By Lynette Rice | Deadline
CBS Sports anchor and commentator Greg Gumbel has died of cancer. He was 78.
His family confirmed his death in a statement to CBS News:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” according to a statement from his wife Marcy and his daughter Michelle. “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. Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”
Born in Louisiana, the Loras College graduate first got into sportscasting in the ’70s when his brother Bryant told him of a gig that had opened up at the NBC O&O station in Chicago. He ended up working there for seven years.
He continued, “Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”