Bryant Gumbel 'Embarrassed' His Old NBC Show Lowered Themselves to Sarah Palin's Level
Former "Today" host Bryant Gumbel told Howard Kurtz at Newsweek that he was "embarrassed" by Sarah Palin's one-day co-hosting gig on his old show. He lamented hosts "used to be judged not just on their popularity level but the extent to which they were capable of interviewing someone or reporting on a situation, or able to have a degree of gravitas. Now that is secondary to being popular."
This reeks of Gumbel implying that in the good old days when he hosted Today (1982-1997), hosts were judged on their skills. Gumbel didn't leave the impression then that he felt his female co-hosts were Queens of Gravitas.
Or even that they were nice people: in 1999, Gumbel trashed Couric to New York Times TV writer Bill Carter that "I've had one assistant for 18 years. Somebody who shall remain nameless went through five in five years. I had one makeup and hair person the whole time I was at NBC. Somebody who shall remain nameless went through three or four."
In her 1992 book Inside Today, former NBC talent coordinator Judy Kessler wrote that Gumbel brought a "locker-room mentality" to the set: "There were women unit managers [Gumbel] claimed to have slept with, and he would say things like,'She's not even a good [expletive].' Then he had the habit of walking around the office and going up behind a lot of women and massaging their backs and shoulders. The other thing he would do was run his hand up their back to see if they were wearing a brassiere....He got a kick out of scaring women."
Kessler quoted a male member of the Today staff, who said: "Bryant was generally so aggressively nasty to women. He would give an assessment of everyone's bust size, and say things like,'You know, I could sleep with that one if I wanted to.'"
Kurtz laid it on a little thick on the Palin stunt by describing it as "giving the disastrous VP nominee a chance to poke fun at her know-nothing image while sprinkling some celebrity stardust on Matt Lauer and the gang."
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Comments
Let's embarass Bryant further
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:08pm.
Back in the day, NB had a "greatest hits" blog roll list. And one of Bryant's idiot comments was at the very top.
Something about the Winter Olympics looking like a convention of white people, IIRC.
Matthew, can we possibly find that one?
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
winter extreme sports
Submitted by Agnostic on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:14pm.
"So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world's greatest athletes, despite a paucity of Blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention."
That's it!
Submitted by Blonde on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:28pm.
Thank you.
That was on the original NB, back in the Wild West days. The "all time hits" were pegged on the right side of the page.....I kind of miss them, they were pretty funny. (Not to mention some of the old timer commenters).
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
all time hits
Submitted by Agnostic on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:33pm.
I maybe 'NB Old' but the memory still works - sometimes! Sort-of.
Blonde ... a Youtube rerun...
Submitted by upcountrywater on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:38pm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hEPH5DPDY
Lefty Detritus, of the lowest order.
You Didn't Build That.
Well, wouldn't Gumbel's
Submitted by JeffC... on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:22pm.
Well, wouldn't Gumbel's comment imply that those who were there were there on their on merit, not because of some "assistance?"
Debi Thomas (figure skating), Shani Davis (speed skating), Vonetta Flowers (bobsled).
Heck, Gumbel's the jerk who, during coverage of the 96 Olympics, pointed out the Kerri Strug's final vault was unnecessary because the scores from second place Russia's final apparatus fell short.
Thank you, Bryant, for telling us who you are.
Submitted by needle on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 7:45pm.
I do not know if Byrant ever apologized for this remark; but I hope not.
After all, it is impromptu remarks like this that provide the clearest window into one's soul. Apologizing does not alter the fact of what was revealed, it just further reveals weakness and self shame. If self shame eventually lead to improved character, well and good; but how often does that happen among narcissists?
With this remark out there, we merely note that Bryant is still stuck where he was years ago. May something happen in his life to help him snap out it and significantly improve his attitude.
- Looking forward to the self-annihilation of the Manipulated Stories Machine.
What is Bryant's opinion of Obama's all white campaign staff?
Submitted by frank14 on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 10:12am.
Such a racial bean counter...Yet he cheated on and eventually dumped his balck wife for a white lover. Hypocrite much Bryant?
....AND THE ENTIRE WORLD ASKS - "BRYANT WHO?"
Submitted by Sgthulka on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:17pm.
Striving to achieve relevancy, Bryant Gumbel opens his pie-hole.
Bryant...
Submitted by Annie Ashe Fields on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:15pm.
...A gentleman you are not.
Well said
Submitted by Radical1979 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 4:34pm.
I would add, you're not even a newsman Bryant. Go back under the rock with the other slimy creatures.
