Keith Olbermann is bidding farewell to ESPN for a second time. In a report by New York Post, the contact of the widely controversial host will no longer be renewed by the company. The decision cited was said to be rooted on the decision of ESPN to pursue a different path - one that is presumed to not include the likes of Olbermann who is highly popular for his blunt remarks and hard hitting commentaries.
The news was confirmed in an official statement released by ESPN. "Keith is a tremendous talent who has consistently done timely, entertaining and thought-provoking work since returning to ESPN," it read. The company added, "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."
Although an official press release was provided by the company, some insiders reveal via Deadline that the news of Olbermann's future termination from the network had been made known to him through social media. Sources claim that it was only via the Twitter post of James Miller, the author "Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN," that Olbermann found out about the termination of his contract. Miller posted on Twitter: "The second @KeithOlbermann era at @espn has come to a close. There will be no new contract. Current deal which was two years ends 7/31." Deadline pointed out that the social media announcement was posted by Miller mere minutes into the conclusion of Olbermann's talk show.
ESPN then went on to deny such claims and clarified that the host and his reps were made aware of the changes and the decision of the company "well before today," referring to the date the Twitter message was posted. However, Deadline revealed that the conclusion of Olbermann's broadcast also marked the beginning of the HR's move to systematically inform the staff of the show of their dismissal. Sources disclosed that emails were received with regard the staffers' future in the company. In addition, ESPN immediately "issued statement at least 30 minutes after that after conferring with" the rep of Olbermann.
In an earlier report, ESPN once again denied allegations made Olbermann in relation to his involvement with the company. Sharing with The Hollywood Reporter the repercussions of his aggressive stance against various sports events and the personalities involved, the host claimed that ESPN advised him to halt voicing out his opinions. However, this was refuted by the company as well. "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," ESPN clarified via Twitter.
