Rick Karle

Sports Director

Birmingham, Ala.

Rick Karle is Sports Director at WBRC FOX6, anchoring sports segments during WBRC FOX6 News at 6, 9 and 10 pm. Rick started his duties at WBRC in April of 1989. Prior to working in Birmingham, he served as sports anchor at WJXT Jacksonville, Fla., and Sports Director at WNNE in Hanover, N.H.

Born and raised in Syracuse, N.Y., Rick received his B.A. degree in journalism from the University Of New Hampshire. Here in Alabama, Rick (a cancer survivor) has served as a board member for the American Cancer Society. He also done volunteer work with the Big Oak Ranches, United Cerebral Palsy, Children's Village, and The Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame.

Rick has also served on the selection boards for the Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame, the International Motorsports Hall Of Fame, and the Blue-Gray Hall Of Fame. For years Rick has been a voter for the annual Heisman Trophy, and serves as guest speaker and emcee at numerous charitable events.

Besides his work on WBRC, Rick has appeared on numerous radio programs, including the Paul Finebaum Radio Network and statewide iHeart stations. He has also appeared on Fox News programs such as Greta Van Susteran and other national sports programs.

Rick is a 23-time Emmy award winner with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Atlanta Chapter. He has won Emmys for everything from "Sports Anchor" to "Sports Performer" to "Sports Host" to "Sports Feature", with his most recent win coming in 2015 for "Best Daily Sportscast".

Rick has garnered more than 50 Emmy nominations, and has won more than 60 Associated Press awards, including the 2009 Alabama AP "Best Sports Anchor" award, the 2010 & 2013 "Best Sports Anchor" award from ABBY, and the AP "Best Sports Program" for "Sideline".

Rick also has won six Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards for sports reporting, along with one Edward R. Murrow National Award (Dateline NBC being the other sports winner that year).

Rick lives in Shelby County with his wife Jill, an attorney, their two children, dogs Opie & Sophie and cat Mims.

Podcasts

Air It Out

Sports

Nick Saban shaking the hands of Crimson Tide players after SEC Championship

WATCH: Nick Saban waits to thank each Crimson Tide player after SEC Championship

Updated: Dec. 2, 2018 at 7:45 PM CST

By Rick Karle

Alabama coach Nick Saban didn’t just congratulate the team on their performance on Saturday, he wanted to thank them each individually.

Auburn

Gus Malzahn to accept reduced buyout to remain at Auburn

Updated: Nov. 27, 2018 at 4:03 PM CST

By Rick Karle

Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn has agreed in principle to accept a reduced contract buyout to remain at the university.

Sports

Late Monday afternoon, Fred Yancey announced to his Lions football players that he is retiring....

Briarwood Christian football coach retiring after 28 years

Updated: Nov. 26, 2018 at 4:58 PM CST

By Rick Karle

It was late Monday when Briarwood Christian Football Coach Fred Yancey announced to his Lions football players that he is retiring.

Sideline

Schedule for Sideline - November 9, 2018 - Playoffs Week 1

Updated: Nov. 8, 2018 at 8:50 PM CST

By Rick Karle

The regular season is over for high school football across Alabama. That means it’s time for the AHSAA playoffs!

Sideline

Schedule for Sideline - November 2, 2018

Updated: Oct. 31, 2018 at 5:59 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

News

Hoover football players donate wagon to Children’s of Alabama

Updated: Oct. 19, 2018 at 3:57 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Hoover kicker Will Reichard and the Bucs special team players (along with many others) wanted to do something special for the kids at Children’s, so they delivered a special wagon that sports the team’s colors, motivational messages and a Bible verse.

