If you are a basketball fan, you might have heard of two women with the same last name who are both involved in sports broadcasting: Kerith Burke and Doris Burke. Kerith Burke is a reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area, covering the Golden State Warriors. Doris Burke is an analyst and commentator for ESPN and ABC, covering the NBA and college basketball. But are they related by blood or by marriage? The answer is no.
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Kerith Burke’s Background and Career
Kerith Burke was born on February 23, 1983, in Seattle, Washington. Her family moved around a lot due to her father’s military career, so she lived in places like North Carolina, Idaho, and Germany. Her mother chose her name from a novel by James A. Michener, and she has a younger brother named Ryan.
Burke attended Washington State University and graduated with a degree in communications and broadcasting. She started her career as a reporter, editor, anchor, and photographer for local stations in Idaho, Washington, and North Carolina. She also freelanced for the Pac-12 Network as a football and basketball reporter.
In 2013, she joined SportsNet New York (SNY) as a reporter and anchor, covering the New York Mets, the New York Jets, and the University of Connecticut’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. She also worked as a sideline reporter for four of UConn’s national championship games.
In 2017, she moved to San Francisco to work for NBC Sports Bay Area as a reporter for the Golden State Warriors. She covers the team’s games, practices, interviews, and off-court activities. She also hosts podcasts and shows related to the Warriors.
Doris Burke’s Background and Career
Doris Burke was born on November 24, 1965, in West Islip, New York. She grew up playing basketball and was a star point guard at Manasquan High School in New Jersey. She earned a scholarship to play at Providence College, where she became the school’s all-time leader in assists.
Burke graduated with a degree in health service administration and social work. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Providence. She started her coaching career as an assistant coach for the Providence women’s basketball team.
In 1990, she began her broadcasting career as a radio analyst for Providence games. She then transitioned to television, working for various networks such as ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Big East Network. She became the first woman to be a commentator for a Big East men’s game in 1996.
Burke has covered various levels of basketball, including the WNBA, the NBA, and college basketball. She has been a sideline reporter, a studio analyst, and a game analyst. She has also worked as an analyst for the NBA Finals since 2009.
In 2017, she became the first woman to be a full-time NBA game analyst for ESPN. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, such as the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Relationship Between Kerith Burke and Doris Burke
According to Kerith Burke1, she is not related to her namesake Doris Burke. While fans often ask her whether she is related to Doris Burke, she has clarified multiple times that she is not related to the American sports commentator in any way.
However, Kerith Burke has expressed her admiration and respect for Doris Burke as a trailblazer and a role model for women in sports journalism. She has also said that Doris Burke has been supportive and helpful to her throughout her career.
Kerith Burke and Doris Burke share more than just a last name. They share a passion for basketball, a dedication to their craft, and a reputation for excellence in their field. They are both inspiring examples of women who have made their mark in sports broadcasting.
