NEW YORK (AP) — CBS analyst Doug Gottlieb got coverage of the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 off to an awkward start, saying he was there to bring the "white man's perspective" to the network's pregame show.
Speaking on a panel with four African-American men, Gottlieb made his comment Thursday during a pre-game segment before Marquette beat Miami, sparking criticism on Twitter that his words were inappropriate.
"I don't know why you guys ask me, I'm just here to bring diversity to this set, give kind of the white man's perspective," he said during the show.
Fellow analyst Greg Anthony made a face after Gottlieb's remark and Kenny Smith said he had "jumped right into it."
Gottlieb was still on set Thursday night and unavailable for comment, but issued a statement through CBS.
"It was not a smart thing to say and I apologize," he said.
Fellow analyst Charles Barkley stood by Gottlieb on the broadcast during a break in the games later in the night.
"I know this has nothing to do with the game; I want to say something about Doug Gottlieb," Barkley said. "He made a joke earlier tonight and people are going crazy. All those idiots on Twitter, which I would never ever do, all you people at home who've got no life and are talking bad about Doug Gottlieb, get a life. It's over with. It's no big deal."
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Gottlieb Apologizes For 'Diversity' Comment
/ CBS Miami
NEW YORK (AP) — CBS analyst Doug Gottlieb got coverage of the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 off to an awkward start, saying he was there to bring the "white man's perspective" to the network's pregame show.
Speaking on a panel with four African-American men, Gottlieb made his comment Thursday during a pre-game segment before Marquette beat Miami, sparking criticism on Twitter that his words were inappropriate.
"I don't know why you guys ask me, I'm just here to bring diversity to this set, give kind of the white man's perspective," he said during the show.
Fellow analyst Greg Anthony made a face after Gottlieb's remark and Kenny Smith said he had "jumped right into it."
Gottlieb was still on set Thursday night and unavailable for comment, but issued a statement through CBS.
"It was not a smart thing to say and I apologize," he said.
Fellow analyst Charles Barkley stood by Gottlieb on the broadcast during a break in the games later in the night.
"I know this has nothing to do with the game; I want to say something about Doug Gottlieb," Barkley said. "He made a joke earlier tonight and people are going crazy. All those idiots on Twitter, which I would never ever do, all you people at home who've got no life and are talking bad about Doug Gottlieb, get a life. It's over with. It's no big deal."
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Miami
Navy Pier apologizes for fog that spoiled visibility of July 4th fireworks
Evacuations lifted for Battlement Mesa Fire burning in western Colorado
Michigan's average gas prices drop below $4 for the first time since April
Meetings help Atlanta food and beverage workers struggling with addiction
"You can breathe, baby": off-duty North Texas firefighter saves 3 children on 4th of July
Illegal fireworks suspected in fire that destroyed Yuba City preschool playground
Chris Richards on red card controversy, U.S.-Belgium match: "Business as usual"
Crews get more containment on Aspen Acres Fire burning near Pueblo