Gumbel, you reminded me of my favorite quote, from
Submitted by UpNorth on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 8:40pm.
The Hunt for Red October. I'll summarize, because you apparently need the help, "you ignorant ass".
TORPEDO! DEAD AHEAD!
Submitted by Unsane on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 9:45pm.
"You arrogant ass! YOU KILLED US!!!"
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
As opposed to his level?
Submitted by Lakewood Ed on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:16pm.
As opposed to his level?
Gumbel vs Trevor
Submitted by Agnostic on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:26pm.
Was Gumbel the model for the Trevor Collins character of Fresh Prince?
Gumbel - Shut The Hell Up!
Submitted by rammingspeed on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:18pm.
This is insane! Gumbel himself was a light weight little sh*t pie, where the f does he get off criticizing anyone else? Oh, that's right, he's a progressive - he can be 100% wrong about EVERYTHING and still be accepted as a living god by the left.
Let the MSMers and their spokespeople keep shooting off their mouths, they're pouring poison on themselves, now that the New Media has as many, or even more, followers as the liberal establishment media.
Who has the problem Gumby?
Submitted by Tomorama on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:20pm.
F him.
He hated the fact that other "blacks" considered him too white (WTF does that mean)?
Then he "changed" to get his props, the coward and fraud and bully he was.
He's still alive?
Submitted by Kevin Groenhagen on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:25pm.
I thought his brother ate him.
Bryant Gumbel's brother, Shrek
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 8:44pm.
Yeah! What's with Greg coming out in greenface?
Isn't that racist?
Women!
Submitted by Samaritan01 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 2:41pm.
Bryant Gumbel doesn't like women, how surprising!
He should be embarassed being Bryant Gumbel
Submitted by Galvanic on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:03pm.
He was always a narcissistic ass, and it appears that nothing has changed.
I'm sure that NBC is embarassed to have Gumbel's name even associated with its past.
Bryant's interviews were
Submitted by inquiringmind on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:08pm.
Bryant's interviews were always about him. He was more important than the person he was interviewing. At least in his mind. But it came through in his demeanor.
By the way I wonder if he still has that double chin.
I guess the stoooopid SOB
Submitted by ricklail on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:16pm.
I guess the stoooopid SOB never watches MESSNBC. Her level is miles above the conga line of morons there. Sarah Palin brought some class to Today, something he knows nothing about.
Hey, look over here!
Submitted by Pilgrim1949 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:19pm.
It's me, it's ME!!
I am TOO relevant and still quite the sage commentator if I do say so myself (well, at least my single synapse seems to think so).
*****
Gee, aren't some toddlers just sooooo cute when they throw their little hissy fit tantrums?
No, not really.
And neither are supposed adults...
Ya want some Lib-government-supplied cheese with that whiiiiiiiiine?
"Ye canne change the laws of physics....." but some politicians believe that with the right legislation you can pretend they don't really apply to your own pet projects...
Self flattery
Submitted by Savonarola on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:38pm.
Is not very becoming.
judged on their skills?
Submitted by ohio granny on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:40pm.
What skills? Skin color, sex, idiology? Those skills? Just asking. Journalist, impartial? Not so much.
ratings
Submitted by foolnomore on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 3:50pm.
they'll all fall on their bagel's for ratings?? so sell-out-media at it best ?worst!!,
He's Embarrased?
Submitted by allouchsit on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 4:24pm.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I ever watched Gumbel when he was on the Today Show, so I guess that makes us even.
Dumbal
Submitted by mmilesll on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 4:30pm.
This pos has played the race card, only gotten where he is by using the race card. If I were black an ahole like this it would embarrass me. He is too stupid to have a clue and the last person he should be making fun of is Sarah.
Gumbel...ugh.
Submitted by GG_NB on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 4:59pm.
The last time I saw him (for about 5 minutes) he was co-hosting on what is now the "Live with Kelly" show. He should have just left it at that.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
??
Submitted by oldfart on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 5:04pm.
Bryant who?
~If a male co-worker had ever run his hand up my back....
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 5:12pm.
He'd be struggling to extricate that hand from his colon...when he regained consciousness.
Dang, WB--
Submitted by HockeyKid on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 9:17am.
how do I get you and Dumbbell working in the same office? I'd PAY to see that! ;)
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
"Gravitas"
Submitted by gregfahey on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 5:12pm.
Interesting that Gumbel uses this word.
Citing years of "habitual adultery", his 1st wife, the woman he married when he was a nobody, sued him for divorce.
He called Newt Gingrich "Puke Gingrich" live on the Today show.
He's called Pat Buchanan "Pat Pukeanan".
