Why Nate Burleson is hosting March Madness on CBS instead of Ernie Johnson initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is almost via the second spherical. The match has had some enjoyable upsets and some buzzer beaters, however there was one notable change.
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CBS is recognized for broadcasting the primary two rounds and in between video games and through halftime, protection cuts to a studio with a panel of basketball greats. Fans are used to listening to the long-lasting cadence of Ernie Johnson however this 12 months Johnson is not on the desk. Instead, he was changed by former NFL participant Nate Burleson.
The former vast receiver has shined in throughout NFL pre-game protection, together with appearances on kid-friendly, akin to Nickelodeon’s “NFL Slimetime.” Given that his background is in a unique sport, many viewers have been left scratching their heads, questioning why Burleson was tagged because the host for March Madness protection Sunday instead of Johnson.
Here is extra on why Burleson has been manning CBS’ March Madness desk throughout protection instead of Ernie Johnson.
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Why Nate Burleson is hosting March Madness
Burleson has been more and more seen for CBS’ soccer protection in the course of the season. But one of the principle causes, per Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel, that CBS is testing to see whether or not Burleson may ultimately substitute James Brown because the host of “NFL Today.”
Johnson additionally reportedly requested to step again from some of his March Madness tasks to focus on working with the “Inside the NBA” crew that moved from TNT to ESPN this season. It was a deliberate absence on Johnson’s half, and in a statement, he said that he could be lacking the primary two weeks of March Madness. Johnson is anticipated to return for protection of the Men’s Final Four and the National Championship recreation.
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Where is Ernie Johnson?
Johnson requested further day without work this season from CBS. In a statement to NJ.com, Johnson mentioned that he requested to take a step again for the primary two weeks of March Madness, including that he appreciated the help from TNT and CBS Sports and anticipated to be again for the Final Four and National Championship.
It is unclear whether or not the 69-year-old was taking day without work for well being causes, to spend time with household, or to accommodate a brand new schedule for “Inside the NBA” with ESPN, however he is anticipated to return to his regular CBS studio position after the primary two weekends of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
