He is known for violating the "old bylaw" of neutrality in journalism when he announced at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics hockey game at which the American team eventually beat the Soviets, "Gentlemen, there will be cheering in the press box.
[1] Israel went on to a career in Hollywood as producer and writer of hour-long television dramas and made-for-television movies and mini-series.
[2] In 2000, Don Ohlmeyer hired Israel as coordinating producer to help him retool ABC's Monday Night Football.
In a controversial move, they hired comedian Dennis Miller to join Al Michaels and Dan Fouts in the broadcast booth.
As a sports columnist, Israel wrote about the Triple Crown triumphs of "Seattle Slew" and "Affirmed," and about the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.