Greg Gumbel. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

A familiar voice to miss March Madness 2024

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 3/12/24

In a world of college athletics that has become ever-volatile and ever-changing, there have been a few constants in the NCAA Tournament that has made March Madness almost like the old television series that you watch whenever you're feeling melancholy.

Jim Nantz and his tie giveaway, massive upsets in the first round and the "One Shining Moment" montage are all examples of these March Madness constants.

For years now, Greg Gumbel has been the in-studio host for CBS's coverage of college basketball and specifically the men's NCAA Tournament. He started the gig in 1998 and has been a constant presence for March Madness ever since.

It has been part of his broadcasting legacy — one that includes play-by-play duties for multiple Super Bowls — which makes the latest news out of "The Athletic," frankly, so shocking.

Gumbel won't be a part of the coverage this year, due to health issues in his family.

CBS/WBD's NCAA men's basketball tournament broadcast assignments usually get announced this week but one small piece of news:

Greg Gumbel won't be working the tournament this year as he deals with family health issues.

Look for Ernie Johnson to pick up more studio time.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) March 12, 2024

Ernie Johnson is a pros pro, and he's certainly one of the voices of basketball for a few generations now, but March Madness 2024 won't feel the same without Gumbel.

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