College Basketball

Sports Broadcasting Legend Greg Gumbel Dies At Age 78

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By
wendioliveros
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wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published27 Dec 2024

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Greg Gumbel

It is the end of an era.  Greg Gumbel, a sports broadcasting legend, died on December 27, 2024, at 78.  Gumbel’s long career spanned over 50 years with two stints at CBS Sports and a short stay at NBC Sports in between.  Gumbel covered the NFL and MLB but is perhaps most closely associated with NCAA College Basketball’s March Madness Selection Sunday.

Gumbel was not present for the 2024 Selection Sunday citing family health issues.  It was the first time since 1997 that he was not there, and many including longtime colleague Clark Kellogg felt his absence.

Greg Gumbel’s family shared the sad news.  They said that he fought a valiant battle against cancer.  Typical of Greg Gumbel, he did not want to be the story so he kept his health issues close to the vest.

Over the coming days, many will share their impressions of Gumbel.  NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl is among the first.

She wrote: “I will miss his stories and his warmth. He welcomes me with open arms and those around him learned so much by watching [him] operate as a broadcaster and a human. Love you Greg and I’ll miss you.”

Greg Gumbel is one half of the legendary Gumbel broadcasting family along with longtime Today anchor and journalist Bryant Gumbel.  Bryant told his older brother Greg of a Chicago weekend sports opening when he was selling hospital supplies in 1973.