Since I’ve started this site many people have lost their posts with various networks. I never really took joy in say Theismann being replaced on MNF, or Salisbury getting the ax, but I have to say that today I’m pretty happy with this move. For the second year in a row CBS has decided to make an amazingly smart decision for it’s March Madness broadcast (last year it was Gus Johnson in the Sweet Sixteen) and they’ve replaced 34-year veteran Billy Packer.
Not only is Packer bumped from the main team, but according to the Miami Herald he is gone from CBS College Basketball entirely….
College basketball commentator Billy Packer, who has announced 34 consecutive Final Fours on network television and created a few controversies along the way, will not be returning to CBS for a 28th season, The Miami Herald has learned.
CBS has decided to replace Packer, 68, with studio analyst Clark Kellogg on its lead announcing team.
An announcement is expected Monday, but CBS representative Leslie Anne Wade confirmed the story Sunday night.
CBS believed the time was right for a change and that Kellogg deserved a chance to work with Jim Nantz on the lead team.
Packer, who had been going year to year with his contract, confirmed through a CBS official Sunday that he no longer will broadcast for the network but is pursuing other projects in basketball. Packer declined to comment further.
In all honesty, I can’t believe he lasted this long. He was like the “Teflon Don” of Broadcasting. None of his controversial acts were ever punished because (and I’m just assuming here) they brought viewers to the Tournament. Only now, just three months after Packer told people to change the channel during the Final Four because the Tar Heels were down 20, is he being let go. This business continues to amaze me everyday.
As far as Kellogg as the replacement….umm, maybe I shouldn’t say anything and just enjoy this for now. Yeah that’s what I’ll do. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
CBS set to replace Packer (Miami Herald)
It’s Time CBS, Get Someone Other Than Billy Packer (Awful Announcing)
