'Health Concerns' Sideline Rangers Broadcaster Dave Barnett For Season After On-Air Meltdown

The Texas Rangers just sent word: Broadcaster Dave Barnett, who rambled incoherently about henchmen and botched robberies during a recent game, is out of the booth for at least the rest of the season. He'll be replaced by radio play-by-play man Steve Busby. Per a statement from Barnett: I want...

By Eric Nicholson

July 2, 2012

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The Texas Rangers just sent word: Broadcaster Dave Barnett, who rambled incoherently about henchmen and botched robberies during a recent game, is out of the booth for at least the rest of the season. He'll be replaced by radio play-by-play man Steve Busby.

Per a statement from Barnett:

I want to thank everyone for your kind sentiments and words of encouragement over the last couple of weeks. It has meant a lot to me during what has been a very difficult time. Effective immediately, for health reasons I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my broadcasting duties that I expect to last for the remainder of the season.

I would ask that you please respect the privacy of me and my family during this time.

Thank you once again for your support.

I won't be an asshole and try to speculate on what, exactly, is wrong with Barnett. Suffice to say it's something much more serious than the recurring migraines the episode was initially attributed to.

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