Hubbry Logo
Vince CelliniVince CelliniMain
Open search
Vince Cellini
Community hub
Vince Cellini
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Vince Cellini
Vince Cellini
Vince Cellini
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Vincent Robert Cellini (/tʃəˈliːni/; born June 10, 1959) is an American sports broadcaster for radio and television, currently working at NBA TV and TNT Sports.

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Cellini was a lifeguard at Grovewood, a city pool on the east side of Cleveland.

In 1981, Cellini graduated from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, with a bachelor's degree in communications. Cellini played tight end on the college's football team. He set three team records: most touchdowns in a season and in a career, and yards per catch in a season.

In 1982, Cellini began working as a sports anchor and reporter at Cleveland's WJW-TV.[1] He also hosted a sports talk radio show on WWWE Radio in Cleveland.

CNN/Turner Sports

[edit]

In 1989, Cellini left WJW-TV to join CNN Sports. In 1996, Cellini earned a CableACE Award for his work on CNN Sports Tonight, which he co-hosted with Van Earl Wright. He also hosted a late-night program "Calling All Sports" from 1994 to 1995. He left the program and later joined the TNT Sunday Night NFL broadcasting team.

Cellini joined the network in January 2003 after a long stint at the now defunct CNNSI network. During his tenure within Ted Turner's company, Cellini also worked on CNN itself at times, and was working alongside anchor Carol Lin at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia, at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The Golf Channel

[edit]

Cellini's first day on The Golf Channel was January 13, 2003, when he assumed hosting duties from Peter Kessler on Golf Talk. The first guest Cellini interviewed on that night was golfer Arnold Palmer, who, along with Joseph Gibbs, co-founded The Golf Channel in 1995. Cellini's other Golf Channel duties include anchoring the network's flagship news show, Golf Central, and hosting "Top Shelf Wednesday", a 2+1⁄2-hour primetime lineup of shows. In February 2005, Cellini, along with fellow Golf Channel colleague Stephanie Sparks, began hosting the network's reality television competition show, The Big Break, with their tenure as hosts beginning with the show's third season, The Big Break III: Ladies Only. They also hosted The Big Break IV: USA vs. Europe, which aired in the Fall of 2005. Cellini and Sparks returned to host again on February 7, 2006, for The Big Break V: Hawaii, a second "ladies only" edition. Cellini left The Golf Channel in July 2007, then rejoined the channel the following January. According to different internet sources, including Golfweek.com, his contract, which expired in 2009, was not renewed after much negotiations.

Return to Turner Sports

[edit]

Cellini serves as a full-time host for NBA TV's GameTime and a collection of online programs across Turner Sports' digital properties. A longtime cable sports veteran, Cellini was a former anchor on Sports Tonight and received a Cable ACE Award for his work in 1996.

Cellini is the host of mini-shows titled "Fantasy Showdown" and "The Preview Show" for Nascar.com, as of August 18, 2011.

Cellini has covered the PGA Championship since 2011 for TNT.

Other work

[edit]

Since 2010, he has been co-host of Hawks Live show with Mike Glenn. This half-hour show precedes and then follows NBA Atlanta Hawks Telecasts on SportSouth. Beginning in 2011, he has also been co-hosting a local Cleveland-area golf show called "Par Three Shootout".

Personal

[edit]

Cellini is married with three sons.[2] His brother, Nick Cellini, is a sports radio personality in Atlanta, Georgia with WCNN (680 The Fan).[3]

In November 2021, Cellini was arrested in Cobb County, Georgia for driving under the influence after causing an accident by driving on the wrong side of the road. The victim of the accident was awarded a $15 million settlement.[4]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vince Cellini

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vincent Robert Cellini (born June 10, 1959) is an American sports broadcaster renowned for his extensive career spanning over four decades in television and radio, specializing in coverage of , , and major league events. Born in , , Cellini graduated from the with a degree in communications, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team as a and set a school record for most receptions in a career. He launched his professional career in 1982 as a sports anchor and reporter at WJW-TV in , earning three regional Emmy Award nominations for his work. In 1989, Cellini joined Sports, where he anchored CNN Sports Tonight for over a , receiving Cable Ace Award nominations in 1995 and 1997, and winning the award in 1996. He was inducted into the Ohio Radio Television Hall of Fame in 2000. Transitioning to Turner Sports in 2003, Cellini hosted programs on TNT and , including This Week in the NBA, and covered high-profile events such as 10 Super Bowls, 9 , and 4 . That same year, he began contributing to the , serving as and host of shows like from 2003 to 2007, before rejoining in 2008 as a main studio for Golf Central and host of The Grey Goose 19th Hole. In recent years, Cellini has focused on and senior broadcasting, hosting full-time on and digital shows for Turner Sports, while also serving as the host of the Learning Center on in 2025. Additionally, he works as an in and film at and has appeared in roles, including as a news reporter in the series Ordinary Joe (2021).

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Vincent Robert Cellini was born on June 10, 1959, in , . He grew up in a tough Italian neighborhood in inner-city during the and , alongside his father and younger brother , who is eight years his junior. The Cellini family shared a deep passion for , often engaging in lively discussions about games and teams around the kitchen table, which instilled in young Vince an early appreciation for athletic competition and its cultural significance in . This formative environment, marked by strong familial bonds and immersion in the city's vibrant sports scene, influenced Cellini's lifelong interest in ; his brother later followed a similar path, becoming a prominent personality in . As a teenager, Cellini demonstrated his through local , including a summer job as a at Grovewood, a public pool on Cleveland's east side. These early experiences in provided the groundwork for his transition to college education and athletic involvement.

College and athletics

Cellini attended the in , where he pursued a in communications. He graduated in 1981. His studies in communications provided a foundational understanding of media, , and information dissemination, skills that would later prove instrumental in his broadcasting career. As a student-athlete, Cellini played football for the Fighting Scots, serving as a from 1977 to 1980. Over his career, he recorded 10 receiving touchdowns, a mark that ties him with three other for the most in program history. His standout 1979 season included 18 receptions for 356 yards, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch and showcasing his effectiveness as a receiver. Cellini's involvement in both academics and athletics honed essential abilities for his future profession, including public speaking through communications coursework, and leadership on the gridiron, and analytical insight into sports dynamics from his playing experience. These experiences bridged his college years to a path in sports broadcasting, where such competencies became central.

Broadcasting career

Local start in Cleveland

Following his graduation from the College of Wooster in 1981 with a in communications, Vince Cellini launched his professional broadcasting career the following year as a sports anchor and reporter at WJW-TV (now 8) in , . At just 23 years old, Cellini handled nightly sports segments, delivering highlights and analysis for a station in one of the nation's top-10 media markets at the time, marking his transition from college athletics to paid media work. In addition to his television duties, Cellini hosted a sports program on WWWE (now WMJI), where he engaged listeners on local sports topics, fostering interactive discussions in Cleveland's vibrant media landscape. This dual role allowed him to build a multifaceted presence, combining on-air reporting with call-in commentary to connect with fans across platforms. Cellini's work focused heavily on Cleveland's major professional teams, including , Cavaliers, and Indians, during a dynamic period in the early when the city grappled with competitive sports seasons. He provided weekly recaps of Cavaliers games and covered key events for and Indians, helping to chronicle local triumphs and setbacks that resonated with the passionate fanbase. Through these efforts, he gained increasing local recognition as a reliable voice for sports enthusiasts. Navigating Cleveland's competitive broadcasting environment proved challenging for the young anchor, as he competed with established veterans in a market known for its demanding audiences and intense rivalry among outlets. Yet, this period fostered significant professional growth, honing Cellini's reporting skills and on-camera presence through rigorous daily demands, Emmy-nominated work, and direct engagement with the community.

CNN and early Turner roles

In 1989, Vince Cellini transitioned from local broadcasting to national prominence by joining Sports as a co-host of the flagship program CNN Sports Tonight, where he delivered nightly highlights and analysis of major sports events including NBA games and matchups. Building on his experience as a sports anchor in , this role marked his entry into prime-time cable . Alongside co-hosts such as and , Cellini contributed to the show's engaging format, which often featured interviews and in-depth commentary on league developments. From 1994 to 1995, Cellini expanded his CNN portfolio by hosting Calling All Sports, a late-night interactive call-in program that encouraged viewer participation on a wide range of sports topics, from professional leagues to emerging trends. The show, airing weeknights, fostered direct audience engagement and showcased Cellini's ability to moderate lively discussions on diverse subjects like strategies and football controversies. In recognition of his contributions, CNN Sports Tonight received the 1996 CableACE Award for Sports News Series, honoring the program's excellence in cable sports journalism during Cellini's tenure as co-host. Cellini's early CNN work also facilitated initial ties to , as CNN's parent company began integrating sports coverage across its networks, with Cellini contributing to NBA and event previews that bridged into broader Turner programming. This period laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles within the Turner ecosystem, emphasizing collaborative reporting on high-profile leagues.

Golf Channel tenure

Vince Cellini joined the in January 2003 as a studio host and anchor, taking over duties for programs such as Golf Talk and Golf Central. In these roles, he provided pre- and post-tournament analysis for events, contributing to the network's daily news and highlight coverage. His addition was part of a broader relaunch aimed at bolstering on-air talent amid criticisms of the channel's previous lineup. During his initial tenure from 2003 to 2007, Cellini expanded his responsibilities to include co-hosting , a reality competition series for aspiring professional golfers. He partnered with Stephanie Sparks, a former Tour player, for seasons III through V, which aired from 2004 to 2006 and featured all-female (season III), co-ed (season IV), and male (season V) contestants competing for sponsorship exemptions and tour opportunities. These editions, filmed at Kingsmill Resort in (season III), in (season IV), and Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, (season V), highlighted skills challenges and elimination formats that popularized amateur golf talent on television. Cellini's time at the Golf Channel was marked by multiple transitions due to contract negotiations. He departed in July 2007 after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal, ending his primary run after four years. He briefly returned in January 2008, resuming anchoring for and hosting , a post-round interview segment. This second stint lasted until early 2010, when his contract expired without renewal following extended talks. Throughout his Golf Channel involvement, Cellini played a key role in the network's growth by delivering on-site reporting and studio analysis for major tournaments, including the . He contributed to live coverage teams that provided highlights, player interviews with top professionals, and contextual insights during events like the at . These efforts helped elevate the channel's profile in golf broadcasting during a period of expanding partnerships.

Return to Turner Sports

In 2010, Cellini rejoined Turner Sports as co-host of Hawks Live, a 30-minute pregame and postgame show for Atlanta Hawks broadcasts on SportSouth, partnering with analyst Mike Glenn to provide insights and recaps. By 2011, Cellini shifted to a full-time position as host of NBA TV's GameTime, where he delivers live studio analysis, highlights, and commentary during NBA regular-season games, playoffs, and special events. His hosting duties on the program emphasize real-time breakdowns of plays, player performances, and game strategies, often alongside analysts like Steve Kerr and Mike Fratello. Cellini has expanded into Turner Sports' digital initiatives, hosting online programs such as special editions of NBA Real simulcasts and contributing to interactive content across NBA.com and social platforms. As of 2025, he serves as a full-time host for NBA TV's and contributes to Turner Sports' digital shows. His role has evolved alongside the NBA's 2024 media rights agreement, which introduced and as partners starting in the 2025-26 season while permitting Turner Sports to retain a portion of national broadcasts; throughout these shifts, Cellini has sustained his emphasis on in-depth commentary, player interviews, and coach discussions.

Other hosting and projects

In addition to his established roles across major networks, Vince Cellini has pursued diverse hosting and freelance projects that highlight his range in sports , particularly in and . Post-2011, Cellini has made notable podcast appearances, sharing career reflections and insights. In May 2022, he joined "The Podcast Live" as a guest, discussing his experiences hosting the Champions Tour Learning Center and prior work at . The episode, hosted by Rafael Kalamat and Michael Bleackley, explored his transition between networks and passion for coverage. In September 2023, Cellini featured on the Telich Talks podcast in an entitled "Vince Cellini: Points," where he reflected on his 40-plus years in television, starting from WJW-TV in . The discussion emphasized key lessons from his career, including adaptability in sports media and mentoring aspiring broadcasters. These appearances underscore his ongoing engagement in digital platforms beyond traditional network commitments. In 2025, Cellini returned to as host of the Learning Center, providing weekly insights and analysis on senior professional .

Personal life

Family and residence

Cellini has been married to Lisa Cellini, a graduate, and the couple has three sons: Vincent, Adam, and Alex. The family has resided in the metropolitan area since Cellini relocated there in 1989 to join , establishing long-term roots in the region. His sons share an interest in athletics, with having pursued at the collegiate level for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical after playing in local Atlanta leagues. Cellini's younger brother, Nick, is a veteran sports radio host in Atlanta, co-hosting the morning show Cellini and Dimino on WCNN (680 The Fan), which has aired for over two decades and underscores the family's broadcasting legacy in the city. In November 2021, following a motor vehicle accident in Cobb County, Georgia, Vince Cellini faced DUI charges after allegedly driving under the influence by driving on the wrong side of the road and striking college student Julia. The incident occurred on November 16, 2021, leading to initial DUI charges against Cellini in connection with the crash. The accident prompted a civil filed by the victim against Cellini, which proceeded to in Cobb Superior Court. In 2025, a awarded the victim $15 million in , reflecting the severity of the injuries sustained in the collision and highlighting Cellini's role as the at-fault driver under the influence. During the , Cellini testified as the plaintiff's first witness, a strategic move by the victim's attorneys to emphasize the DUI context and influence the 's perception. Following the verdict, the plaintiff's counsel, represented by Geiger Legal, was awarded approximately $4.3 million in attorney fees under Georgia's prevailing party statute. This fee award is now subject to a potential challenge on , as Cellini's legal team has indicated intentions to contest it under Georgia's recently enacted laws, which aim to limit contingency fee recoveries in cases. The challenge, raised in July 2025, raises questions about the application of these reforms to verdicts obtained after the law's effective date. The incident and subsequent legal proceedings drew media coverage in legal and local outlets due to Cellini's status as a prominent sports broadcaster, though details of any criminal case resolution, including pleas or sentencing, remain limited in public records. Cellini has maintained a low public profile regarding the matter, prioritizing privacy amid the ongoing civil appeals process.

References

  1. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/john-telich/episodes/Vince-Cellini-Teaching-Points-e29oqo1
  2. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/vince-cellini/bio/3000603446/
  3. https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/article-golf-channel-newsroom-cellini-rejoins-golf-channel-team
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2235042/
  5. https://internationalmedia.pgatour.com/uploads/champions_learning_center/2025/show_19/2025-pga-tour-champions-learning-center-show-19.pdf
  6. https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/articles/golfpass-academy-members-only-events-2025
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-cellini-93445a170
  8. https://playback.fm/person/vince-cellini
  9. https://barrettmedia.com/2023/05/30/nick-cellini-3rd-generation-atlanta/
  10. https://woosterathletics.com/news/2021/9/27/9_27_2021_1031.aspx
  11. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/woosterathletics.com/documents/sports/fball/2020-21/files/Guide.pdf
  12. https://openworks.wooster.edu/context/wooalumnimag_2001-2010/article/1032/viewcontent/WooMag_Winter2002_OCR.pdf
  13. https://www.cleveland.com/life_and_culture/erry-2018/06/5f94f6f3fb1030/memorable_tv_and_radio_sports.html
  14. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2017/03/a_look_at_the_tv_personalities.html
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2004925/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2250342/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGBoomSsYUI
  18. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/11/17/Winners-of-18th-annual-CableACE-Awards/3016848206800/
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPQZykMWgFI
  20. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2003/01/16/Sports-Media/The-Golf-Channel-Starts-03-With-New-Set-And-Personalities.aspx
  21. https://www.golfpass.com/watch/big-break/game-on
  22. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2010/01/14/Sports-Media/People-Personalities-Golf-Channel-Makes-Several-Changes/
  23. https://www.channelguidemag.com/tv-news/2009/08/12/where-to-watch-the-pga-championship-golf-tournament/
  24. https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/golf-channel-on-air-talent-vince-cellini-prepare-for-todays-news-photo/86813078
  25. https://atlantahawkspr.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2010-11-hawks-tv-schedule-released.pdf
  26. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2011/08/big-names-vince-cellini-marv-albert-susan-panisch/
  27. https://www.si.com/nba/2011/12/20/nba-broadcastguide
  28. https://pr.nba.com/nba-digital-cavaliers-facebook/
  29. https://kids.kiddle.co/Vince_Cellini
  30. https://www.nba.com/news/nba-media-agreements-2024
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOjdymGWl24
  32. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/telich-talks/vince-cellini-teaching-points-iI7kMF0KQpt/
  33. https://tidingsinfo.com/vince-cellini/
  34. https://erauathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/adam-cellini/2336
  35. https://bestselfatlanta.com/vince-cellini-hair-restoration/
  36. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/01/27/nick-cellini-and-chirs-dimino-continue-to-set-a-high-standard-for-sports-radio-conversation-in-atlanta/
  37. https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2025/07/18/plaintiffs-counsel-brace-for-challenge-to-43m-attorney-fee-award-under-tort-reform/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.