Chris Kamara has been a cherished figure in football broadcasting, renowned for his infectious enthusiasm and memorable catchphrases. After stepping away from the spotlight in 2022 due to health challenges, Kamara made a triumphant return to our screens this Boxing Day, covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham for Amazon Prime.
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The legendary football pundit brought joy to fans as he returned to broadcasting after his absence left a void in football broadcasting. In 2022, he faced a life-altering challenge that saw him step away from his career in broadcasting, reports Sky News. Diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS), a neurological disorder affecting his ability to communicate, he had to take a step back from his career.
Chris Kamara’s decision to step down from his presenting role
Chris made the difficult decision to step down from his role as a presenter on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday after being diagnosed with AOS. Fans had noticed changes in his speech, prompting concerns that he later addressed publicly, reports Mirror.
Kamara shared how the condition disrupted the connection between his brain and voice, making it challenging to communicate fluently. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said:
I woke up one morning and all of a sudden the connection between the brain and the voice went for some reason.
So I thought I must have had too many beers last night, it'll be alright once I get through the day - and it never [was], it stayed there.
On his departure, he said:
My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work. I've spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories.
Understanding Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of speech, also known as acquired AOS, is a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to plan and sequence the movements required for speech. Unlike other speech disorders, According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, AOS isn’t caused by muscle weakness or paralysis but by a disconnect in the brain’s pathways. As a result, individuals with AOS may struggle to say words correctly or consistently, even when they know what they want to communicate.
The severity of AOS varies widely. In mild cases, individuals may have difficulty with specific sounds or longer words. More severe cases can significantly impair speech, requiring alternative communication methods. AOS often stems from brain injuries, strokes, or other neurological conditions, and it may coexist with disorders like dysarthria or aphasia. Diagnosis and treatment typically involve speech-language pathologists who tailor therapy to address the unique challenges faced by each individual.
Kamara’s journey with AOS included seeking experimental treatments and intensive therapy, which he credited with improving his condition.
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Sources used:
Sky News: Chris Kamara returning to football broadcasting two years after stepping back due to rare brain disorder
Mirror: Chris Kamara rejoins Jeff Stelling on TV after health scare as fans all say the same thing
talkSPORT: Chris Kamara: I woke up one morning and the connection between my brain and voice went
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Apraxia of Speech
