David Oates

Who was David Oates?

David 'Oatesy' Oates was a British sports commentator for the BBC. A BBC journalist for more than 25 years, he provided regular commentary and reporting on BBC Radio 5 Live.

He covered three football FIFA World Cups, three Rugby League World Cups and two Commonwealth Games for the BBC, and provided commentary for the BBC's coverage of the shooting events at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was also commentating for BBC Radio 5 when Fabrice Mauamba collapsed on the pitch during a game and was praised for the professional way he approached the situation. He was a keen Blackpool F.C. supporter. He also took part in several London marathons.

He died at the age of 50 on 3 February 2013 after a short illness, and was survived by his wife, Charlotte, a BBC Sport producer, and their two children, Imogen and Kate. To show respect Blackpool F.C produced a two-page memorial in the match magazine when they played Millwall on 9 February 2013, also made a Blackpool F.C. shirt with Oates on the back as well as the number 62, the year in which he was born.