. She was also a standout point guard at Providence College, where she graduated as their all-time assist leader with 602 career assists.

Watch Rep. Magaziner’s full floor speech HERE. Below is a transcript of his remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“As the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks prepare to meet in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, I rise to celebrate Doris Burke, a trailblazer who is making history as the first woman to call a championship broadcast in a major American men’s sports league.

“Burke’s love for basketball started at a young age and eventually brought her to Rhode Island, where she starred as point guard for the Providence College Friars and led them in assists for three years, was selected as a member of the Big East All-Tournament Team twice, and graduated as PC's all-time assist leader with 602 career assists.

“Later in life, Burke continued to pursue her passion for sports by calling her alma mater’s women’s basketball games. Not long after, she began calling games for ESPN, where she has become recognized for her keen insights and encyclopedic knowledge of the game. 

“Throughout her 34-year career, Doris Burke has broken one barrier after another. She made history as the first woman to call a Big East men’s basketball game, first woman to call a New York Knicks game, and the first woman to call the Conference Finals and NBA Finals on radio and television.

“It’s an inspiration to see and hear Doris on TV as millions of Americans tune in to the NBA Finals. Doris Burke is a living legend and her career and accomplishments are an inspiration to us all. 

“Thank you, and I yield back.”