College Football Fans Outraged as CBS Abruptly Cuts Off Gary Danielson’s Farewell Broadcast
MIAMI, Fla. — As the final moments of the Sun Bowl concluded with Duke’s thrilling 42-39 victory over Arizona State on New Year’s Day, college football fans expected a heartfelt farewell from Gary Danielson, the veteran CBS Sports analyst who announced his retirement after nearly two decades with the network. Instead, viewers were left stunned and frustrated when CBS abruptly cut away from Danielson mid-sentence during his farewell remarks.
Danielson, 74, who has been a familiar voice in college football broadcasts since joining CBS in 2006, was delivering a warm thank-you to his broadcast partners and crew when the feed suddenly switched to a commercial break. “We are gonna have a great time tonight. Listen, one more thing, it’s sometimes — you can say, how do you get up? This guy right here —” Danielson began before being cut off.
The incident quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans expressing their disappointment and criticizing CBS for what many perceived as a disrespectful end to a storied broadcasting career. The network’s official college football Twitter account posted a tribute video honoring Danielson’s tenure but notably omitted the moment he was cut off, further fueling the backlash.
Danielson’s broadcasting career spans over three decades, beginning with ESPN from 1990 to 1996, followed by a stint at ABC Sports until 2005, before settling in at CBS. His insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the game earned him a devoted following. In March 2025, Danielson announced his retirement, emphasizing his desire to remain through the transition to CBS’s expanded coverage of the Big Ten Conference. His successor, Charles Davis, is set to take over the analyst role.
Industry observers noted that Danielson’s farewell was expected to be a highlight of the broadcast, given his significant contributions to college football coverage. The abrupt cutoff left many questioning the network’s decision-making and prompted calls for CBS to issue an apology.
College football fans’ reactions echoed across platforms, with many citing the incident as an example of how live sports broadcasts sometimes mishandle emotional moments. The CBS Sports division has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
As college football continues to grow in popularity, with the College Football Playoff and conference realignments reshaping the landscape, broadcasters like Danielson have played a crucial role in bringing the game to millions of viewers nationwide. The NCAA oversees the sport’s regulations and championships, while networks like CBS hold broadcasting rights that shape how fans experience the games.
Fans and colleagues alike hope that Danielson’s final broadcast will be remembered for his decades of dedication rather than the unfortunate ending. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the voices that have become synonymous with the sport. For more on college football coverage and updates, visit the ESPN College Football page or the NCAA Football site.
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