Greg Gumbel was an institution on Selection Sunday, and CBS made sure to pay homage to him during this year’s broadcast just months after his death.
The Selection Sunday broadcast opened up with a tribute video for Gumbel featuring a text overlay that read: “For more than 25 years Greg Gumbel was the host of March Madness on CBS. We will miss our dear friend and colleague.”
It was followed by a clip of Gumbel talking about why he loves the NCAA Tournament.
“Greg loved March Madness…,” a second text overlay read. “…And the Stones.”
The program then opened up with “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones being played in honor of Gumbel.
Adam Zucker, Jay Wright, Clark Kellogg and Seth Davis then proceeded to pay tribute to Gumbel recalling memories of the beloved sportscaster.
“Forever changed in a positive and significant way because he was my colleague and friend sitting in that seat for over two decades,” Kellogg said. “And he did it with great class. Great composure, great humor and great humility. Forever remembered and I’m so much better for having spent time in his orbit as a friend and colleague.”
In addition, the studio crew all wore Rolling Stones shirts in honor of Gumbel.
Gumbel died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer in late December.
He had been a signature voice during March Madness every year for 25 years, anchoring the Selection Sunday telecast and the NCAA Tournament.
Gumbel missed last year’s broadcast for what the network said at the time were “family health issues.”
It was the first time since the 1997 tournament that Gumbel had not been a part of the telecast.
Gumbel worked for ESPN on “SportsCenter” early in his career, and he also worked as Marv Albert’s backup for Knicks broadcasts and hosted the studio coverage of Yankees baseball on MSG Network.