Sideline

Schedule for Sideline - October 19, 2018

Updated: Oct. 16, 2018 at 9:08 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

Sports

Auburn AD Allen Greene. (Source: WBRC video)

Auburn’s Director of Athletics on Malzahn: “My job is to support him”

Updated: Oct. 15, 2018 at 2:41 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Is Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn on the hot seat? After Saturday’s loss to Tennessee, many Auburn fans are less than thrilled with their head coach. On Monday, Auburn Director of Athletics Allen Greene visited the Monday Morning Quarterback Club where we asked him about Malzahn’s job status.

Sideline

Schedule for Sideline 2018 - October 12, 2018

Updated: Oct. 9, 2018 at 8:27 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

Sideline

Schedule for the seventh week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Oct. 4, 2018 at 10:59 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

Alabama

VIDEO: Tua talks football, family, and faith

Updated: Oct. 2, 2018 at 3:27 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa got a rare chance to speak with the media on Tuesday afternoon.

Karle's Korner

Jalen Hurts arrives at an Alabama game. (Source: WBRC Video)

Karle’s Korner: Saturday is about no one but Jalen Hurts

Updated: Sep. 28, 2018 at 4:07 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

When Hurts enters the game, it will officially signify that he is remaining with the team for the rest of the season.

Sideline

Schedule for the sixth week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Sep. 25, 2018 at 8:30 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

Sideline

Schedule for the fifth week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Sep. 19, 2018 at 9:00 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We have a big show planned with two Games of the Week, the Band of the Week, our Team of the Week, and our Coach of the Week.

Sideline

Schedule for the fourth week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Sep. 11, 2018 at 7:12 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We’re several weeks in and rolling on to another set of games this Friday night - it’s time for another week of Sideline 2018!

Top Story

GF Default - VIDEO: Jalen Hurts comments

The Jalen Hurts Dilemma: Let Nick Saban make the call

Updated: Sep. 8, 2018 at 8:08 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

The only people I’d trust to confirm this news is Coach Saban, Jalen and Jalen’s parents. And from where I sit, none of these people have commented on Jalen’s future.

Karle's Korner

Nick Saban answers questions after the Louisville. (Source: WBRC Video)

Karle’s Korner: Saban’s post-game comment splits America

Updated: Sep. 5, 2018 at 9:44 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Nick Saban is making as many headlines for what he said after Alabama’s 51-14 beat down of Louisville as much as the game itself.

Sideline

Schedule for the third week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Sep. 4, 2018 at 2:48 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

We’re two weeks in and rolling on to another set of games this Friday night - it’s time for week 3 of Sideline 2018!

sports-editorial

Coach Tim Lewis and Trent Richardson (Source: Rick Karle/WBRC)

Karle's Korner: The return of Trent Richardson

Updated: Aug. 29, 2018 at 7:33 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

You can hear it in his voice, see it in his eyes: Former Alabama Crimson Tide star tailback Trent Richardson wants us to know that his comeback will be stronger than ever.

High School

Schedule for the second week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Aug. 27, 2018 at 4:34 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Here are the games that we will be attending this Friday night, August 31. We'll see you this Friday at 10:08 p.m.!

High School Sports

Schedule for the first week of Sideline 2018

Updated: Aug. 23, 2018 at 6:15 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Here are the games that we will be attending this Friday night, August 24. And don't forget, we will be bringing you close to 100 scores from around our state. We'll see you this Friday at 10:08 p.m.!

Karle's Korner

Karle’s Korner: Jake Pratt heads to college - a happy but bittersweet time

Updated: Aug. 9, 2018 at 5:46 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

I'll miss Jake Pratt, but I promised I will visit him over Christmas.

sports-editorial

Karle’s Korner: Bo vs. the Bucs - A season opener for the ages

Updated: Aug. 8, 2018 at 4:45 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Hard work lies ahead over the next few weeks, as the Indians zero in on a big one. Come Saturday, August 25, the Indians will open the high school season against mighty Hoover High School on ESPN!

