Talking Slick: Jim Gray's Most Badass Moments

Image via Complex Original

DATE: 7/8/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: After months of speculation, who did Bron Bron sit down with when he wanted to tell the world that he'd be taking his "talents to South Beach?" None other than Jim Gray. From Kobe Bryant to Barry Bonds, many of the world's top athletes have gone to Gray to tell their side of the story...or just make a complete ass out of themselves in a 90-minute special.

DATE: 3/21/2004
COMPLEX SAYS: Peskiness has been a key part of Gray's signature style throughout his career. While most reporters would back off when a frustrated Steve Francis is popping off about the refs, not Gray. And yes, Bill Walton, there is an excuse for the Franchise to come with language like that: Shit is hilarious.

DATE: 10/4/2003
COMPLEX SAYS: Think a heavyweight boxer can intimidate Gray? Nah, fam. When James Toney (a.k.a. the black Elmer Fudd) snatched the mic out of Gray's hand, the sportscaster kept it moving. Sidebar: If Toney sounded like this during his prime, how will things be during retirement after all those shots to the head start kicking in? Yikes.

DATE: 8/11/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin said Gray misquoted him when he reported that Pavin would use a Captain's pick to select Woods if he failed to make the U.S. team on points. Well, after the conference, Gray got all in Pavin's grill, called him a liar, and said, "You're going down!" Not exactly the most intimidating choice of words, but it proved that Gray is the 50 Cent of sportscasters: He don't back down.

DATE: 11/19/2004
COMPLEX SAYS: When the most gully moment in NBA history went down, Gray was right there in the mix to give us the play-by-play. Gray fared much better than that other Jimmy involved in a basketball brawl. Capo status.

DATE: 6/28/1997
COMPLEX SAYS: Once again, during one of the most infamous moments in sports history, Jim Gray was the sportscaster who was down there in all the action rather than reporting from the safety of the booth. Dude kind of reminds us of Waka, whenever he's present some ignorant shit is bound to go down.

DATE: 6/13/1997
COMPLEX SAYS: After a Finals road loss to the Jazz, Dennis Rodman said: "It’s difficult to get in sync because of all the fucking Mormons out here." That was all the material Gray needed to grill the Worm and bring him to tears during this interview. Of all the people to push Rodman over the edge during his career, who was the dude that actually made him cry? Malone? Barkley? Nah, Jim fucking Gray.

DATE: 10/26/1999
COMPLEX SAYS: After Gray's controversial interview with Pete Rose during the previous game, Yankee Chad Curtis refused to talk to the sportscaster after hitting a walk-off home run in Game 3 of the World Series. Gray didn't make a big deal out of the snub, but is it any coincidence that Curtis hasn't really been seen since? Real Gs move in silence...

DATE: 10/24/1999
COMPLEX SAYS: When Pete Rose was somewhat welcomed back by MLB by being named a member of the All-Century team, most thought that the sportscaster interviewing Rose would throw softballs about how good it felt to be a part of the game again. Not Jim Gray. Within seconds, Gray started an onslaught of questions regarding Rose betting on baseball. The short interview became the most noteworthy one of Gray's career. This dude is more aggravating than the host of Cheaters and STILL no one has swung on him. #untouchable

DATE: 6/24/2000
COMPLEX SAYS: After knocking out Lou Savarese in 30 seconds, Mike Tyson and Jim Gray combined for the most epic post-fight interview in boxing history. My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable? Lennox is a conqueror? No! I'm Alexander?! Too many mindfuck quotes to list, just watch and enjoy.