Kevin Harlan 'embarrassed' Furman-UVA tournament video went viral

Kevin Harlan Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Harlan 'embarrassed' Furman-Virginia tournament video went viral

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/22/23

It sounds like broadcasting legend Kevin Harlan wishes his recent call during the NCAA Tournament had not gone viral.

"Kind of embarrassed by it," Harlan said during the 'Sports Media with Richard Deitsch' podcast, as shared by Brandon Contes of Awful Announcing.

"I’m not comfortable with it. I understand why CBS would want to use that, and I guess I trust my bosses more than I trust myself in this situation. …At the same time, if they asked me my preference, I would have said, 'Please don’t put that up there.' And I still feel the same way."

Harlan, Dan Bonner, and Stan Van Gundy were working the first-round tournament game between the 13th-seeded Furman Paladins and fourth-seeded Virginia Cavaliers when the Cavaliers literally threw a lead and postseason appearance away. Days after the contest, the CBS Sports Twitter account shared a video featuring the reactions of Harlan and company as they called the action:

“DID WE JUST SEE WHAT WE THINK WE JUST SAW?!”

Kevin Harlan nearly FELL OUT OF HIS CHAIR. Dan Bonner and @realStanVG were STUNNED.

The crew’s reaction to Furman’s dramatic win over Virginia was incredible. pic.twitter.com/Jym88PALq8
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2023

That was not the first time the 62-year-old Harlan has drawn attention for a given call. Other examples include the 62-year-old mocking a fan for running onto a football field and his describing a cat as being inside the "red zone" at MetLife Stadium.

While these calls have only made Harlan more of a fan favorite, he would rather that viewers and listeners keep their focus on the court and field.

"You don’t want to see how hot dogs are made," Harlan said during the podcast. "It’s like if we put a camera on you if you’re writing one of your stories for 'The Athletic.'

This is kind of a personal space, and I have voiced my concern to both CBS and Turner. It’s one reason why (radio network Westwood One) doesn’t have anything in our booth. It didn’t even cross my mind."

If there's one thing Harlan's work with Westwood One has proven over the years, it is that he doesn't need a single camera on him to generate social media clicks. Perhaps CBS and Turner would be wise to respect the wishes of an American sports treasure.

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