Bernie Kosar In "The U" (VIDEO)

ESPN aired its "The U" documentary tonight, the latest installment in its 30 for 30 series. Among the many former players interviewed for the film was Bernie Kosar, who played quarterback for the Hurricanes in the early 1980s.

Kosar's voice sounded noticeably slurred during his aired footage, causing some to wonder if the former Miami standout was drunk during the interview.

UPDATE: In a July article Kosar says he had "a lot" of concussions, as well as numerous other injuries.

WATCH:

Comments

[bushlies]

09:55 PM on 12/19/2009

Bernie pretty much always sounds like this. I think it is a result of some injury he had while playing. The last few years have been pretty rough for him, personally (his wife left him) and financially (some of his business ventures failed in this poor economy).He has numerous physical problems left over from his playing days and has a lot of trouble getting around (back, knee problems), but he is beloved in South Florida and in Ohio. I only wish good things for him. He is my favorite football player.

[dana94591]

12:06 PM on 12/13/2009

WHO?

[bingvangorden]

12:53 PM on 12/13/2009

One of the best if not awkward looking quarter backs to play the game and a stand up guy. If you don't know, why embarrass yourself by announcing it?

[dana94591]

02:09 PM on 12/13/2009

I don't think sports is important in the entire scheme of things! Maybe you do! I don't waste my time on Sundays in front of the TV with a bottle of beer. I guess you do.

[MiamiRob]

05:15 PM on 12/13/2009

Bernie Kosar was a great college (University of Miami) and pro quarterback (Cleveland, Dallas, Miami). In just his freshman year he led an unheralded Hurricane team to the 1983-84 National Championship. As a pro he consistently piloted the Browns to the playoffs. He was known for his smarts, guile, and toughness not athletic skills. He became a sports legend in both Cleveland and Miami because he was "blue-collar", successful due to hard work and preparation.

I'm saddened to hear / read about his current condition. My prayers go out to Bernie and his family.

[cybolt]

03:02 AM on 12/18/2009

That Orange Bowl game against Nebraska is legend. 'Huskers had Gill at QB, Rozier at TB and Fryar at WR... supposedly the greatest college team ever and favored by 17+

People had ignored the fact that Miami had the fourth-ranked defense and that a 17 point spread was ridiculous. So when Miami went up 17-0, I was up 34 and ultimately made a ton.

[Buddhabman]

12:02 PM on 12/13/2009

Sorry to hear that about Bernie. He was a warrior playing during the time when QB's could still get blasted.by lineman after the throw.

[sdkgboe]

11:31 AM on 12/13/2009

He has post-concussion syndrome you dipsticks. There have been many articles about it in Cleveland and Miami

[ConjureMan]

10:39 AM on 12/13/2009

He should be the poster-boy for why the NFL is at long last doing something about head trauma.

[Michael Walsh]

10:11 AM on 12/13/2009

All kidding aside, I thought Kosar had had a stroke or head injury in the recent past when I watched this. If that is the case, then I feel terrible for him. If it was because he was drinking, then I feel nothing but contempt. He looked and sounded terrible. Appallingly bad judgment on his part to go on air in that condition.

[Dannydel]

09:28 AM on 12/13/2009

I Googled Bernie during the show. There is an enlightening interview by Dan LeBatard from July of this year that tells you what sort of a person he is. It also details his many injuries: broken arms. fingers, ankle, numerous concussions etc. He was a pocket passer and never wore a mouthpiece. He has given away millions of dollars to friends and family. He wasn't a drunken gambler, rather a father, husband and businessman. If he shows up at a Browns game, the fans outporing of love is palpable. Whoever came up with the idea for this article, represents all that is wrong with what used to be called journalism but can now barely list it's head above being a contingent of bottom feeders.

[bartonfink]

11:54 AM on 12/13/2009

nailed it. Bernie's a stand up guy, and deserves better

[bingvangorden]

12:55 PM on 12/13/2009

Remember when he was cut and the Cowboys picked him up? Next Browns home game the stands were filled with fans wearing Bernie's new Cowboys uniform. "Beloved" is synonymous with Bernie Kosar.

[MiamiRob]

09:28 AM on 12/13/2009

As a life-long resident of Miami, I wholeheartedly disagree with the observation made by this post, Bernie is a local hero / icon, as such he is frequently on the airwaves as a sports commentator on both radio and TV. The fact is that unless Bernie is always intoxicated, this is just how he sounds now. I believe this is the effect of a long football career (which included many concussions) or perhaps he's medicated for some other ailment.

Although his speech may not have been as crisp as it was when he was younger, he made his points cogently, as he does on his many local media appearances. He understands football and presents unique insight with his commentary on both the college and professional games that is well sought out here in Miami.

Perhaps the HuffPost should more thoroughly research before posting such accusations. If the author had taken the time to listen to any one of Bernie's many recent public appearances then a post of this nature could not have been made in good conscience.

[Mark Ahrens]

09:16 AM on 12/13/2009

I don't know about how he speaks nowadays, but when he was coming up, the reputation was that he was a super intelligent player

[thebirdstheword]

09:07 AM on 12/13/2009

oh come on. next thing you know, you'll be saying that harry carey was drunk. ok...bad example. larry merchant?

[UnknownSolider]

09:05 AM on 12/13/2009

I think he may have some brain damage

[ETSpoon]

09:46 AM on 12/13/2009

Most likely diagnosis. Definitely not drunk.

[pfc1369]

08:58 AM on 12/13/2009

Whoever posted this non-story is the real drunk in this.

[imfromkenya]

08:01 AM on 12/13/2009

Bernie was definitely not drunk in this video, unless he is always drunk. He lives in Miami and makes appearances regularly on the local radio and ALWAYS sounds like this. In fact there are listeners who call up as "fake Bernie Kosar" and imitate his voice. It could be brain damage but who really cares, the Cleveland Browns could still use him behind center. LAY OFF BERNIE!!!!

[skippy20008]

05:53 AM on 12/13/2009

I dunno...could be he was just hoarse. BTW, read a lot about Kozar's problems after the NFL -- I think he made some terrible business decisions and is basically broke. Man, of all the guys who played at Miami, I thought he'd be the LAST guy for this to happen to.

[Aslanspal]

05:27 AM on 12/13/2009

Lighten up...he took a lot of hits ...Bernie was a pocket passer and stayed in that pocket as long as possible and it doing so took punishment.

[StephenJK]

06:40 AM on 12/13/2009

Exactly. That's why he's one of my favorites. Never afraid.