Keith Olbermann’s tenure at ESPN is coming to an end. Again.
The network announced Wednesday it wouldn’t be renewing the “Olbermann” host’s contract when it ends July 31. Olbermann had previously worked for ESPN from 1992 until 1997 before returning in 2013.
“Keith is a tremendous talent who has consistently done timely, entertaining and thought-provoking work since returning to ESPN,” the network said in a statement. “While the show’s content was distinctive and extremely high quality, we ultimately made a business decision to move in another direction. We wish Keith nothing but the best and trust that his skill and ability will lead him to another promising endeavor.”
It was rumored ESPN wanted Olbermann to cut the “commentary” from his show while they discussed an extension, according to The Hollywood Reporter. However, ESPN responded to THR, saying “Keith Olbermann has never been told any topic is off limits for his commentary nor has continuation of it been part of any conversation about his future at the company.”
Olbermann’s camp believed the decision was based more on money and the fact that he had originally been promised to have more roles, like hosting “SportsCenter.”
“ESPN thought about it, but then decided they weren’t going to open up ‘SportsCenter’ to Olbermann, nor any of their other major vehicles,” author James Andrew Miller, who co-wrote a book about ESPN, told SI.com. “Once they realized they weren’t actually going to use him in significant roles and at significant times, keeping him no longer made sense.
“John Skipper played George Steinbrenner with several incredibly expensive talent deals in recent years, but those days are over. Olbermann was far from being a high-priced ticket by today’s Bristol standards, but a new contract wouldn’t have been insignificant. Roles and dollars were the driving forces here, not behavior.”
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SINow
