Howard Cosell announced John Lennon's death on Monday Night Football 40 years ago tonight
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During the 4th quarter of an unremarkable game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots on Dec. 8, 1980, Cosell broke the news that the former Beatle had been shot and killed outside of his apartment in New York City. “We have to say it: “Remember, this is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses," Cosell said. "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.” Cosell, who was initially reluctant to break the news during a sporting event, was friendly with Lennon having interviewed him twice, once on his radio show and, memorably, on Monday Night Football in 1974. ALSO: How TV news covered Lennon's killing 40 years ago this week.
TOPICS: Howard Cosell, ABC, Monday Night Football, John Lennon
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