CBS’ Gottlieb apologies for ‘diversity’ comment

NEW YORK – CBS analyst Doug Gottlieb got coverage of the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 off to an awkward start, saying he was there to bring the “white man’s perspective” to the network’s pregame show.

Speaking on a panel with four African-American men, Gottlieb made his comment Thursday during a pregame segment before Marquette faced Miami, sparking criticism on Twitter that it was inappropriate.

“I don’t know why you guys ask me, I’m just here to bring diversity to this set, give kind of the white man’s perspective,” he said during the show.

Fellow analyst Greg Anthony made a face after Gottlieb’s remark.

Gottlieb was still on set Thursday night and unavailable for comment, but issued a statement through CBS.

“It was not a smart thing to say and I apologize,” he said.