Timberwolves Fans Angry After Popular Play-By-Play Guy Gets Canned

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves fans are shocked and angry after the team's popular play-by-play announcer, Dave Benz, was relieved of his duties at Bally Sports North.

Benz held the job for 10 seasons and was well respected — both in Minnesota and nationally — as a skilled broadcaster.

Bally Sports North opted not to pick up his option, and the Timberwolves supported that decision, Jon Krawcsinki at The Athletic reported.

Benz told Krawcsinki he was "heartbroken" when Bally Sports informed him of the news Wednesday morning. He also called the decision "disheartening."

"Thank you to the @Timberwolves and @BallSportsNor for 10 amazing years," Benz tweeted Thursday morning. "I am blessed to have established lifelong friendships with so many colleagues, players, coaches & fans! Thank you for letting me be your soundtrack for 769 broadcasts next to my brother @jimpetehoops."

Meanwhile, fans voiced their disappointment on Twitter.

"One of the sadder days in Timberwolves history and that's saying something," one fan wrote to Benz. "Feels like a good friend won't be coming to games anymore. Thanks for the years Dave. You'll always be a part of Timberwolves basketball, woven into the very fabric of the fandom."

"Thanks for everything Dave, don’t understand this decision one bit," another said.

Check out some of Benz's best calls from the 2020-2021 season here.