John Campbell will leave KCRG-Channel 9 on his own terms, retiring gracefully in two months at the end of his contract as the TV station's sports director, but it's not like there wasn't a hiccup along the way.

Most people have probably forgotten by now, but Campbell was demoted once by KCRG in favor of a younger guy with a better hairstyle, somebody with a better "look" for the television audience, even though the guy couldn't carry John's microphone.

This was back in the 1990's, if memory serves correctly. Campbell had been at KCRG since 1979 and had established himself as one of the top sportscasters in the state, but somebody in the company thought it was time for a change, perhaps in search of better demographics.

Campbell's reaction to all this? He never blinked, never complained, at least not in public.

The Gazette company used to charter a small airplane to cover University of Iowa football games on the road, a plane big enough for a few sportswriters and photographers from the Gazette and one or two people from KCRG, all part of the same company.

Campbell had just been demoted to assistant sports director (or some title like that), and he made that trip like a true professional, never once shirking his duties or taking a pot-shot at his successor or criticizing the folks who shoved him aside.

Remember, everyone on that plane was a journalist of one form or another. There were no "outsiders," except for the pilot. John calmly discussed his demotion, but refused to wallow in self-pity or throw darts.

"It's their decision," he said, or words to that effect. "It's their station. They can do what they want. I work for them. I may not agree with the decision, but I accept what's happened. We'll move on from here and see what happens."

If you've ever spent time around journalists, you know that many of us like to complain. Actually, many of us LOVE to complain. It's part of our DNA.

Complain about the boss, complain about deadlines, complain about the lack of space for your prize-winning story, complain about lack of air-time, complain about the free food in the press box. It doesn't matter. Just complain about something.

Not John. It's hard to remember him ever complaining about anything. He was so even-keeled, sometimes you wanted to complain about him not complaining.

The story had a happy ending, by the way. John was eventually reinstated as the sports director and will hold that job until the day he retires.

John Campbell has been a true professional during his illustrious career as a sports broadcaster. He told his stories from the home-team's point of view, but was never a cheerleader. You could hear the excitement in his voice, but he never yelled.

Yes, he wanted the home team to win. Who doesn't? It's usually a better story -- and easier -- when the home team is successful.

Yes, he wanted the Hawkeyes to win. But he also wanted the Cyclones, Panthers, Kohawks and all the other local teams to win as well.

John was always an asset at press conference, always willing to ask a tough question, but always in a polite, professional manner without getting confrontational. He was respected by coaches, athletes and fans alike. And by journalists, too.

He's been in the business since 1970. He's had a terrific career. He's 65 and will be retiring in two months on his own terms, ready to pass the baton.

Young broadcasters should study John Campbell's career and try to learn from his success. He was always fair, accurate and responsible. He informed and he entertained.

He's been a giant in the business and he'll be missed.