Legendary voice of the Panthers Bill Hillgrove will be back on the microphone for Pitt football this season, but not until after serving a two-game suspension following an offseason DUI charge in Murrysville.
Hillgrove, who has served as Pitt’s lead play-by-play broadcaster since 1974 and been associated with the university since 1969, was arrested at his Murrysville home in June after he crashed his car into the front of Ferri’s ShurSave grocery store.
He was charged with having a blood-alcohol content of over .16, which is double the legal limit. An ARD hearing in Hillgrove’s case is scheduled for Oct. 28 in Greensburg.
Hillgrove will be replaced for two games by Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. Hathhorn also replaced Hillgrove on Pitt football and basketball broadcasts after he underwent back surgery in late 2019.
Hillgrove is also the play-by-play broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Color broadcaster and former Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick will return, as will sideline reporter and KDKA-AM host Larry Richert.
Pitt’s broadcasts are carried on the team’s flagship station, KDKA-FM. 93.7 The Fan.