For the first time in 34 years, Billy Packer won’t be calling the Final Four, the Miami Herald reports. CBS won’t renew the 68-year-old’s year-to-year contract, an exec confirmed, but will replace Packer with veteran announcer Clark Kellogg. Packer has been a controversy magnet, most famously for calling Allen Iverson “a tough monkey” in 1996.
“'No one has ever loved the game of college basketball more than Billy Packer,” said longtime broadcasting partner Jim Nantz, who will stay on alongside Kellog. “He protects the heart and soul of the sport. Fans don't realize they owe Billy a thank you.”
Monday, July 14, 2008
CBS Bounces Packer From NCAA Team
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Fans owe nothing to Billy Packer. The man is the most arrogant, insufferable broadcaster on any network, covering any sport. I, for one, will not miss him.
CBS hit the daily-double in naming Clark Kellogg as Packer's replacement. Smooth, disarming, great knowledge of the game and a an easy, but not overbearing, sense of humor.
If CBS wanted to score the hat trick of smart basketball-coverage moves, they'd permanently send Jim Nantz to the golf course. Between him and Packer, I could barely tolerate watching the NCAA Tournament.
Guys like Vern Lundquist and Gus Johnson are vastly superior when it comes to play-by-play. Hopefully Nantz won't rub off on the terrific Kellogg.
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