Release

CBS SPORTS ADDS FORMER NFL AND NCAA BASKETBALL REFEREE GENE STERATORE AS RULES ANALYST FOR “THE NFL ON CBS” AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL

 

 

June 26, 2018

 

CBS SPORTS ADDS FORMER NFL AND NCAA BASKETBALL REFEREE GENE STERATORE AS RULES ANALYST FOR “THE NFL ON CBS” AND COLLEGE BASKETBALL

CBS Sports has added former NFL and NCAA basketball referee Gene Steratore to the broadcast team as a rules analyst for coverage of THE NFL ON CBS and college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The announcement was made today by Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports.

“Gene has long been one of the most respected referees in the NFL and college basketball,” said McManus. “He has officiated both at their highest levels, including last year’s Super Bowl, and will be a great addition to our team. His strong communication skills combined with his knowledge of the rules will allow him to quickly interpret and explain the calls, giving viewers a better understanding of the rules and enhancing our overall coverage.”

Steratore, who spent 15 years on the field as an NFL game official, will provide rules analysis from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City on Sundays throughout the season. Additionally, he will be in the booth for CBS’s Thanksgiving Day game and playoff coverage, including Super Bowl LIII which will be broadcast on CBS on February 3, 2019. Steratore entered the NFL as a field judge in 2003, was promoted to referee in 2006 and worked 12 playoff games, finishing his career as the referee in Super Bowl LII.

Steratore also will serve as a rules analyst for the network’s regular-season college basketball coverage, as well as CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ combined coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. He started officiating NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball in 1997 and worked numerous Conference and NCAA Tournament games. He finished his basketball career as a Big Ten primary official.

“I’m excited to join CBS Sports and start the next chapter in my career,” said Steratore. “Officiating runs in my family. It started with my father, who refereed college football and basketball for more than three decades. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and began officiating when I was 19-years-old. I’ve had an amazing run, capped off by working the Super Bowl, but it’s time to hang up my whistle for a new challenge. This is an incredible opportunity to continue working on the two sports I love – NFL football and college basketball – and help viewers gain a better understanding of the rules of the game and how they are applied.”

Steratore, who lives in Washington, Pa., is the co-owner of a janitorial supply business with his brother, Tony, who also works as an NFL back judge.

* * * * *

 

CBS Sports Contacts:

Randall Liu 212/975-5936 randall.liu@cbs.com

Jerry Caraccioli 212/975-7466 gwcaraccioli@cbs.com