
Sat Mar 21 22:40:00 UTC 2026: ### “Old Ball”: CBS’s Talking Basketball Segment Sparks Online Horror
The Story:
CBS’s March Madness studio coverage took a bizarre turn when a segment featuring a talking basketball puppet, dubbed “Old Ball,” aired. The segment, featuring Charles Barkley and Renee Montgomery, was presented by Nate Burleson. The author of the article expresses shock and disbelief at the unexpected appearance of the puppet, describing it as a “horror show” and questioning the appropriateness of such a segment during a major sporting event.
Key Points:
- The segment featured a talking basketball puppet named “Old Ball.”
- Charles Barkley and Renee Montgomery were involved in the segment.
- The author found the segment to be bizarre and unsettling.
- The segment aired during CBS’s March Madness studio coverage, following Michigan’s advancement to the Sweet 16.
- The author jokes about the potential negative impact on children and even adults.
Key Takeaways:
- The segment highlights the risk of unexpected content during live broadcasts.
- The negative reaction demonstrates the potential for entertainment segments to backfire.
- CBS’s attempt to inject humor into their March Madness coverage was not well-received by at least one viewer.