After 16-Year Absence, Olbermann Is Said to Be Returning to ESPN to Host Show

[dkf]

ESPN is expected to announce on Wednesday that the former network mainstay Keith Olbermann, who contentiously departed in 1997, will return to host a one-hour, nightly show for ESPN2 later this year, according to three executives with knowledge of the deal but not authorized to speak about it publicly.

Olbermann, 54, became renowned for co-anchoring ESPN’s “SportsCenter” with Dan Patrick — arguably the most auspicious pairing in the history of the show or the network. He left the show briefly to help launch ESPN2 in October 1993.

The move to bring Olbermann back after a 16-year absence was the result of 14 months of intense discussion within ESPN and its parent, the Walt Disney Company.

Within ESPN, there was concern about asking Olbermann back because he left the network under emotionally charged circumstances and because it was feared by some that Olbermann had become too politicized as the host of his interim MSNBC program “Countdown,” which aired from 2003 through January 2011.

On his new show, Olbermann will be free to discuss matters other than sports, including pop culture and current events, **but not politics**(?!?!?!), the two-year pact specifies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/17/sports/after-16-year-absence-olbermann-is-said-to-be-returning-to-espn-to-host-show.html?smid=tw-nytmedia&seid=auto&_r=0

[davidpdx]

1. How long before he gets himself fired?

I love the guy, but his ego is bigger then the size of California.

[Tutonic]

4. you guys are funneeee!

[Jenoch]

2. Is Keith Olberman

still relevant to sports?

[Ed Suspicious]

7. He knows sports like very few do. He's an absolute baseball junkie.

[Jenoch]

9. "...like very few do."? Baseball junkies are a dime a dozen.

[Ed Suspicious]

11. I don't know man, you wanted to know if he was relevant to sports. Baseball is his passion so

clearly sports are relevant to him. I like hearing people talk about their passions. I think he's gonna be great. Your mileage may vary.

[KinMd]

3. I guess they repaired at least one bridge he's burned.

...what's the over/under on how long he lasts?

[Tutonic]

5. Bahhwweww!

Rachel is that you?

[brooklynite]

6. If you didn't like Rush Limbaugh on Monday Night Football...

...why get worked up about Keith Olbermann returning to ESPN?

[KinMd]

16. I love Keith..but

he doesn't seem to work and play well with others

[Initech]

8. So will the worst person in the world be Biogenesis every week?

[Are_grits_groceries]

10. Can't wait!

He can't bring ESPN down. They are too big and can afford to pay or fight him if he leaves in a contract kerfuffle.
Find a crew and assistants with rhino hides. Leave him alone.

People will watch. To this day, he has a sport's following from his ESPN time. KO is still regarded by many as the best SportsCenter anchor. He and Dan Patrick were classic.

Keith is a brilliant writer and knows sports. He is also snarky and will push the envelope. He will tweak The Mouse which should be amusing.

The late night time slot would be perfect. Their lineup is staid and predictable then.
Even if he goes down guns a'blazing, it will bring good if not great ratings.

After televising dreck like Skip Bayless and their non-stop Tebow coverage, a dose of KO would be perfect.

[backwoodsbob]

12. agreed

say what you want about his ego...he was one of the best anchors ESPN ever had.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

13. God, you are so right

Bayless, Stephen A, Colin Cowshit....Keith is about the only thing I could stand on there now.

[MFM008]

14. God i miss him on MSNBC

it wont be the same ever. ever. ever.

[dkf]

15. Yes..so depressing.

[mstinamotorcity2]

17. I don't care what they say about Keith Olbermann.

When there was nobody to really tell us the truth about Dubya/Shooter, he was there. He fought with us to do a lot of things. He was very instrumental in the Health care fight. The Free Health Clinics thrived and received donations that really helped people with no insurance. He is a strong voice. He may not necessarily play nice but when has a repug did so??? People say well his attitude doesn't help the situation it just makes it more divisive. He is arrogant and full of himself. I say so what!!!!! I was happy he did not placate to those who felt as though we needed a soft approach to hard politics. I am not a sports person but if Keith is on I will become engaged just because he is there.

[Logical]

18. Wow, this is great news!! n-t

[dkf]

19. For sports lovers and Keith...

No Keith for me. Boo hoo!!!

[Logical]

20. I agree. I just want Keith back in the business. Maybe politics will come later! n-t

[GlashFordan]

21. KO is a fantastic

Sports commentator. He's hilarious. He does sports much better than he does politics. It's his true passion... I wish he could do the world series bit it's not an ESPN thing.

[hrmjustin]

22. I have to disagree with you my friend. I think Keith was and is great at politics.

I liked his style.