Heartbreak City For Fans Of Gus

The voice of March Madness will have a new home after Gus Johnson and CBS failed to come to terms on a contract. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

After a 16-year career that saw his popularity and infectious enthusiasm increase exponentially to uncharted levels, the marriage between Gus Johnson and CBS came to a shocking divorce after the two sides could not agree to a new contract. The revelation was reported earlier this afternoon by Sports Illustrated, who also broke the news that Johnson was a candidate for the suddenly-vacated NFL Network play-by-play job that has since gone to Brad Nessler. Johnson has yet to be scooped up by a network, but there is no question that he will land somewhere sooner rather than later.

As a broadcaster myself, I can't do Gus any justice; so I'll rely on a few tributes to showcase the true genius behind the soundtrack of March Madness. Like this one that launched the mystique that has come to be known as the "Power of Gus."

"The Slipper Still Fits" (Gonzaga vs. Florida, 1999 NCAA Tournament)

How about this classic?

"Heartbreak City" (Gonzaga vs. UCLA, 2007 NCAA Tournament)

Then we have this diamond in the rough...

"A 2 To Tie, A 3 To Win It" (Illinois vs. Ohio State, 2005)

Another classic in a Big East game...

"Hey Coach, Play This Kid!" (Marquette vs. Georgetown, 2008)

This one's from the NFL, but just as good.

"Oh My Goodness, What A Play!" (Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 2009)

Another epic football call right here...

"He's Got 'Getting Away From The Cops' Speed!" (Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009)

Here's an ending that only Gus could be a part of:

"Unbelievable!" (Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, 2010)

Back to the college hoops world for this next one...

"Cold Blooded!" (Washington vs. Arizona, 2011 Pac-10 Championship)

Next is the game that (in my opinion) was his defining moment:

Xavier vs. Kansas State (2008 NCAA Tournament)

Last; but definitely not least, we have the call that most of Gus' fans associate him with right away:

"My Name's Al Harrington, I Get Buckets!" (New York Knicks vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 2009)