Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely dies at 93
FILE - Former radio announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers Bill Schonely reacts to the fans as he is honored during halftime of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Portland, Ore., Sunday, April 10, 2022. Bill Schonely, the longtime Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster who coined the phrase “Rip City” died on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. He was 93. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steve Dykes]
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Longtime Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely, who coined the phrase “Rip City,” has died. He was 93. Affectionately known as “The Schonz,” Schonely was the team’s broadcaster for its inaugural season in 1970 and held the job for some 28 years. Schonely then served as ambassador for the team and was a frequent fixture at home games until his formal retirement last year. The team says he died in Portland with his wife by his side. The cause of death was not released.
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