Gordon Bradley
04/21/2008 11:23 AM by Doug Hicks
Long-time United fans will remember Gordon Bradley's work as a color analyst for games on Home Team Sports (now Comcast SportsNet). After a lengthy period in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, Gordon was admitted to Prince William Hospital on March 10, spending six days there due to complications with his ongoing battle with this disease. He has since been moved to a full care facility in Manassas which has a specialized Alzheimer’s wing and is now under hospice care. As you may know, this is a difficult and painful journey for all involved.
I e-mailed with Gordon's son Paul recently, who shared some insight into Gordon's struggles. He writes: "Unless someone has first hand knowledge of this disease, they will be hard pressed to cope with the cruelty and ugliness of how this has devastated Gordon." Paul and Gordon's wife, Vera, often sit with Gordon and tell him stories from the past and would love any notes or stories that United fans may want to share with Gordon. For those that would like to send a note, please forward to Paul at paul@marqueerealestate.com.Those who may want to visit Gordon in person should also arrange through Paul. Those wishing to make charitable contributions in Gordon's name may do so at either www.alz.org or www.capitalhospice.org.
Our thoughts are with Gordon and his family during this very trying time.
Comments
7 Comments
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04/21/2008 12:22 PM by Maniac
That's really sad to hear. Having had an uncle who went through this I can slightly sympathize with Paul and Vera but have no measure of what they may be going through right now.
I echo BTB's sentiments - our thoughts and prayers are with the Bradley's right now.
Martin
04/21/2008 2:52 PM by Mark M
I too want to express my sympathy to Gordon and his family.
I had no soccer background to speak of before 1993 so I had a lot to learn about the sport. Gordon's color commentary in the early years of DCU were a big part of my education. He taught me much, and entertained me along the way.
Our thoughts are with the Bradley's.
04/21/2008 3:39 PM by Bill-DC
Gordon coached the Cosmos and Washington Diplomats in the NASL during the '70's. Watching those Diplomat teams at RFK back then got me interested in soccer. The Diplomats were competitive and fun to watch.
He also coached awhile at George Mason too. He he did a lot for American soccer throughout his career.
I also enjoyed listening to him on D.C. United's broadcasts. I thought he was very thorough in explaining the sport and very entertaining too.
Thoughts and prayers to the Bradley family.
04/22/2008 10:21 AM by Lets go Mason!
Gordon Bradley is a member of the George Mason Hall of Fame. I remember going to a game played by the Diplomats of the ASL or APSL at Woodson HS. I believe he was the GM or something and he was milling through the crowd speaking with the fans. They had a half time competition to win a Sable, my ticket was picked. I had on some shoes without laces and was kicking to win. Needless to say the shoe got closer to the tire. When I returned to my seat Gordon made his way to where I was sitting to tell me that if the shoe went through he would he would have wanted to give me the car. We had a very nice conversation about the NASL and my beloved GMU Patriots! He is such a great ambassador for the game and I am glad for his association with GMU.
04/22/2008 10:23 AM by Lets go Mason!
Oops, that was the Washington Stars, the Diplomats were the DC team.
04/22/2008 7:38 PM by gringoat
Well wishes to Mr. Bradley...
04/23/2008 10:58 AM by emjay613
I wrote for the school paper when I went to George Mason and Gordon was the best interview I ever had. He would answer questions I didn't ask in order to help me understand what I had just seen. He damn near wrote half of my stories.
He took time to educate me on the sport and about his players. He was an amazing ambassador for the game and for GMU and I'm honored to have gotten a chance to know him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bradley family