This just tweeted by ESPN tome author Jim Miller:
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.
— James Andrew Miller (@JimMiller) July 8, 2015
It means that some of the people that ESPN President John Skipper hired (Jason Whitlock, Olbermann) in response to Fox Sports 1 in 2013 have left their current position or are leaving the network altogether.
CNN’s Brian Stelter writes that ESPN will describe the decision to part ways with Olbermann as a “business decision” which is different from his other partings (i,e. his first ESPN stint, MSNBC twice and Current) which ended in flames.
There have been stories that Disney is not happy over the higher expenditures at ESPN due to increasing costs at the Alleged Worldwide Leader and cuts may be in order.
Bill Simmons may have fallen victim to Disney directives.
However, reports that there was dissatisfaction in the midst came from Marisa Guthrie of the Hollywood Reporter who wrote that ESPN management was not happy over his commentaries especially ones regarding NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
More details as they become available.
UPDATE, 6:35 p.m.: Here’s ESPN official statement:
“Keith is a tremendous talent who has consistently done timely, entertaining and thought-provoking work since returning to ESPN. 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.”
