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Tribute to Beloved Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Kicks Off March Madness 2024
The 2024 March Madness tournament commenced with an emotional tribute to the late sportscaster Greg Gumbel, whose illustrious career and warm presence continue to resonate within the sports community.
On March 20, 2024, the NCAA’s much-anticipated March Madness tournament began, marked by a heartfelt tribute to Greg Gumbel, a beloved sportscaster who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 78. The tribute, delivered by his esteemed colleagues Ernie Johnson and Clark Kellogg, highlighted Gumbel’s illustrious career and the profound impact he had on the world of sports broadcasting.
A Touching Remembrance for a Sportscasting Legend
Greg Gumbel, synonymous with NCAA basketball and the March Madness phenomenon, was sadly missed during last year’s tournament due to his illness. Here are some key moments from the tribute:
– **Heartfelt Tributes**: Ernie Johnson expressed heartbreak, stating, “A void was left that will never be filled. We wear his pin on our jackets and carry his memory in our hearts.”
– **Reflections by Kellogg**: “It’s sad and surreal that he’s not in that chair and won’t ever be in that chair again… he lifted all of us who had the privilege of being in his orbit,” Kellogg shared.
– **Light Moments**: NBA legend Charles Barkley lightened the mood with fond memories of Gumbel’s dad jokes, affirming, “He will be missed.”
Celebrating Gumbel’s Enduring Legacy
A dedicated broadcaster, Greg Gumbel joined CBS in 1989. His milestones include:
– **Olympics and NFL Coverage**: Gumbel led CBS’s Winter Olympics coverage and hosted NFL Today before joining NBC Sports for a period, returning to CBS in 1998.
– **Voice of College Basketball**: For 26 years, he served as the host of College Basketball on CBS, establishing himself as the voice of Selection Sunday and the NCAA tournament.
– **Impact on Sports Broadcasting**: CBS Sports President David Berson noted, “He was a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller… a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness.”
The NCAA Tournament continues with Round of 64 games, culminating in a championship game scheduled for April 7, 2024.
In remembering Greg Gumbel, the sports community pays homage to an icon whose influence transcended basketball, inspiring generations with his warm voice and professionalism.
Conclusion: As March Madness rolls on, Greg Gumbel’s legacy serves as a reminder of the human connection in sports broadcasting. His memory will continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring sportscasters alike.
Keywords: Greg Gumbel, March Madness 2024, tribute, NCAA tournament, CBS Sports, sports broadcasting legend
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