WNBA legend Candace Parker pens emotional note for legendary Greg Gumbel after his death

Candace Parker pens emotional note for legendary Greg Gumbel after his death (Credits: IMAGN)

Trailblazing sportscaster Greg Gumbel, aged 78, died of cancer on Friday. WNBA legend and Gumbel’s fellow analyst Candace Parker paid a moving tribute to the legendary broadcaster on her Instagram account.

Parker shared broadcasting and presenting duties with Gumbel several times during NCAA basketball games after finishing her playing career. She remembered her colleague’s kind nature and jovial spirit in her social media post.

Candace Parker pays tribute to former colleague Greg Gumbel (Credits: IG/@candaceparker)

“You welcomed me with open arms and always wanted to show me the ropes. We connected on Chicago sports but mostly on your beautiful granddaughter that you always whipped out and showed me pictures of. You were so proud of your family. I will miss our fist bumps before shows and our texts throughout the year. Thank you for being so kind for above an amazing broadcaster you were an unbelievable human,” Candace Parker wrote on her Instagram story post.

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Greg Gumbel’s family confirmed his death in a statement.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel

Greg Gumbel’s life and legacy

Greg Gumbel was born in Louisiana but grew up in Chicago, where he attended De La Salle Institute. He inculcated his love for sports while studying at the academic institution, which led him to a celebrated stint in various commentary roles.

He first rose to fame doing play-by-play duties for the New York Knicks and the New York Yankees for Madison Sports Network, for which he earned the first of his multiple Emmy Awards.

Gumbel became the first Black announcer in the US to call play-by-play of a major sports championship when he announced the Baltimore Ravens’s 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Greg Gumbel’s brother Bryant was a hugely respected broadcaster in his own right and earned critical acclaim for his investigative show, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

Greg Gumbel is survived by his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle and a granddaughter.