”As you know, this is my last assignment for CBS Sports . . .”
And with those words, Brent Musburger began to sign off his 15-year career with the network Monday night. It was hardly the concession speech one expected from so controversial a figure.
”After 22 years with the television network, radio network and the stations, I`ve had the opportunity to work with the greatest producers, directors, technicians in the world,” Musburger said. ”Not to mention analysts, like my good friend Billy Packer. Billy, we have shared some great memories.”
Musburger added, ”Folks, I`ve had the best seat in the house. Thanks for sharing it. I`ll see you down the road.”
Musburger, 50, was let go by CBS with stunning swiftness Sunday in a contract dispute, reportedly precipitated by network demands he trim his assignments, especially college basketball.
His last telecast was marked by his usual low-key manner as well as annoying affectations, such as calling Nevada-Las Vegas the ”Runnin` Rebs”
instead of ”Running Rebels.”
Musburger sneaked in one of his trademark ”You`re looking live at . . .” during the first half of Monday night`s telecast. He had opened ”The NFL Today” program with that remark for 15 years.
He also sent get-well messages to Hubie Brown, a CBS analyst hospitalized in Los Angeles with a blood clot, and Bob Fishman, a long-time CBS director undergoing cancer treatments in New York.
In all, it was a classy performance by Musburger. Much sound, little fury, signifying nothing.