End Of An Era: Kim Bokamper Retires From CBS4
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It's the end of an era in the CBS4 Sports department as sports anchor and Miami Dolphins legend Kim Bokamper retires from his sportscaster gig.
Over the past 14 years at CBS4, Bokamper has covered every facet of South Florida sports in one of the most exciting sports markets in the nation.
And when we asked Bokamper's friends for a toast, instead they gave him a roast.
"You want me to here and pontificate about Kim," asked former Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor quizzically. "There are no fond memories of Kim."
Former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino also chimed in with a quip. "I mean you've been pretty much stealing money doing TV your whole life cuz I've watched ya."
It's a good thing they are friends because only friends can bust chops like that and get away with it.
"Kim Bokamper, is it true you're finally retiring," asked former Dolphin quarterback Don Shula. "They finally found out about you after all of these years," Shula laughed.
Don Shula drafted Bo to play for the Dolphins and watched him become a part of the feared "Killer B" defense.
When Bo's playing days were done, he began covering the Dolphins with fearless objectivity.
Bo didn't mince words either about the Miami Heat and it appears Pat Riley noticed.
"Now that you're gonna be going away and I don't see you around here very often, I'm going to come looking for you and so when I do, I better find you in one of your restaurants and you better buy me one of those triple hamburgers up there," joked Riley.
In his spare time, Bo has built a restaurant chain modestly named, Bokampers.
He has taken great pride in it, just like he has everything else.
Every year, Bo rides in the Miami Dolphin Cycling Challenge. At first, it was to honor his cancer stricken friend Jim Mandich. Now, it's also in memory of his own wife Colleen, who lost the same battle last year. She was there for one of his proudest moments, his induction into the Dolphins Walk of Fame.
Now Bo is walking into semi-retirement; part-time TV during football season with full-time peace of mind.
"I'm sure I'll be seeing you here a little bit more at Dolphins camp," said current Dolphins player Cameron Wake. "Enjoy the free time, get the Mai Tai's, a little bit of golf and kick back and relax you deserve it."
Who knows, maybe Bo will have time to resurrect his movie career. Remember that scene in 1994's Ace Ventura: Pet Detective where Bo played himself in a shower scene with Jim Carrey?
Now back to the goodbyes.
"Enjoy retirement," said the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade. "Don't get too bored, stay busy, stay laughing, stay enjoying life."
And the final wish from Dan Marino.
"Congratulations you know you're my man, and I love you brother. Okay Bo, happy retirement!"
