As Clark Kellogg prepares for this year’s NCAA Tournament, he cannot help but think about all the things that have changed since the last tourney. The pandemic, the stress of the presidential election, intolerance, cancel culture, and the growing rift brought on by racism.
After the death of George Floyd, dealing with police brutality has not gotten any easier. Recently, an unarmed black man was shot and killed by the Columbus police. Kellogg, a resident of Columbus, feels the pain and irritation of the situation.
For Kellogg, the police hold a special place in his heart. Kellogg remembers how his father and uncle, both policemen, always described a very different approach to policing than what we’re experiencing today.
“I grew up in the mid-60s where we dealt with racism, too. I can remember the riots and how disheartening it felt to grow up during that time. But my father would always say that he would never draw his gun on someone unless he had no other choice,” Kellogg commented.
Because Kellogg has three children, two of whom are boys, the topics that dominate the news today are important to him. When the Ohio Department of Health called and asked him to do a public service announcement, he jumped at the chance.
“They asked me to help promote mask-wearing showing perseverance to Ohioans, so I jumped at the chance to do so. I love Ohio and will do anything that I can for my home state,” Kellogg said.
The Cleveland-born basketball player graduated from St. Joseph High School and attended Ohio State University for three years before entering the NBA where he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers.
Kellogg spent five seasons with the Pacers before injuries ended his career. Kellogg feels that today’s advancements in medicine would have prolonged his career back then.
“Back when I got hurt, we didn’t treat the recovery process the same way they do today. Today, they allow the injury to heal and the rehabbing is much different. Physical therapists strengthen the muscles around the injury to take the pressure off the injured area.” Clark continued, “Building up the muscles around the injury would have made a difference in prolonging my career.”
Kellogg entered the broadcast booth after he retired joining CBS to help analyze the NCAA Tournament and March Madness. This year will be Kellogg’s 24th year doing the tournament and will probably be his most challenging.
“This year, all of the games will take place in and around Indianapolis. That way, we can control the environment. The students will be tested before games and they will not allow much movement during the tournament,” Clark explained. “Most of the teams will be able to get there by chartered busses and planes, but we will pay close attention to how they come in contact with the public.”
Kellogg hopes CBS will allow the broadcast team to attend the games. He has been flying back and forth weekly from Ohio to the New York studio to prepare for the telecast.
For fans, the seating capacity will be limited to 25 percent of what the arenas can handle and will be comprised mostly of the parents and families of the players. The NCAA has had the pleasure of watching the NFL, MLB, and college football successfully navigate their seasons, so they expect a successful tournament.
When Kellogg is not in the broadcast booth, he spends his time working on the boards of several organizations. His goal is to be able to enhance the lives of those around him and he works at that process every day.
“My faith in God is my anchor, on how I view myself and the world around me. It has been my anchor to help me get past anything I am going through.” Kellogg continued, “I also lean on those who helped me get to where I am, the teachers, coaches and the good folks in my life who have really been my foundation for success.”
Kellogg has been married for over 38 years to Rosy and together they have three wonderful children, Talisa, Alex, and Nick.
Kellogg knows that things will get better and feels the difference in the current political climate already. He will continue his career at CBS and work to influence those around him so they, too, can live the life they’ve always imagined.
