CBS Sports anchor, the legendary Greg Gumbel, has died at the age of 78. Gumbel, who first joined CBS back in 1989, passed away surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed via a joint statement issued to CBS News by Gumbel's wife and daughter, Marcy and Michelle Gumbel.
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"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel," the statement reads. "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," the statement continued. "Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him."
"The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television," David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports said. "He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague"
Berson would then call Gumbel a "tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller," praising his career in sports broadcasting. "Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow," Berson continued. "It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community."
Similarly to Berson, many other of Gumbel's colleagues expressed their heartbreak and extended their condolences to Greg Gumbel's family. These include Lesley Visser, Ernie Johnson, and even legendary NBA basketball player, Magic Johnson.
Remembering Greg Gumbel
Greg Gumbel, whose broadcasting career lasted for more than 50 years, first joined CBS Sports in 1989, having worked before for KNBC, MSG, and, ESPN, among others. Gumbel became host of The NFL Today and also covered the MLB, college football, and both Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994.
Afterward, Gumbel moved to NBC Sports in 1994, where he covered the 1996 Summer Olympics. Moreover, he became the studio host for "The NFL on NBC." He would later return to CBS Sports in 1998, covering Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII.
