Sam Allen
- tcollins66
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
From Scorecard to Sports Production Greatness
In a career spanning decades, Sam Allen's remarkable journey has etched his name in the annals of Jamaican sports broadcasting. Born with a burning passion for sports, Sam's trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary – from mixing chemicals in a plating shop to becoming a household name in Jamaica.
From Humble Beginnings to Broadcasting Greatness
Sam's ascent to sports broadcasting stardom began with a stint at Metro Plating, where his dreams of being a sports journalist were still on the horizon. Undeterred, he took on the task of keeping scorecards for the Melbourne Cricket Club during the 1980s, a crucial move that would soon gain him recognition from the crème de la crème of the sports journalism world.
His association with the Melbourne Cricket Club led to a fruitful collaboration with iconic sports journalists like George Beckford and Fitz Davis, who relied on Sam's meticulous record-keeping for the Prime Time sportscast on the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). This opportunity paved the way for Sam to work part-time with JBC, where he kept score for the highly anticipated West Indies versus England test matches, rubbing shoulders with esteemed commentators like Bobby Fray, Michael Holding and the BBC’s Jonathan Agnew.
Pioneering a New Era in Sports Journalism
A defining moment in Sam's career came when he seized the opportunity to take over Winston Casanova’s position at JBC after Casanova left to take up a position at CVM TV. Sam Allen was assigned a crew to record cricket weekly, merging his skills as a producer and journalist to create engaging content. The cameramen he initially worked with were Everald Harrow and Lloyd Dixon.
This transition from reliance on mostly graphics to incorporating dynamic visual storytelling not only revitalized the JBC’s sports department but also set a new standard for how sports was reported on television.
Among his top stories that created meaningful change in Jamaica was his interview with Noel Tappin, a legend from the 1950s and 60s Melbourne cricket team. Tappin, a goal-hungry centre forward of those days, boasted a powerful and accurate kick. The personality interview created a stir in Jamaica and resonated deeply with audiences. The interview established Sam as a credible figure in sports journalism, and highlighted his commitment to storytelling.
Sam Allen Championing Change and Protecting Lives
One of Sam's most notable contributions came from his work on the tragic story of jockey Barrington Harvey, who fell during a training session at Caymanas Park. There was no ambulance on-site. Sam’s coverage, which highlighted the absence of medical help during training sessions, led to a significant policy change: an ambulance was stationed at every exercise session in response to the outcry generated by his report.
Further, his subsequent investigative work surrounding the demise of fellow jockey Al Gopie shook the nation. Misreporting had claimed that Gopie died en route to the hospital. However, after a meticulous investigation, Sam uncovered the truth: Gopie had died on the track, prompting major changes in safety protocols in Jamaican horse racing. The exposure solidified Allen’s reputation as one of the industry’s faithful watchdogs.
Roving Sam Jeggey: A Sports Icon
Affectionately known as Roving Sam Jeggey, Sam Allen's passion and dedication transformed the television landscape in Jamaica. With his dynamic crew – Reuben Nunes, Clevans Wilson, Lloyd Dixon, Everald Harrow, and Fitzroy Atkins – Sam revolutionized how Jamaicans experience sports on screen, bringing heart-pounding cricket and electrifying football to living rooms across the island.
His crew's work spanned from the swift movements of skittles and darts to the finesse of volleyball and golf, captivating viewers with an incredible variety of contests. They brought nail-biting rugby matches, synchronized swimming routines, and strategic golf plays to life on television.
A Pioneer in Motor Racing and Boxing
Sam also took Jamaicans on a high-speed journey through the Caribbean's motor racing scene, fuelling interest in the safe handling of cars travelling at top speed! His partnership with boxing promoter Lucien Chen opened the floodgates to the boxing world, featuring iconic legends like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield, alongside local heroes Mike McCallum and Ricky "Shrimpy" Clarke.
A Nostalgic Nod to Usain Bolt and Beyond
In the realm of athletics, Sam was among the first to recognize the immense talent of Usain Bolt. His interviews with Bolt as a 13-year-old schoolboy athlete, alongside sprint coach Pablo McNeil, emphasized Allen's foresight in recognizing burgeoning talent. His efforts, coupled with his production expertise, not only showcased young athletes but also highlighted the vast potential of Jamaican sports on the global stage.
Mentorship and Legacy
Throughout his illustrious career, Sam championed the importance of mentorship, shaping the careers of future sports journalists like Simon Crosskill and Dahlia Harris. He won multiple awards from the Press Association of Jamaica and international recognition from the West Indies Cricket Board, solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting.
The Sam Allen Legacy
Retiring from TVJ in 2021, Sam left behind a rich legacy etched in the hearts of sports enthusiasts and aspiring journalists alike. His contributions to sports broadcasting in Jamaica have transformed the medium and created a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience for audiences. His passion, commitment, and relentless pursuit of truth have not only elevated the standards of sports journalism but also enriched the lives of countless athletes and fans alike. As we look back on his incredible impact, it's clear that Sam Allen is a legend, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of sports journalists.
