Norm Van Lier dead at 61

Wow, that is really sad an unexpected :-(

When I watch NBA games I often call the fouls before the referees do. Sometimes it’s a gift. Most of the time it's troublesome. - NBA Observer

by Illini15 on Feb 26, 2009 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was actually going to see if anyone here wanted to do a Q&A with him.

I’m sure he would of done it. Like i said earlier, he was the most passionate bulls fan i’ve ever had the luxury of chatting with. RIP.

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 2:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Unbelievably passionate

I LOVED hearing him in the postgame. He was saying all the right things, and plus, he was saying what we wanted to say all game long. He recognizes the same things that we saw. He was an intelligent, passionate man, and you can tell him and Red Kerr would have been great together, they both loved living life and were extremely passionate Bulls fans. They wanted the team to succeed just as much as we do.

RIP

by TheBastid on Feb 26, 2009 2:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

hopefully, he'll finally get his due.

at least in the organization. JR and him havent seen eye to eye in a long time.

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what was that all about anyways?

Why didn’t JR like him?

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not entirerly sure, a little before my time.

Maybe because he never got a shot at coaching? i know he wanted that.

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow...talk about having your day ruined

very sad indeed. He will be missed.

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 2:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is so fucking sad

I remember MJ talking about Red being a Bull throughout everything, but Norm is almost as Bull as Red.

This is beyond sad. I loved Norm, really.

Someone ring a cowbell in honor of Storm’n Norman

by Option27 on Feb 26, 2009 2:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was so mad at the Bulls I couldn't watch the post game...

He was on there right? I know neither KG or Van Lier were on at the start of the game.

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

no...it was only Mark and Kendall last night

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow really?

Where did they say Norm was?Sick?

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they didn't really say. Mark just said that Norm wasn't able to be there. He didn't give details.

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the original article was just updated with the following:

He did not arrive for a scheduled appearance on the network’s postgame show following the Bulls-New Jersey Nets game Wednesday night.

So apparently he was SUPPOSED to be in the studio last night.

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So nobody bothered to call and see what was up?

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was what the wellness check the next day was for it seems.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Feb 26, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Comcast officials became concerned when Van Lier did not show up for work and could not be reached Thursday. An employee was sent to his apartment near the United Center on the city’s near West Side, said Jim Corno, president of Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The employee tried unsuccessfully to get inside.

Authorities responded to a subsequent well-being check and found Van Lier unresponsive shortly before 1 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis said.

I would rather have the AI of 2k9 coach this team than VDN
by trig on Feb 22, 2009 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by chibullsfan03 on Feb 26, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kendall Gill said

on CTL tonight that they tried to get a hold of him when he didn’t show up for work last night. He said he just had a feeling all night that it wasn’t going to turn out well.

by sue369 on Feb 26, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RIP

by Jesse07 on Feb 26, 2009 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

oh man

We’re going to miss Norm’s passion for the Bulls.

Dead at 61? Did he have health problems? He appeared to be healthy on the Comcast pregame shows. Must be heart related.

RIP Norm Van Lier.

12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Feb 26, 2009 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

The past few weeks he’s looked a bit different… kinda unhealthy I thought.

I can’t believe he was only 61. He looked ten yrs older, maybe more.

RIP

"Remember, I'm Italian".

by BCs71 on Feb 26, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he drank a lot.

I was thinking this was his last season because Mark Schanowski seems to have to control him and chose Gill over him to comment.

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw him...

In the Mart a lot, and over at the Shamrock across the street.

Great guy.

"We only had 8 guys… well really 7, I don’t count Lindsay..."

by Lt.Dan on Feb 26, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea! i work in the mart

On a could of occassions he’d sit and talk bulls with me. the guy he was on tv, was the guy he was.

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

a ccouple*

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed...

Coolest Norm memory was getting a change to play a scrimmage at the UC…he was the coach of the other team. Knocked my bosses kid down, got up, turned around…there was Norm in my face, chest bumping me, talkin’ trash.

