Brent Musburger Era Ending

After a career than spans nearly 50 years, legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger announced he’s leaving ESPN after 27 years. His last assignment will be tomorrow night, when he calls a Georgia-Kentucky NCAA men’s basketball game on ESPN. Variety reports Musburger, 77, began his sports career in 1968 after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, moving up from local TV to CBS and, in 1990, to ABC. “Brent’s presence and delivery have come to symbolize big time sports for multiple generations of fans,” said ESPN President John Skipper. “When he opens with his signature ‘You are looking live,’ you sit up straight in your chair because you know something important is about to happen. Brent’s catalog of big events is unmatched, and he has skillfully guided us through some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in sports with his authentic and distinctive style. He is one of the best storytellers to ever grace a sports booth. We and the fans will miss him.”

According to The New York Times and other sources, Musburger is leaving active sportscasting to help his family start a Las Vegas-based sports handicapping business. Having a broadcaster of college basketball games publicly identified with a sports handicapping business obviously wouldn’t fly — which accounts for the odd timing of his departure in the middle of the college basketball season; his family wants the site fully operational by the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

“What a wonderful journey I have traveled with CBS and the Disney company,” Musburger said. “A love of sports allows me to live a life of endless pleasure. And make no mistake; I will miss the arenas and stadiums dearly. Most of all, I will miss the folks I have met along the trail. But the next rodeo for me is in Las Vegas. Stop by and we’ll share a cold one and some good stories. I may even buy!”