Tom Tolbert Exits KNBR/San Francisco After 28 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 14, 2024

Tom Tolbert

Longtime KNBR sports radio personality Tom Tolbert has departed the San Francisco outlet after nearly three decades on air. Tolbert confirmed his exit on Wednesday, sharing with SFGate that he was among several staff members let go from the Cumulus-owned sports outlet.

Cumulus spokesperson Lisa Dollinger stated that Tolbert will host one final show on Thursday, November 14. Midday host John Lund, who joined KNBR in 2016 after leaving rival station 95.7 The Game to co-host with Tolbert, is reportedly also among those affected by the cuts. KNBR Program Director Mike Hohler declined to comment but indicated that the station plans to release a statement with further details.

Throughout his career, Tolbert has contributed as a color analyst for NBA broadcasts on NBC and ESPN in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He also provided color commentary for Golden State Warriors games alongside play-by-play announcer Tim Roye, even after Warriors broadcasts transitioned from KNBR to 95.7 The Game. Warriors spokesperson Raymond Ridder confirmed that Tolbert will continue to cover Warriors home games with Roye.

Tolbert has been a fixture at KNBR since 1996, recently co-hosting the "Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks" show with Larry Krueger and Rod Brooks during afternoon drive time. In 2019, he signed a multi-year contract with the station and has also hosted KNBR's "Dubs Countdown to Tipoff" pre-game show.

Before his broadcasting career, Tolbert played seven years in the NBA as a forward and later moved into commentary for NBA broadcasts on networks like NBC, ABC and ESPN.