‘An unspeakable tragedy’ — Howard Cosell announces the death of John Lennon on ABC’s Monday Night Football
Transcript of Howard Cosell’s announcement of the death of John Lennon on ABC’s “Monday Night Football” on Dec. 8, 1980. The announcement was made late in the 4th quarter of the game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins at Miami’s Orange Bowl as the Patriots were attempting a potential game-winning field goal in the 13-13 game.
Cosell and the booth were not shown while he made the announcement or follow-up announcement. Viewers saw Patriots placekicker John Smith preparing to attempt the kick while his teammates huddled as Cosell spoke. The kick was blocked, sending the game into overtime. The announcing team, which included Frank Gifford and Fran Tarkenton, carried on after the Lennon announcement, broadcasting with customary vigor and excitedly discussing the NFL’s updated playoff picture after the Miami Dolphins prevailed 16-13 a little over 3 minutes into overtime.
After the game, Frank Gifford mentioned the scheduled “Nightline” story: “We want to remind you, tonight on ‘Nightline,’ we’ll be, be looking into what are the United States’ options should the Russian troops invade Poland. Tonight ABC News ‘Nightline’ examines this question. Ted Koppel will talk live via satellite to Russian journalist Vladimir Pozner in Moscow. And also tonight, a report, a report that we gave you earlier on the tragic death of John Lennon. That’s ‘Nightline,’ 30 minutes after the game, 11:30 on the West Coast over most of these ABC stations.”
Audio released later of the ABC booth conversation during the commercial break before Smith’s field goal attempt reveals Cosell’s uncertainty with this announcement:
“I can’t see this game situation allowing for that news flash. Can you?” Frank Gifford responds, “Absolutely, I can see it ... This is gonna shake up the whole world.”
John Lennon was 40 years old.
Howard Cosell: “It’s been a dramatic ballgame, but it’s suddenly been placed in total perspective for us. I’ll finish this, they’re in the hurry-up offense.”
Frank Gifford, after broadcasting another play: “... And I don’t care what’s on the line, Howard. You have got to say what we know in the booth.”
Howard Cosell: “Yes we have to say it. Remember this is just a football game. No matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City. John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous perhaps of all of the Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital. Dead. On. Arrival. Hard to go back to the game after that news flash. Which in duty ... we had to tell you. Frank.”
Frank Gifford: “Indeed it is. ...”
Howard Cosell, after several more minutes of game commentary: “In case the folks missed the earlier news flash: ABC News has confirmed that John Lennon, a member of the famed The Beatles, maybe the best-known member, was shot twice in the back outside of his apartment building in the West Side of New York tonight. Rushed to the Roosevelt Hospital. Dead. On. Arrival. An unspeakable tragedy. Details on ‘Nightline’ 30 minutes after the end of this contest.”
