Truth & Rumors > NCAA
CBS's Billy Packer calling it quits?
Billy Packer, when asked if this NCAA men's basketball Final Four will be his last on CBS: "Who knows?" Believe his ambiguity. There's nothing about his TV career -- this is the 68-year-old's 34th consecutive Final Four -- that was premeditated, or logical or even believable -- except it happened. Given how events switch between networks and analysts get replaced, Packer's streak on one of America's marquee events is impossible -- especially given he wasn't a superstar player, famous coach or even a marketing icon. Packer says he'll quit TV -- "and it would be my sole decision" -- when he no longer enjoys TV prep work and when "you're at games and don't want to be there." And then? "I'll take off my headset and do other things."
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Cheney Larschied
Melanie Fitzpatrick



Comments (66) Add A Comment
The best thing that could possibly happen to televised college basketball would be for this pompous, self-obsessed, east coast biased windbag to call it a career. The only thing I like about Billy Packer is that it keeps Jim Nantz quiet for at least 15% of the broadcast. Good riddance if he goes.
CAR
Total Comments (76)
Clearing the way for Jay Bilas to claim his rightful spot as the most smug announcer/analyst in college basketball...
prisonmatt07
Total Comments (393)
CAR & prisonmatt07:
You two hombres hit the nail on the head on ALL counts!
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
Total Comments (14438)
Two broadcasters that I totally despise are Packer and Vitale. But, at least Vitale has some self depracating qualities..Packer is just grumpy and a pompous know-it-all. I am always reminded of when he jumped all over two women at a Duke game because they had the gall to ask for his pass and when he made a complete ass out of himself when talking to St. Joe's coach Phil Martelli two years ago on selection Sunday.
Packer doesn't seem to get the fact that he is a basketball analyst, which means he is paid to give his opinions on the GAME. He should also be an ambassador for the game NOT a detriment! I will not miss him at all, but doubt this is it for him.
As for Jay Bilas? He is a self-righteous prick!
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
Total Comments (14438)
boy I hope this story is true ... this guy is so full of himself ... on the air and off -- and what, exactly, did he ever do to gain this great rep? ... my kids know more about basektball than he does, and they easily recognize bad calls and no-calls and also know that there is more than one way to use a player or run a defense ... with Packer, everything is his way or wrong. opinionated analysts ... all of them ... are an insult to those of us who think for ourselves and would like to watch the game without all the 'expert' criticisms ... I like Bilas, but he too has gotten way to full of himself and now tends to lecture ... at least Knight and Digger have actually coached in different environments and with different talent and know the vagaries of college basketball
silverblack23
Dunsmuir , CA
Total Comments (695)
Knight is surpisingly a terrific analyst
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
Total Comments (14438)
There is no excuse to allow anyone to announce 34 straight final 4s. (except maybe Al McGuire). All the post are right on, with the exception of the one that likes Digger - who, like Packer + Vitale, can't get enough of their past glory days when they were somewhat viable. I hope he takes the unknowledgable Nantz with him - I'm sure they can still stuff one more coastal smug **** into Agusta National.
duany
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (515)
What ever happened to George Ravling? He croak?
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
Total Comments (14438)
Dick Vitale is more like with younger fans than Billy Parker. However, Vitale talks to much about his stick, and doesn't let the game breath. Packer is there to do the game, while Vitale talks about himself. I get the feeling Packer will make his own decision, not CBS or anyone else.
YDT8523
Flushing , NY
Total Comments (103)
Go Away Billy!
DMitch
Total Comments (376)
I have one word, Yeah! Now if we can only get rid of Dan Patrick, all would be well with the world of sports, mostly.
INCSOC
Total Comments (424)
Excuse me CBS Sports, but Billy Packer was a very good guard on a Wake Forest team with Len Chapelle. Thank you Billy for all the years of announcing because I will listen to you before I listen to that nauseating Buck...
tacklebox
Hemet , CA
Total Comments (78)
for the love of God, get rid of Packer and bring in Rafftery!!! Packer is the most annoying college basketball announcer in the world. He knows everything about everything and its way past time for someone new to get in there. Bring in color commentator that is there to talk about the plays and not just belittle the players when they make a bad play.
ONIONS!!!!!!
mnboz
Isanti, MN
Total Comments (41)
I hate Billy he always picks one team and critisizes the other which is usually kentucky he's critisizing
Queen fan
In La La Land, KY
Total Comments (46)
Packer played for Wake Forest when they still played in caged. My **** knows more about basketball than he does
The TRUTH
Someplacein, OH
Total Comments (14438)
It is about freaking time!!!! NaNaNaa Na HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE!!!!!!
ztk3233
Indianapolis , IN
Total Comments (1)
Wow! I never realized Packer was so hated. I don't mind him. I have a feeling that whoever the announcer was, half the people hate him and half would love him.
1Hawkeye1 wants Vida
Clear Lake , IA
Total Comments (1920)
Good.... would be better if it was Vitale.... or better yet, Both!
Sir Robin (again)
Fan Nation, HQ
Total Comments (16610)
This was long overdue. Packer and Vitale cause me to watch games in total silence. I am surprised at the number of right on comments. You would think that CBS big shots could have seen the same years ago. Bye and take Dick with you.
Gflash68
Kent , OH
Total Comments (1)
Don't let the door hit you on the way out and take Vitale with you.
jimpower37
New York , NY
Total Comments (3)
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