Legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger called the final game of a half-century career Tuesday for ESPN, but he won't be out of action for long. His new venture is at a sports gambling-based multimedia network called VSiN and based out of Las Vegas, and the 77-year-old Musburger will make his debut there Sunday. In advance of that, Musburger reflected on his career with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand.

Q First off, what exactly will this new venture entail?

A We're going to be doing a show where we talk about the numbers — the favorites, by how much, and the movement of the money. Even if people don't take a position on a game, I think they're interested in the movement of the money — how much is being bet. We have the Super Bowl in front of us so that will be the big item on Sunday, but we'll cover everything. The National Hockey League is moving to Las Vegas. Major League Baseball is coming up, so we'll have an over-under on the Minnesota Twins. March Madness will be big, too.

Q You've tended to sprinkle gambling information into your broadcasts over the years. What have you seen with the evolution of the way the public and leagues look at gambling?

A As times have evolved, a couple of us — myself and certainly Al Michaels — have been very aware of what the numbers are. We think that's a percentage of the fan base out there, people who enjoy taking a chance as they go along. I never thought there was anything wrong with it. … There's not a doubt in my mind that the NFL would not be as big as it was today if not for gambling on the games.

Q What was the emotion of calling your final game on Tuesday?

A I hate leaving the action and all the great friends I had. But I knew there was an exciting new product awaiting me in Las Vegas. A better time to ask me that will probably be October as football gets rolling. I'm sure I'll miss going out and seeing games.

Q You've been very clear that this was your decision, but there are persistent rumors that you were forced out of ESPN and that this was related to remarks you made during the Sugar Bowl. How do you address or not address that chatter?

A The Joe Mixon comment had absolutely nothing to do with me leaving ESPN. If someone doesn't believe that, it's certainly up to them. It wouldn't be the first conspiracy theory out there [laughs]. There are a half-dozen people who assassinated John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Q People in Minnesota might be interested to know about your connection to Shattuck, the prep school in Faribault that was a military academy when you went there. What brought you there, and how did that experience shape you?

A Our family stumbled upon Shattuck because there were some Montana students there, and next thing I knew someone came into the house, talked to the family and next thing I knew at age 13 I was en route to Faribault. Yes, it was a military school and yes, I did hate it that first year. Yes, I did cry my eyes out. But by the time I was a senior I was kicking butt and taking no prisoners. … My overall experience at Shattuck was terrific, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.