Legendary Trail Blazers’ broadcaster Bill Schonely hospitalized

The Schonz tested positive for coronavirus.

Legendary Trail Blazers’ broadcaster Bill Schonely has been hospitalized after testing positive for coronavirus.

Schonely, 92, told me on Saturday that his vitals are stable and said, “I’m ready to go home in a couple or three days.”

Schonely’s wife, Dottie, also tested positive. She was also admitted, albeit to different area hospital.

The long-time Blazers’ broadcaster turned franchise ambassador officially retired earlier this month. He was honored at the team’s regular-season finale. Schonely was in good spirits on Saturday and said he’s eager to get home, see Dottie, and get back to normal.

I told Schonely I’d update his fans.

He said, “Please, tell them I’m hanging in there.”

There are few sports figures in the state of Oregon as well known and beloved as “The Schonz.” He was hired as the original play by play voice of the NBA franchise in 1970 and held that job for 28 years. Schonely was on the broadcast in June 1977 when Portland won its lone NBA title.

UPDATE: On Sunday, Schonely said he was feeling “OK.” He was still hospitalized and watching the Warriors-Grizzlies playoff game. Doctors are telling him he should be discharged on Monday.

Said Schonely: “If they don’t send me home Monday I may just break out myself.”

Dottie was also doing well, per Bill, and was expected to be discharged on Sunday evening.

FINAL UPDATE: On Monday, Schonely tells me he’s been discharged and is at home. He’s resting and still must quarantine but he said, “We’re going slow, taking care of each other, and we’re going to make it.”

---

Thanks for being here. I appreciate all who have supported, subscribed and shared this new independent endeavor with friends and family. If you haven’t already — please consider subscribing.

This is an independent reader-supported project, with both free and paid subscriptions. Those who opt for the paid edition are providing vital assistance to bolster my independent coverage. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to have full access to all of my posts.