Longtime Sports Studio host Greg Gumbel will miss the NCAA men’s basketball tournament later this month due to “family health concerns,” according to a report.
Richard Deitsch of The Athletic reported that Gumbel, 77, would not be in the studio for CBS during March Madness.
Neither Gumbel nor CBS have commented on the report. It is not clear whether the family’s health problems involved Gumbel or a member of his family.
“Look for Ernie Johnson to gain more studio time”, Deitsch tweetedreferring to the “Inside the NBA” host
Gumbel began hosting CBS’ coverage of the tournament in 1998 and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, Sports Illustrated reported.
He was the first black play-by-play announcer to broadcast a major championship event, according to the magazine. He was behind the microphone during the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
He previously hosted “The NFL Today” on CBS from 1990 to 1993, as well as “The NFL on NBC,” according to NBC Sports. Gumbel left his NFL role announcing his role with CBS after signing a contract extension in March 2023, on Sports Affairs Journal reported.
Gumbel is the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, another sportscaster who later served as co-host of “Today” for 15 years.
Sixty-eight teams will qualify for the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament with selection Sunday, March 17. The tournament begins two days later with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio.
The first full day of the NCAA tournament will take place on March 21.
