Greg Gumbel, a sports activities broadcasting pioneer alongside his brother Bryant Gumbel, has died after greater than 50 years in sports activities tv. He was 78.
His spouse, Marcie Gumbel, and daughter Michelle Gumbel confirmed he died of most cancers problems.
“It’s with profound disappointment that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He handed away peacefully surrounded by a lot love after a brave battle with most cancers,” stated the joint assertion obtained by CBS Sports activities. “Greg approached his sickness like one would count on he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity.
“He leaves behind a legacy of affection inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years within the sports activities broadcast trade; and his iconic voice won’t ever be forgotten.”
Greg Gumbel turned the primary to name play-by-play for a Tremendous Bowl
Earlier than the Gumbel brothers, Black anchors weren’t seen calling main sporting occasions such because the Tremendous Bowl, Main League Baseball’s World Collection and the NBA Finals.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports activities, described Gumbel as breaking limitations and setting requirements for others throughout his years as a voice for followers in sports activities, together with within the NFL and March Insanity.
“The CBS Sports activities household is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel,” Berson stated. “There has by no means been a finer gentleman in all of tv. He was beloved and revered by these of us who had the glory to name him a buddy and colleague.”
“An amazing broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the vital outstanding and groundbreaking sports activities broadcasting careers of all time,” Berson stated.
Greg Gumbel was a multi-award-winning TV journalist
Gumbel turned the primary Black announcer to name play-by-play of a significant sporting occasion at Tremendous Bowl XXXV in 2001.
He received native Emmy Awards and acquired the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports activities broadcasting. Gumbel additionally labored with the March of Dimes for 3 many years, together with as a board of trustees member.