"At CBS Sports, we have what we call the ‘no asshole’ rule. You can’t be an asshole and work at CBS Sports."
On pursuing NFL rights, which CBS lost in 1993
“If we have the opportunity, we will move forward with a definitive strategy that is being formulated now. Do we have a shot at the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball? Absolutely. We need a pro franchise, and given the opportunity, we will do everything in our power to get one.”
— December 1996
On how the internet would supplement, not replace, television coverage
“The way people watch sports today — sitting down in front of a television set passively — is the way most people are going to watch sports 20 years from now.”
— December 1999
On his start as a production assistant at ABC
“I was never going to be looked at as anybody other than Jim McKay’s son. So, I thought getting into a network where everyone knew who my father was but didn’t care gave me a better chance to be judged on my merits.”
— December 2001
getty images
As CBS prepared to end a 45-year run as the home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament
“There’s going to be some sadness on Monday night when the final is over. But we will move on and ESPN will do a great job covering the event.”
— August 2014
Reflecting on a top Super Bowl memory
“I came across the most unique Banquet Event Order (BEO) in my career at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans. This was the first Super Bowl after 9/11, so security was of course higher than ever. In the kitchen we received a BEO titled ‘Sniper BEO’s.’ We thought it was a mistake or a joke, but it turns out it was for boxed lunches that were to be delivered to the roof of the Superdome prior to the game for the snipers to enjoy!”
— February 2016
On his management style
“I would say I’m very involved in all aspects, whether it’s production or operations or business affairs or programming because I like all of those. I try to give the people who work for me a great deal of flexibility and liberty to do their jobs without interference, but I really want to be kept abreast of everything that is going on. I’m fiercely loyal to the people who work for me, but conversely expect just as much loyalty in return.”
— January 2006
On the new online streaming of NCAA Tournament games
“Not that I recommend watching during work hours, but I understand that people do.”
— March 2006 (the new online streaming includes a “boss button” that allows viewers to hide the games while at work)
On the shifts of sports programming to cable
“I anticipate that in the next five years, the premier events that are currently on network television will remain on network television. I think the leagues still understand the value of having them on network television and how important it is to their viewership and their fans.”
— November 2009
Announcing CBS and Turner’s $8 billion deal with the NCAA
“Whatever new platforms develop, we have all of those rights. If people are watching on a skinny bundle, a phone or Apple TV, we have the ability to exploit all of those rights going forward.” — April 2016 (CBS will continue to transmit the NCAA Tournament through 2032)
On the NFL and Nickelodeon planning a kid-friendly broadcast for a game
“This is going to look different than a normal CBS broadcast, and I think the NFL understands that. They really see the value. They are intent on reaching a younger audience. They think that’s where the fans of the future are. They think this is a really cool idea.”
— December 2020
Speaking to college graduates about his early work as a production assistant
“The job forced me to be totally organized, creative and to always be anticipating the next pitfall. During the live broadcasts I was yelled at constantly, and as the lowest member on the team, took the brunt of the verbal abuse from the volatile producers, directors and all the others. To say that it was a trial by fire is a vast understatement.”
— June 2018
Upon announcing plans to retire
“The timing is right for me personally and professionally, and the timing is right for the division. There’s nothing magic about this year as opposed to next year. I just felt it was the right time to do it.”
— September 2023
Other thoughts on McManus:
“He’s a gentleman in every way. It wasn’t that he didn’t have a fastball, it was just that he was … a class guy through and through. I thought he was a very fair dealer. My perspective on deals is that both parties should feel good about it at the start and at the end, and he feels the same way. I always knew where we stood. He doesn’t play a lot of games. He was always very honest.”
— PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, who described McManus as “an island of civility in a sea of ego.”
“Sean was and is gracious, kind, and an industry giant. He left the business, and CBS, in a better place.”
— Former ESPN ad sales veteran Ed Erhardt
“Sean has had a remarkable 27-year legacy of achievement at CBS Sports, reclaiming the NFL for his company, extending the network’s telecasts of the Masters and PGA golf, maintaining its participation in college football and the extraordinary continuation of CBS’s NCAA Men’s Tournament coverage working with David Levy to create an innovative partnership with Turner Sports (which I think was his most extraordinary success).”
— Former CBS Sports president Neal Pilson
