Gus Johnson Won't Watch March Madness

Way to CBS, way to go.

A few weeks back, it was announced that Gus Johnson, the broadcaster synonymous with March Madness, could not reach an agreement with CBS for a new contract, and therefore would no longer provide play-by-play for college basketball games on the network.

That alone is bad enough.

But, according to a New York Times article published on Thursday, Johnson will not be watching next season's NCAA Tournament either.

He said he would miss the N.C.A.A. tournament, but he does not plan to watch next March, the same way he did not watch the Knicks until January or so. But Johnson also reiterated that he did not fear leaving the tournament “that made me.” He described his split from CBS as amicable, a necessary step.

Like in many relationships that end in a messy break-up, sometimes it is necessary to stay away from anything that might serve as a reminder to the falling out. And unfortunately for Johnson, this means not watching March Madness.

But why should Johnson's decision to not watch next season's tournament effect you?

Well, because there will come a point next March when a Belmont or a Wofford rallies back from down-7 in the last minute to force overtime against a Kansas or a Kentucky. All hell will be on the cusp of breaking loose.

As CBS goes to commercial, your buddy will say something along the lines of "I wonder what Gus Johnson is saying right now" or "Somebody get Gus-Jeezy on the phone and tell him he's needed in Lexington!"

Then you will remember that he's probably in the backyard having a catch with his son, or at Home Depot getting some new tiles for the kitchen floor. You will realize that Gus Johnson, the man that perspires March Madness, has no idea what is going on.

It's during moments like these when you will realize just how much CBS screwed up.

Yeah, it doesn't seem like a big deal now, but you just wait.

March will never be the same again.