Legendary sports broadcaster Brent Musburger has announced that he'll be retiring at the end of this month after calling the Georgia vs. Kentucky basketball game at Rupp Arena on January 31st.
Per ESPN:
"What a wonderful journey I have traveled with CBS and the Disney company," Musburger said in a statement. "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."
Musburger was most recently at the center of some controversy for wishing Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon success in the NFL, shortly after video footage surfaced of Mixon punching a woman in the face. However, both he and ESPN have noted that his retirement has nothing to do with the backlash he received.
"I am not shy from an opinion," Musburger said. "And I know many of my opinions are gonna be controversial, 'cause there are many people who don't like them."
The 77-year old reportedly has plans to move to Las Vegas and help his family start a sports handicapping business, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has listened to him call a game over the last three decades. He always found a way to subtly (or not so subtly) reference the point spread, or the over/under, when applicable.
ESPN president John Skipper released the following statement regarding Musburger's retirement:
"Brent's presence and delivery have come to symbolize big time sports for multiple generations of fans," ESPN president John Skipper said in a statement. "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 story-tellers to ever grace a sports booth. We and the fans will miss him."