CBS Honors Greg Gumbel with Tribute During March Madness

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament commenced, CBS Sports paid heartfelt tribute to the late Greg Gumbel, who passed away in December after a battle with cancer. His absence was profoundly felt by colleagues, including Ian Eagle and Clark Kellogg, who reminisced about Gumbel's warm personality and significant impact on the tournament. CBS honored Gumbel by playing music from his favorite band, The Rolling Stones, during the coverage and featuring gold microphone pins with his initials, 'GG', worn by the broadcast team. Studio host Ernie Johnson expressed the deep void left by Gumbel's passing, describing it as a loss that would never be filled. Colleagues shared emotional reflections on Gumbel's legacy, highlighting his kindness, competence, and dedication to viewers. The somber mood underscored the tournament's opening, as the crew navigated the challenge of continuing without such an iconic figure.