Prior to ESPN, Harris worked for many years at WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a weeknight news anchor.

Harris has several honors including: a Silver World Medal from the New York Festivals, a Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.

A 1987 graduate of Old Dominion University, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award and served as the keynote speaker for its 100th commencement ceremony in 2003, and 2004, respectively.

Walton also noted that Harris shares the same birth date with famed basketball player Julius Erving.

He also worked for the San Jose Mercury News and he resigned on March 19, 2001, as he did not want to fire employees after pressures from Knight Ridder group.