Jacob Tobey is set to return as the play-by-play announcer for the San Antonio Spurs, nearly two months after he stepped down amid a cheating controversy that gained significant media attention. Tobey announced his return on social media, expressing gratitude to the Spurs organization for allowing him time to address personal issues.
In his announcement, Tobey acknowledged the need to regain trust within the organization and the community, emphasizing his commitment to being present with enthusiasm and passion. He described his role with the Spurs as 'the best job in the world' and expressed excitement about continuing his work with the team.
Tobey's departure from the Spurs occurred in early July, following allegations made by his girlfriend, who accused him of infidelity with the sister of a Spurs player in a now-deleted Instagram post. The allegations quickly circulated online, leading to his decision to step away from the broadcast booth. Reports confirmed his exit from the organization on July 9, but the Spurs declined to comment at that time.
During the two months following Tobey's departure, there was uncertainty regarding who would fill the play-by-play position for Spurs games. The Express-News reached out to Spurs Sports & Entertainment in August for clarification, but the organization did not respond. This period of ambiguity followed Tobey's announcement in June that he had signed a multiyear extension with the Spurs, which came after a successful season for both him and the team, where the Spurs finished with a remarkable 62-20 record and advanced to the NBA Finals.
Tobey joined the Spurs in October 2024, taking over the role from longtime announcer Bill Land, who retired after 21 years. He has been paired with former Spurs forward Sean Elliott, providing fans with insights and commentary during games. Before his time in San Antonio, Tobey worked as a sports anchor and reporter in various markets, including Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Denver, and called games for Fox Sports and the Pac-12 Network.
In addition to his broadcasting duties, Tobey has actively engaged with the San Antonio community. As a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, he performed the national anthem during the Spurs' Native American Heritage Night in April and again during the team’s playoff run, further solidifying his connection to the local fanbase.
While the circumstances surrounding his initial departure were not publicly addressed by either Tobey or the Spurs, his recent announcement marks the first time he has openly discussed his hiatus. As he prepares to return, Tobey acknowledges the work ahead of him to rebuild relationships within the organization and the community.
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