Clark Kellogg fondly recalls Greg Gumbel during March Madness Sunday show as CBS pays tribute: ‘Forever changed…’

Clark Kellogg, the former basketball player, paid reverence to Greg Gumbel during March Madness Selection Sunday show of CBS. Recollecting on the time spent with Greg as a friend and colleague, The 63-year-old claimed that Greg Gumbel had a positive and significant impact on his life.

Greg Gumbel, the sports commentator who was best known for his various assignments for CBS Sports, was fondly remembered on Selection Sunday show. The broadcasting network paid tribute to the sports commentator on March 16, months after his death, celebrating his legacy as a longtime host of March Madness.

Remembering time spent with Greg Gumbel, Clark Kellogg said, “Forever changed in a positive and significant way because he was my colleague and friend sitting in that seat for over two decades,” New York Post reported.

Adding, Clark Kellogg said, “And he did it with great class. Great composure, great humour and great humility. Forever remembered and I’m so much better for having spent time in his orbit as a friend and colleague.”

Recalling memories of the beloved sportscaster, Adam Zucker, Jay Wright and Seth Davis also paid homage to Greg Gumbel.

Longtime host of March Madness

On Sunday, the broadcast opened up with a heartfelt message commemorating Greg Gumbel for his contributions to CBS. The video for Greg Gumbel featured a text overlay that stated, “For more than 25 years Greg Gumbel was the host of March Madness on CBS. We will miss our dear friend and colleague.”

This followed a clip in which Gumbel shared the reason for his love towards the NCAA Tournament. The second video caption said, “Greg loved March Madness…,” adding, “…And the Stones.”

To honour Gumbel, the program kicked off with “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones while the studio crew donned Rolling Stones shirts as a tribute to Gumbel.

Notably, Gumbel passed away in late December at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. The legendary sportscaster had been a March Madness anchor for 25 years, who hosted the Selection Sunday telecast and the NCAA Tournament.