Awesome.

"We only had 8 guys… well really 7, I don’t count Lindsay..."

by Lt.Dan on Feb 26, 2009 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

awesome memory

He was quite the personality…

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say that....

I thought Norm looked great. But, I did hear on 720AM that he had a few health problems the last couple of years. He did tell friends the past few weeks he was feeling good though. Friends of Norm also said he was down lately because he deeply missed his family who live in Los Angeles. His 2 daughters and grand daughter.

Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL

by Johnny"B"ull on Feb 26, 2009 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's had a history of cardiac problems

by NittanyCub on Feb 26, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

:(

We’ll miss ya Norm.

I would rather have the AI of 2k9 coach this team than VDN
by trig on Feb 22, 2009 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by chibullsfan03 on Feb 26, 2009 2:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is very sad.

I enjoyed Norm’s commentary on the pre and post game shows.

by sue369 on Feb 26, 2009 2:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I know a few things.

One of the nicest guys i’m met. Not to speak ill of dead but Norm but he did have a wee bit of a drinking problem.He was really hurting after the red kerr thing cause he felt he shouldve been there but wasnt invited. I think that crushed him. Never forget the night we shared drinks in the bar at the Bulls game! What a cool dude!

48 min of intensity brother!

RIP Norm!

He will be missed!

by Bulls4Ever on Feb 26, 2009 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This sucks, Norm was the man. I always looked forward to his pre and post game comments.

Here’s to 61 years of INTENSITY!

"That's a spicy meatball-a!" - Vinny Del Negro

by Juiceboxjerry on Feb 26, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Norm

RIP

This really sucks.

by McCabe on Feb 26, 2009 3:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One of the only guys to let Ben know how he really felt

by Option27 on Feb 26, 2009 3:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

huh?

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the same thing :D

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he's trying to say

Norm’s the only one that says it how it is

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

let's hope so

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Should have made myself clearer.

I have a problem of always assuming people know what I mean

by Option27 on Feb 26, 2009 5:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you have enough blogabull cred

that people should assume you meant something good even if they didn’t “get it”.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Feb 26, 2009 6:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We got it

just messing with you ;)

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 27, 2009 7:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RIP Norm

you will be missed :(

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rest in Peace

I’ll miss those crazy outfits! Like the one on Halloween where he wore a skull shirt instead of a tie! I’ll miss the way he always brought a smile to the postgame show after a win and tell it like it really was with no PC spin after a loss.

RIP Norm.

by 72-10 on Feb 26, 2009 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

:: thinks that my username is entirely inappropriate now ::

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 3:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nah, it's fine. Let it be a tribute. I am serious...

Let it be a tribute, and just don’t feel any guilt whatsoever.

He was a great guy, and I think your name should be a regular reminder of the best of what Norm Van Lier was.

Godspeed, Norm. We love you.

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 26, 2009 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

at first i was thinking the same thing

but i think I kind of agree with bullhockey

Don't Taz me bro'!

by robingoodfellow on Feb 26, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Love the screenname

Keep it — unfortunately now it is a tribute. RIP

"Remember, I'm Italian".

by BCs71 on Feb 26, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If anything it's more awesome

by NittanyCub on Feb 26, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I find it weird that the Score 670 has barely mentioned it.

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 3:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, nothing on the national sports/news websites or on Bulls.com, either.

That’s just not classy for Bulls.com to not mention it…

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 26, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Update, I just looked, and it now IS up on Bulls.com...

The Bulls and Comcast SportsNet have released statements on the passing of Norm Van Lier. “Norm Van Lier was one of the all-time greats ever to put on a Chicago Bulls uniform,” said Jerry Reinsdorf. “We will miss him greatly, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends.”

