ESPN reportedly wants Keith Olbermann? Are we in The Matrix?
Sunday night, we learned from the New York Times that ESPN Head Honcho John Skipper and cable television refugee Keith Olbermann had gone to dinner to talk about a possible role at the Worldwide Leader. And after some analysis, it was thought by observers, including by your humble writer, that the chances of an ESPN-Keithy reunion were slim to none.
However, as Lee Corso loves to say, "Not so fast, my friend," it appears that where there's smoke, there's fire. The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre who seems to have as many ESPN sources as Peter King has in the NFL writes that bringing Olbermann on board is Skipper's idea and could happen as early as May. And while some have believed the story in the Times was an Olbermann plant, McIntyre says it was Skipper's to feel out Disney executives who would have approve a K.O. sequel with ESPN.
The Big Lead notes that Rick Reilly's contract is coming up soon and Keithy could replace Reilly on ESPN.com and fill his pundit role that never really took off. And there's ESPN Radio New York which could use Olbermann as a personality to take on WFAN.
Can this whole thing between ESPN and Olbermann work? If we take a look at Keith's second tour with MSNBC, it began nicely with increased ratings for his Countdown program and a new identity for the network. However, just like Keith's previous gigs, he ended up leaving on bad terms following a contribution to a congressional candidate, a no-no for any news anchor.
As talented as K.O. is, there's always the potential of things blowing up. Olbermann is the bottle of nitroglycerin that you know will explode, but stlll keep on your counter knowing full well the danger of it all.
If it is true that John Skipper wants Keith Olbermann for ESPN, he must know there's a high risk. But if Skipper can keep Olby at arm's length and away from the rank and file in Bristol, then the risk can be minimized. An ESPN-Olbermann marriage may not be as far-fetched as we thought.
[TBL]
@awfulannouncing can Keithy and @BillSimmons co-exist? They've had their run-ins before
@midwestspitfire way to go, Libby. Well, actually, it'll be moderately entertaining while it lasts. 1 month?
“@awfulannouncing: The interest between Keith Olbermann and ESPN is reported to be mutual. - Like ESPN isn't unwatchable already ....
@awfulannouncing we thought ESPN's new moto was "embrace debate?" Keithy's previous shows were nothing but echo chambers.
ESPN dead to me “@awfulannouncing: The interest between Keith Olbermann and ESPN is reported to be mutual. http://t.co/SjMViUhkdh”
Interesting if true “@awfulannouncing: The interest between Keith Olbermann and ESPN is reported to be mutual. http://t.co/qefAxCUelp”
@awfulannouncing However, the interest between myself and Keith Olbermann being on ESPN remains zero
“@awfulannouncing: The interest between Keith Olbermann and ESPN is reported to be mutual" perfect fit, they both suck
When Juan Williams pisses someone off, Olbermann will end up on Fox News as the "token liberal".
That would be the problem. ESPN doesn't want to stick to sports, at least not competently. I really can't see Olbermann going back to a network that has deliberately thrown away all their journalistic credibility in favor of fabricating "stories" and shameless self-promotion.
As long as he sticks to sports and keeps his political derangement in check, Olbermann is still good.
