Charles Barkley will surely miss those “nerdy dad jokes” from Greg Gumbel. Before the first game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the CBS and TNT Sports studio crew paid tribute to the beloved broadcaster. CBS opened its Selection Show honoring the 78-year-old Gumbel, who lost his battle with cancer in December. They also wore Rolling Stones apparel — Gumbel’s favorite band.
Just 15 minutes before Louisville and Creighton tipped off, the unmistakable voice of a cultural icon filled the air. As Mick Jagger’s vocals began, it became clear a tribute was forthcoming. Ernie Johnson, Clark Kellogg, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Charles Barkley took their time, allowing the moment to resonate deeply, ensuring they adequately honored their friend and colleague.
Ernie Johnson and company kick off this year’s NCAA Tournament with a moving tribute to longtime host Greg Gumbel. pic.twitter.com/ktizs9RDST
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 20, 2025
“Nobody loved the Stones more than Greg Gumbel, and a year ago at this time, we were waiting on a friend to return,” Johnson remarked. “We knew he was missing March Madness — an event synonymous with his name — for personal reasons. Sadly, just after Christmas, we learned that cancer had taken his life. A void has been left that will never be filled. We wear his pin on our jackets, keeping his memory alive in our hearts.” The weight of the moment was palpable; it felt sad and surreal that Greg Gumbel would no longer be in Ernie Johnson’s chair.
“He was exceptional at his craft, treating everyone around with kindness,” said Kellogg. “He served the viewers with class and competence, lifting all who had the privilege of knowing him. While I’m deeply saddened by his passing, I’m extremely grateful for his friendship and the positive impact he had on us all.”
“It is surreal,” Barkley added, remembering their last communication. “He texted, ‘I’ll see you guys next year,’ and when out of the blue we learned he had passed, it was a shocking moment. I’ll miss those nerdy dad jokes; he shared five to 10 a day. We often debated whether they were funny or just nerdy — truth is, they were both. His ability to cover multiple sports with grace is something rare, and it’s sad to lose someone so talented and well-liked.”
Before Gumbel passed, Smith had reached out to him without a response, realizing the weight of unreturned messages in times like these. “We take for granted that these connections will last forever,” Smith said. “Hallways echo with his presence, and now it feels like there are things left unsaid. We will miss him wholeheartedly, and although it’s a difficult time, we carry forward his spirit.” And indeed, they’ll be sure to incorporate a few dad jokes of their own.