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 26, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now when you go to the site they have an in memoriam tribute before you go to the main page

by robinhood on Feb 26, 2009 5:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My small local news station had a nice

clip show of him playing basketball, teaching at basketball camp for kids, etc. The local sportscaster seemed visibly upset reporting on it. No doubt no one expected this and he was well liked in the Chicago sports scene.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Feb 26, 2009 6:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where is this, that you're talking about?

I’m assuming it’s not Chicago… but is it a suburb… ?

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 27, 2009 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man what sucks

is his last bulls memory might have been yesterdays game (he was found in his home deceased this morning i believe)/// and the bulls are gonna see obama today? Nothing seems less deserving, obama should hold this as national NormVanLeer day, he probably has some memories of norm im sure….. but yea, norm, i loved his philosophy on basketball, although im way younger, the preaching of defense and intensity, the shunning away the new school philosophy of athleticism and dunking ability…he saw the game in that poetic light, his rants were something powerful that i hope bulls players heard, but probably if they did they ignored….RIP Stormin Norm…..

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Feb 26, 2009 3:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Another note

if the bulls have any respect for norm, the rest of the season better be 48 min of intensity not selfish “let me prove to you what i can do” basketball…..they owe that much…..

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Feb 26, 2009 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully the team wears a Number 2 patch for the rest of the season

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully Tim Thomas changes his jersey number...

…though I’m not sure that’s allowed mid-season

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

jordan did

though i think it mightve been in the playoffs, and i remember he got fined for it too…tim thomas can afford it im sure….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Feb 26, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

part of the reason jordan got fined

was that his number was also retired at that point…. it wasn’t just the changing of number of midseason.

"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"

by Jaina on Feb 26, 2009 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No because..........

Shaq wanted to change his number from 32 to 34, but didn’t want to pay the fine in that ’95 playoff series.

Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL

by Johnny"B"ull on Feb 26, 2009 9:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i coulda sworn that's what i heard.

otoh, i was 11 when he returned so my memory’s pretty fuzzy.

"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"

by Jaina on Feb 26, 2009 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember Jordan wearing a generic #12 jersey

when the equipment guys missed bringing his #23.

Maybe we can?

by Granny Waiters on Feb 26, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No actually..........

his MJ’s #23 was stolen before the game. That’s why he had to change his number. February 14th 1990. Michael scored 49pts. in an overtime loss to the Magic in Orlando. I have the game.

Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL

by Johnny"B"ull on Feb 26, 2009 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that's why he had to change his number to #12

Hinrich + Gordon + Deng + Paxson + Del Negro = FAIL

by Johnny"B"ull on Feb 26, 2009 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would think the league would ok

A special request if it were made.

"We only had 8 guys… well really 7, I don’t count Lindsay..."

by Lt.Dan on Feb 26, 2009 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope they honor Norm on their Jerseys

He deserves that much. Definitely.

"Remember, I'm Italian".

by BCs71 on Feb 26, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Think they'll retire Norm's jersey number NOW?

"Nothing can stop the man with the right attitude from achieving his goal, but nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong attitude." -Thomas Jefferson
http://myspace.com/eme0916
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=569220294&ref=profile

by dfjmed on Feb 26, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN link

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3937425

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Feb 26, 2009 3:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Damn if he was watching that game last night that makes it even more sad...

No joke intended just man it really was selfish and effortless in every aspect and if Norm went out like that man thats sad. Everything he stood for was no place to be found in NJ.

I’ll miss ya Norm!

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 3:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is so sad

We’re gonna miss you Norm. Rest in peace, brother.

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 3:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls

press release:

“Norm Van Lier was one of the all-time greats ever to put on a Chicago Bulls uniform," said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "Along with Jerry Sloan, he set a standard for Bulls defense and toughness which we will never forget and which we will always strive to replicate. We will miss him greatly, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends.”

Not to nit-pick…but did they really have to mention Jerry Sloan?

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 4:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

draw your own conclusions

about the Bulls and their scrappy guards…

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So Kirk will make a great coach for Utah one day, great.