Karle's Korner

Alabama QB Jalen Hurts. (Source: WBRC video)

Karle’s Korner: Jalen Hurts sounds off, and it won’t help his cause

Updated: Aug. 6, 2018 at 4:58 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

They are the comments heard around the Bama Nation, and they are comments that are not being taken fondly by many Crimson Tide football fans. Yes, Jalen indeed hurts, and that hurt has been simmering inside the young man's brain since moments after Tua went all 2nd-and-26 on the Georgia Bulldogs.

Possible alligator spotted at Veterans Park in Hoover

Updated: Jul. 23, 2018 at 8:48 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

A pleasant morning of feeding the ducks turned into quite an adventure for a local mom and her 6-year-old daughter!

SECMD18: Stidham ready to lead Tigers this fall

Updated: Jul. 19, 2018 at 11:37 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

The bottom line for the team this fall? So goes Stidham, so go the Tigers. The good news? Stidham is confident that he will do just fine in 2018.

sports

Bama coach Nick Saban at SEC Media Days 2018. (Source: WBRC video)

Bama QB: Jalen or Tua? Tua or Jalen?

Updated: Jul. 18, 2018 at 8:35 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

So who's it going to be? Jalen or Tua? Tua or Jalen? You didn't think that Nick Saban was going to tip his hat at SEC Media Days, did you?

Karle's Korner

Karle’s Korner: Bama’s Eddie Conyers 90 years young & still going strong

Updated: Jul. 17, 2018 at 12:01 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

Eddie Conyers is an Alabama legend. He, perhaps, does not possess the name recognition of a Joe Namath or a Julio Jones, but those Bama greats certainly know and love Eddie.

SECMD18: What's in store for Day 2

Updated: Jul. 16, 2018 at 7:02 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Three of the four coaches are heading to SEC Media Days representing their respective teams for the first time. But for some, it's not their first trip to the annual event...they just are wearing different colors this time around.

Karle’s Korner: Race legend Red Farmer remembers a good friend 25 years after losing him

Updated: Jul. 11, 2018 at 12:03 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

It was 25 years ago this week when Red lost the young man he considered his son.

Record-setting Samford Quarterback is also a champion duck caller

Updated: Jul. 10, 2018 at 11:03 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

He may be a record-setting Samford quarterback, but Devlin Hodges also excels at something else: Duck calling.

Interview

Karle’s Korner: Vestavia Hills' football coach returns home a national Hall of Famer

Updated: Jul. 4, 2018 at 5:25 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Buddy Anderson arrived back in Birmingham on Wednesday, nearly 48 hours after he was inducted into the National High School Hall Of Fame.

Former Alabama basketball star officially signs with Cavaliers

Updated: Jul. 4, 2018 at 3:03 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Wednesday that the 19-year-old has signed a 4-year contract. Sexton will make $4.07 million during the 2018-19 NBA season.

sports

4-star Bama commit Jayson Jones. (Source: WBRC video)

Bama commit Jayson Jones opens up about Nick Saban

Updated: Jul. 3, 2018 at 4:29 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 325 pounds, while Nick Saban stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 165 pounds, yet Jayson Jones is cautious, and for good reason.

Poem by Miss State softball star read in remembrance

Updated: Jul. 1, 2018 at 6:05 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

A special message written by Alex was included in the service, titled "No One Fights Alone."

Karle's Korner

Karle’s Korner: Cam Newton helps child’s dream come true

Updated: Jun. 29, 2018 at 10:41 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Cam Newton walked past Drew Hurst on Friday morning and the young football player gasped.

sports

Deontay Wilder's Co-Trainer: 'The Joshua fight is dead'

Updated: Jun. 26, 2018 at 11:00 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

In a sudden development, a day after a contract securing a boxing match for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world was imminent, the historic fight appears to be off.

Karle's Korner

Karle’s Korner: A second chance for Chris Stewart

Updated: Jun. 26, 2018 at 12:01 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

Nearly thirty years ago, he stood eagerly in the WBRC sports office eager to please. His name was Chris Stewart, and I had a feeling that this sports intern would be somebody.

sports

Painting unveiled in honor of Da'Ron Payne. (Source: WBRC video)

Former Alabama defensive lineman sees painting unveiled in his honor

Updated: Jun. 23, 2018 at 7:39 AM CDT

By Rick Karle

When Da'Ron Payne intercepted the Clemson Tigers in the national semi-final game it was one thing, but when the defensive lineman caught a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts, well, that would be the stuff of legend.

sports

Former Bama guard Collin Sexton officially introduced by Cavaliers

Updated: Jun. 22, 2018 at 4:07 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Sexton was one-and-done at Alabama, but he helped the Crimson Tide team make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012 while averaging 19.2 points per game.

News

Ramsay freshman football player fights the fight as his mother speaks out

Updated: Jun. 16, 2018 at 3:19 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Like most parents in her situation, Laquita is confused, hurt, angry, anxious, depressed and sad.

sports

Coach C.M. Newton. (Source: University of Alabama)

Hundreds pay respect to basketball legend C.M. Newton

Updated: Jun. 14, 2018 at 8:08 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Among those who attended the memorial service were Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, former Kentucky and current High Point coach Tubby Smith, Alabama basketball coach Avery Johnson, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, former Florida and current Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan and former Bama player Wendell Hudson

Karle's Korner

Wenonah High School girls basketball coach Emanuel Bell. (Source: WBRC video)

Karle’s Korner: Emanuel Bell less than 2 months from major milestone

Updated: Jun. 14, 2018 at 7:24 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

The coach is less than two months away from reaching two years from being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. To understand what an achievement this is, you need only look at numbers.

sports

New Orleans Saints star running back Mark Ingram. (Source: WVUE video)

Former Bama star Mark Ingram returns to Saints camp, speaks out on suspension

Updated: Jun. 13, 2018 at 5:09 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

The former Heisman winner from Alabama spoke with the media at the Saints training complex after arriving at camp after skipping OTA's (organized team activities).

sports

Alabama head coach Nick Saban. (Source: Jordan Smith/WBRC)

College coaches blocking transfers? A new NCAA rules ends the practice

Updated: Jun. 13, 2018 at 3:59 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

In a bombshell decision, the NCAA's Division-I Council has ruled that coaches can no longer block an athlete from transferring to a school of their choice.

sports

Karlee, Ashlee, and Erika Allen - the Northside High golf team. (Source: WBRC video)

Three sisters team up to win state golf championship

Updated: Jun. 12, 2018 at 5:49 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Karlee, Ashlee, and Erika Allen are all fine golfers, but until recently their high school did not have a golf team.

sports

It's on! Wilder agrees to fight Joshua in unification bout

Updated: Jun. 11, 2018 at 9:26 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Alabama's own Deontay Wilder has accepted Anthony Joshua's offer to travel to the United Kingdom and determine the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

Karle's Korner

Pat Sullivan: The Fighter Keeps On Fighting (WBRC Video)

Karle’s Korner: Pat Sullivan - the fighter keeps on fighting

Updated: Jun. 11, 2018 at 4:50 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

Pat Sullivan was a multi-sport athlete at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham. Today, the Auburn football legend and 1971 Heisman Trophy winner continues to fight the fight.

sports

Gene Stallings looks back on a turbulent year: He's happy & blessed

Updated: Jun. 8, 2018 at 5:46 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

The coach is back to driving, as special mirrors help him as his vision is impaired. He's visiting his cows each and every day because that, he says, is what his late son John Mark liked to do.

sports

Former Auburn AD Jay Jacobs lands new gig

Updated: Jun. 5, 2018 at 6:39 PM CDT

By Rick Karle

It didn't take long for former Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs to find a new job. Jacobs, who announced his resignation last November and left his Auburn post just a few months ago, has been hired as the Associate Athletic Director at the University Of Florida.

Rick Karle

Sports Director

Birmingham, Ala.

Podcasts

Latest News

Latest News