Yeah, your a class act Bryant. He's nothing more than a college educated man who never moved on emotionally or maturity wise from the age of 17.
When the all names of respected journalists and reporters/interviewers is created as a Top 500 List, you'll be looking for your name but, instead it'll be at the bottom of the page beside an asterisk that states:
*Keith Olbermann and Bryant Gumbel's names can be found in the "Worst Person's in the World" section. Also, see "man child" or "Strange but true bath tub partners" in the "Isn't That Odd?" section.
Who exactly is. . .
Submitted by rickbren on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 5:13pm.
Bryant Gumball? It seems he has completed his decent into irrelevancy. .
Gumball
Submitted by dliston on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 6:28pm.
Gumball has always been an empty headed hack and A-hole...not too mention serial sexual harasser like his hero Clinton.
The snotty, arrogant,
Submitted by killa37 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 6:46pm.
The snotty, arrogant, self-absorbed, and uppity (and I don't give a rat's rear end WHAT 'color' he is!!!) Cryin' Bryan Gumball would have to look UP in order to see Sarah Palin's level - on any subject!!!!
Gumbel was, and remains, ---
Submitted by matthewdean on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 6:50pm.
a racist turd who carries with him an amazing amount of unmerited arrogance and chutzpah.
Reminds me a lot of someone else; who happens, unfortunately, to garner publicity because of his title rather than his professionalism or goodness.
MD
Yeah, MD, it would be hard to
Submitted by killa37 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 9:41pm.
Yeah, MD, it would be hard to find two more self-absorbed, egotistical, narcississic, insufferable creeps than Bryant Gumball or Boy Baraka O'Bama.
Gumbel
Submitted by djwolf12 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 7:07pm.
Bryant Gumbel is the African-American version of Keith Olbermann. Think about it............
➚Gumbel rallies
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 7:12pm.
Looks like Gumbel and Kenny Rogers split a room at the skin-stretch clinic.
That explains it
Submitted by jpwcpa on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 8:32pm.
Bryant used the savings from that stay at the clinic to buy some Just For Men hair coloring. Unfortunately, the 63-year-old Mr. Gumbel ran out before he had a chance to apply any of it to his eyebrows.
This guy is a racist
Submitted by hardrock01 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 7:49pm.
This guy is a racist socialist.............
Top this
Submitted by sngnsgt on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 8:31pm.
Something Sarah Palin's dog did in a neighbor's yard tops anything you ever did on TV. What a joke you are!!!!
Bryant Gumball
Submitted by wdvander on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 9:36pm.
this comes from the man who compared the American team at the Winter Olympics to the ethnic make up at the Republican Convention. I might be able to pass that off as a joke, but Gumball does not have a sense of humor.
NFL
Submitted by djwolf12 on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 9:38pm.
Didn't Gumbel also say that NFL Owners are the equivalent to Slave owners?
Bryant Gumbel sabotaged his
Submitted by Rousse on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 11:57pm.
Bryant Gumbel sabotaged his own career. Over and over again. The only reason anyone printed his slam was because it was about Sarah Palin.
Didn't the New York Times describe Gumbel as a White Black, or
Submitted by Rush Fan on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 2:01am.
does that only apply to White Hispanics?
I never did like that guy and this article explains...
Submitted by jawebster1 on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 3:10am.
why.
I wonder if the Gumbie
Submitted by johnsonl on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 6:59am.
brothers have contests at holiday celebrations to see who can be more racist in the media...
I see the vanity of the Bryant
Submitted by mcherr on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 7:39am.
He is STILL wearing those contact lenses that make him have a perpetual squint lest they fall out.
Maybe that's why he can't see the real world around him.
But he's not embarrassed by
Submitted by Semus on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 9:53am.
But he's not embarrassed by NBC doctoring an audio clip fannings the flames of hatred, placing people in danger.
I am going to boycott Bryant Goomba's sponsors...
Submitted by bigdaddy on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 10:20am.
...just as soon as someone puts him back on the air...
This is coming from a
Submitted by John21 on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 10:38am.
This is coming from a braindead talking head that could not even hold on to position with the moron channel.
He's always been an ass
Submitted by vaboxrboy on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 10:58am.
Not sure why he has a chip on his shoulder, but that combined with aging isn't a good mix. Get off my TV already!
where to start on Bryant Gumbel.....
Submitted by thescoots on Tue, 04/10/2012 - 11:06am.
lets see....he trashes his marriage because he "talks black but sleeps white"....yet he likes to pass himself in the media as somehow "racially sensitive"....To whom...the black wife he walked out on?