Can we stop giving him so many 4th quarter minutes now?

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 26, 2009 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really? You can't even say goodbye to Norm

without taking a poke at Hinrich? Sickening.

by runningman on Feb 26, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It really is

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 6:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Thought Police,

I actually was replying to Matt, who brought up Bulls scrappy guards. If you want my thoughts on saying good-bye to Norm, then you’re free to have a look. Specifically, this:

Let it be a tribute, and just don’t feel any guilt whatsoever.

He was a great guy, and I think your name should be a regular reminder of the best of what Norm Van Lier was.

Godspeed, Norm. We love you.

by bullhockey on Feb 26, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply

The truth is that there are a number of posts on here that say “Norm had heart. Way more than any current Bulls player.” Or, “Norm was a great announcer, and Kendall Gill sucks.” I don’t see any swipes at those comments that say, “How dare you use his passing away as an occasion to criticize current Bulls players!”. Or Kendall Gill.

If you’re sad because Norm passed, well, so am I.

But if you’re sad because you can’t handle criticism of Kirk Hinrich, well, good luck with that.

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Feb 27, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ugh...

I have thoughts, but no words…don’t want to mess up this post. I’ll save it for later.

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

*I admit that's unfair to Sloan, as he was better than Hinrich

I’m just trying to poop on Reinsdorf.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

PTI is going to discuss this sad event.

During its rundown segment.

" I've looked at these numbers and decided the #1 problem

is that Ben Gordon is selfish..." -your friendly bulls blogger

by Dionysus2.0 on Feb 26, 2009 4:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Damn I think I missed it...

what did they say?

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 4:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it runs on ESPN2 at 5:30 CST if you missed it

if not, theres a PTI podcast. I’ll try to quote them as it is starting up again.

I would rather have the AI of 2k9 coach this team than VDN
by trig on Feb 22, 2009 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by chibullsfan03 on Feb 26, 2009 5:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fuck

I was watching CSN and just missed them talking about Norm

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

PTI on Van Lier:

Wilbon: “It was devastating hearing this in the meeting room before the show. He was my basketball hero with sloan. I got to know him well after I had the courage to tell him this. My dad would take me to watch them when he was little at the Chicago Stadium. The Bulls teams he played on often get overlooked because they didn’t get championships, but they lost to good lakers teams.”

I would rather have the AI of 2k9 coach this team than VDN
by trig on Feb 22, 2009 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by chibullsfan03 on Feb 26, 2009 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

F U JR!!!

There are two types of basketball fans. Those who use stats to fight all their arguments and those who actually watch basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Feb 26, 2009 4:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Norm...Truly missed ... RIP

man up!

by exult463 on Feb 26, 2009 4:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Fuck.....

Norm passing away and Red Kerr’s declining health is just terrible news for any Bulls fan. Norm was the shit. He said whatever the hell he wanted, and unlike Barkley he still cared for the game, and cared for the Bulls through all these garbage seasons. He’s the one guy that you could call “Chicago Tough” and not be joking about it.

Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.

by Ozzie Montana on Feb 26, 2009 5:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

foreshadowing

almost…with this weather too….

On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!

by piccolomair on Feb 26, 2009 10:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Norm was such a genuine and passionate Bulls fan

After a good win, he literally couldn’t keep the smile off of his face during postgame. He will be missed.

by runningman on Feb 26, 2009 5:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Think they will retire his jersey?

Hopefully they at least get some kind of tribute on the uniforms.

Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.

by Ozzie Montana on Feb 26, 2009 5:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They better

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 5:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I also agree

and Kendall Gill does too, on CTL: “Jerry Reinsdorf himself just said he was one of the greatest in a Bulls uniform, so why not retire his number? It would have been nice if it got retired while he was still with us”

I would rather have the AI of 2k9 coach this team than VDN
by trig on Feb 22, 2009 1:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by chibullsfan03 on Feb 26, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah It shoulda been retired a long time ago

"Whenever Kirk/Ben are in together. Kirk turns into a crappy player, because he tries to freeze Gordon out of the offense." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Feb 26, 2009 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

wow

all he ever wanted was his 48 minutes, too bad the last couple seasons he only saw it a handfull of times

"we dont need a total rebuild, we just have a coach that is trying to fit the sqaure pegs in the round holes, players do well if you set the up to succeed, not try to mold them into a system designed for another team"

by TyrusThomas on Feb 26, 2009 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

heh

well said. “Intensity, attitude”…I didn’t want him to be the coach or anything, but I did like how frustrated he got over things we all were frustrated about.

They brought this up on WSCR: nowadays when former players become broadcasters they basically say nothing as to not upset their status as a (once) player. Norm didn’t have scruples about such things, he brought the heat no matter who he pissed off.

USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and I should add...

where I cite Norm as a dig on tough-guy talk here, Norm got away with it because he really was a tough guy.

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 26, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What a damn shame. Great guy and with Red sick this is really hard to hear.

Derrick Rose will lead us back to the promise land.

In Vinny We Trust!

by DRose#1 on Feb 26, 2009 5:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not old enough to have seen Norm in his hey-day

but you could tell by the way he did his broadcasting job that he really did care about the Bulls, so that speaks volumes to the type of man/player he was.

I really hope this is something the team takes to heart. Drop the petty bullshit and just go out there and play, because it’s guys like NVL that played before all the sponsors/big contracts/endorsements that made your jobs possible.

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Feb 26, 2009 6:00 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

I couldn't say better

Rest in Peace Norm

by bull83 on Feb 26, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Telling it like it is

Watch Here

by Option27 on Feb 26, 2009 6:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Now I am really pissed my cable dropped CSN at the beginning of the season.

I’ve been missing Norm’s segments all season and it was something I thought about every time I had to listen to a broadcast from Brazil or China and miss out on the halftime and post game talk. I think my favorite moment was a couple years ago when Norm was dressed up as a pirate for Halloween but when he took the eye patch off and just had the pirate hat on he looked a bit gangster (despite the parrot on his shoulder). I’ll be downstate this weekend and was going to go to Norm’s favorite restaurant Baby Bulls as I usually do when down there. Ever since he mentioned it on tv I hoped I’d run into him there.

Had he worked the Nuggets or Orlando game? I kind of wish I had gotten to see more properly broadcasted.

Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.

by cranscape on Feb 26, 2009 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A lot of his outbursts are on YouTube

And I’m sure there will be some kind of commemorative video at the next home game.

Confusion breeds success. If they don't know each other, opponents can't have strategy. GENIUS.

by Ozzie Montana on Feb 26, 2009 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RIP YOU CRAZY MOTHERFUCKER!!!

DAY-UM< I’m gonna miss you and yo crazy shit, I called you and Carmen a few years ago and you was real cool and shit cuz we talked about BArbershop and if you was gonna be in Barbershop II. Man you straight up said it like it wuz and didn’t care about being politically correct, RIP GOD BLESS.

by MikePeplowski on Feb 26, 2009 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Heavy Bummer

I’m glad that Norm got to see at least a minor resurgence in the team before he left. I probably watched his coverage mostly during the Corey Benjamin era. Those were bad times. RIP, Norm.

Road Games

by Reed97 on Feb 26, 2009 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bob Love

expresses his thoughts about Norm:

“Man oh man, me and Norm were just together Tuesday night. As usual, he was expressing his love for the team and the franchise. He said, ‘Butter, a lot of times I may sound critical on TV but it’s just because I love these guys so much and I want them to win.’ People might have taken that the wrong way. But he had passion like nobody else and just wanted to be loved…”

http://awsomepeoplesearch.com/

by NormVanBeer on Feb 26, 2009 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs