Courtesy Charleston Post and Courier

(April 21, 2009) South Carolina and Mike Morgan, the radio play-by-play voice of the basketball and baseball teams, have abruptly parted ways, multiple sources told The Post and Courier on Monday.

Morgan had called USC basketball games since 2003 and baseball games since 2000.

The sources additionally confirmed Morgan, 35, will also be leaving his job as an afternoon host on Columbia's 107.5 "The Game" FM, the Gamecocks' flagship station.

There is no immediate word as to what ISP, South Carolina's contracted radio partner, will do for a play-by-play replacement.

Tommy Moody has handled some play-by-play action in Morgan's absence. He also called a few innings a game, even when Morgan was in the booth.

It's also unclear what "The Game" will do with its afternoon lineup. But Morgan's co-host, Heath Cline, has regularly handled "The Show" by himself since joining the station.

It's no doubt a surprising move for South Carolina fans, considering Morgan's popularity among them.

No single incident is thought to have led to the decision, the sources said.

Fans had buzzed, for more than a year, that Morgan should be hired as the football play-by-play man, instead of former quarterback Todd Ellis. But Monday's move is thought to have absolutely nothing to do with that job, or Morgan's desire to hold that position.

In addition to his radio gigs, Morgan had worked with regional and national TV networks to cover SEC sports, including several USC football, basketball and baseball games.

Morgan won South Carolina's broadcaster of the year award in 2005, 2007 and 2008.