Mark Packer is no longer on the air

[Former44]

I guess my biggest problem is Mark Packer's abrasiveness and lack of contextual awareness in the play-by-play role of the broadcasts. After all, these are high school kids and not professional athletes. I think it is great that he is a benefactor for the promotion and advancement of local high school programs and their student/athletes. However, I think his need to be the highly-visible face is a disservice to the entire operation; he doesn't have to be the play-by-play guy… but he is. If he is going to insist on filling that role, he should turn some of the high-powered judgment and standards that he uses to evaluate kids during the broadcasts on himself and his performance. 

Edited September 27, 2020 by Former44

[GREYRIDERx]

13 hours ago, strongx said:

I agree and enjoy the games as well. But...Friday night it became too personal for him to manage. He interrupted the game to attempt to embarrass a ref who blew a call. Police had to escort him off the field.

He crossed the line and argued with the refs, school officials, and police. It was hard to watch. Hopefully, he has contacted both schools with an apology and even twits out an apology for anyone who follows him. 

Everybody makes mistakes.

He is a peckerwood and has made more than one

[GREYRIDERx]

6 hours ago, Mavericksinflight said:

He may have made a mistake that we have all been wanting to make at one time or the other. But to say no longer on the air is like 1 strike your outta here. That would not be fair. Call it a personal foul eject for a game and back to normal. We have been lucky enough to have a guy so committed to advancing high school football over the years. 

I think it might be fair to say if we threw a poll up that he would still win the poll. But that's my opinion and we entitled to it and I do understand those that have concerns too.

Lol 1 strike? 

[Red Rebels]

On 8/30/2014 at 5:05 AM, FightOnForWilliamBlount91 said:

Huh?

I am watching the game as we speak (I recorded it) and I didn't hear him say anything bad about Maryville or Alcoa. In fact he was very complimentary of both programs. I have heard him say some questionable things in the past, but I don't think he means harm. He just jokes sometimes and it gets taken the wrong way. Let's face it, adults get way too sensitive about kids, I'm guilty of that myself when it comes to WB. But I haven'r heard him say anything that is even borderline offensive yet. Idk maybe I'm missing something/missed something.

It seems he keeps skating by. Keep toting his water:

 

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/04/04/wvlt-anchor-mark-packer-uses-anti-semitic-slur-on-live-tv-in-knoxville-then-apologizes/3362397002/

[Mavericksinflight]

45 minutes ago, Red Rebels said:

It seems he keeps skating by. Keep toting his water:

 

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/04/04/wvlt-anchor-mark-packer-uses-anti-semitic-slur-on-live-tv-in-knoxville-then-apologizes/3362397002/

I am betting slip of the tongue. Of course no excuse. And I am sure he has nothing against anyone.

[Red Rebels]

[Jetjock]

26 minutes ago, Red Rebels said:

did he already eat the visitors press box ???

[KnoxVil]

Personally, I appreciate Packer. Is he a great sports broadcaster? Nope! Does he make himself look ridiculous often? Yep! But he supports the kids in our community and I am appreciative. I truly understand why Maryville doesn’t care for him but for most of the locals, it ain’t so bad.

[GREYRIDERx]

2 hours ago, Mavericksinflight said:

I am betting slip of the tongue. Of course no excuse. And I am sure he has nothing against anyone.

Yes you do mark

[Red Rebels]

44 minutes ago, KnoxVil said:

Personally, I appreciate Packer. Is he a great sports broadcaster? Nope! Does he make himself look ridiculous often? Yep! But he supports the kids in our community and I am appreciative. I truly understand why Maryville doesn’t care for him but for most of the locals, it ain’t so bad.

I've lived in other TV markets, there are guys doing the same thing he does without the condescension or arrogance. His crew does a fine job with the broadcast and technically it is very good. I don't care for him as a personality. I heard he made a few calls over the weekend (off the record) of course. When  you play up to the crowd for years, you better be ready for when they are no longer with you. I remember a few years ago and the MHS vs. (Devrin Young) Bearden Bulldogs game. He was giddy waltzing up and down the monolith that Bearden calls their home bleachers. He was playing to the Maryville crowd and loving it. I think he thought they would lose. Oh well... Good video terrible audio.

[STARSNBARS]

23 minutes ago, Red Rebels said:

 I remember a few years ago and the MHS vs. (Devrin Young) Bearden Bulldogs game. He was giddy waltzing up and down the monolith that Bearden calls their home bleachers. He was playing to the Maryville crowd and loving it. I think he thought they would lose.

RR eye reemimburr thait gaim.....Ole Devrin jist commentid two Ewe Tea tha day beefour.....Mairvul won easylee and tha finull cownt wuz Devrin 1 TD.......Mairvul's littull 12 yeer old frashman, Shawn Prevo 4 TDS......Bless hiz hart......

[KnoxVil]

44 minutes ago, GREYRIDERx said:

Yes you do mark

That ain’t Mark! That is “HIGH” in Seattle! CDG’s of Anderson County’s family member. He really enjoys the green and I ain’t talking money.