From CBS
CBS sportscaster and three-time Emmy winner Greg Gumbel has died. He was 78. Gumbel, a college basketball fixture as the host of "College Basketball on CBS," lent his voice to myriad iconic moments across a variety of sports.
Gumbel's wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, confirmed his death to CBS Sports.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.
Gumbel spent more than five decades announcing and covering some of the biggest sporting events in the world, many of them as a member of the CBS broadcast team. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as a play-by-play announcer for the NFL, NBA, MLB and college basketball.
When Gumbel called Super Bowl XXXV in 2000, he made history as the first Black play-by-play announcer for a major sports championship. Gumbel also led broadcast coverage for Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
Harold Bryant, CBS Sports executive producer and vice president of production, worked closely with Gumbel throughout his time with the network. He said Gumbel blazed the trail for the next generation of Black announcers.
"Greg was a role model and a pioneer," Bryant said. "He broke barriers being one of the few Black broadcasters covering sports at the highest levels. He set a high bar for others to follow. His work was beyond reproach as he became one of the most respected broadcasters in the industry. Whether it was play-by-play, studio host, or interviewing elite athletes, Greg was as smooth and trustworthy as could be. Greg loved his family, loved The Rolling Stones, and loved CBS. He treated everybody with respect and gratitude. Greg - you will be missed."
Greg's younger brother, Bryant -- longtime host of "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on HBO and co-host of NBC's "Today" for 15 years -- has often been credited with helping Greg begin his broadcasting career by alerting him to an open sportscaster position at WMAQ-TV in Chicago.
7 comments:
Condolences to the family.
That pic looks like his brother Bryan Snitch. Anyhoo. R.I.P.
Rest in peace.
Bryan was always cuter but they are women lovers.
Rest Peacefully, Mr. Greg Gumbel.
Rest Peacefully as well, President Jimmy Carter, who also passed on today after a year long battle with cancer , at the age of 100 yrs. old.
Brother's name was Bryant.
Rest in peace Greg.
BRYANT GUMBEL MIGHT'VE BEEN "CUTER", BUT GREG GUMBEL WAS WAY MORE RESPECTABLE & GRACEFUL IN PRESENCE & CHARACTER.
REST WELL, MR. GREG GUMBEL.
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