ESPN luminaries and others gathered at the Aqua Turf Club to celebrate the career of the retiring Chris LaPlaca
The scene in Plantsville, Conn.’s Aqua Turf Club last Wednesday felt like an outtake from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Around 130 current and former ESPNers gathered to fete Chris LaPlaca, the much liked and well-respected ESPN executive who is retiring after a sterling 43-year run in Bristol.
A who’s who of notables addressed the crowd Wednesday night, including Rosa Gatti, George Bodenheimer, Jimmy Pitaro and LaPlaca’s former intern Adrian Wojnarowski. Their speeches all carried similar themes: They discussed the impact LaPlaca has had on his colleagues over the last four decades.
When LaPlaca took the mic, he reflected on how much of the uncertainty that is hitting the media business today mirrors the challenges ESPN faced 43 years ago. He pointed to common attributes that existed in Bristol 40 years ago -- and still are evident today -- a commitment to journalism combined with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Odds & Ends
- Woj got up in the middle of LaPlaca’s speech and hurriedly left the room. He returned minutes later. During his quick departure, he broke news via X that the NBA suspended Draymond Green indefinitely -- a post that has collected 38 million views. “I asked the NBA not to announce the suspension between 8-8:15pm,” he deadpanned.
- “SportsCenter” anchor Kevin Negandhi emceed the event. Chris Berman was in attendance. Current executives who attended included Burke Magnus, Roz Durant, Chara-Lynn Aguiar and Tina Thornton. Special shout-out to former ESPNer Keri Potts, who flew in from London for the event.
- In keeping with LaPlaca’s heritage, the night carried an Italian theme -- from the event’s name (“Ciao Chris”) to parting gifts of LaPlaca La Pasta-branded pasta noodles.
Chris LaPlaca addresses guests at his ESPN retirement party
