Since the beginning of NBC’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics, one of the stories has been the pink eye condition of host Bob Costas. It was so noticeable that it became distracting to viewers.
Not only are there parody Twitter accounts, there are internet memes and various other themes devoted to Costas’ pink eye. At first, the condition was in his left eye, and Costas told the audience last Thursday when NBC’s nightly coverage began that doctors informed him that it should clear by the weekend. Well, on Monday, the condition spread to his right eye.
Costas tried to stick it out, but it became apparent that this was more than just a weekend malady.
My buddy Bob Costas is a man. Doesn't feel well, struggling to see his notes, and refuses to take any time off. Proud of him. @NBCOlympics
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthNBC) February 10, 2014
Costas himself poked fun at himself after a segment during NBC Olympics Late Night on Monday following a Mary Carillo report on vodka that led to him and Mary doing shots on the air.
Twitter went from making jokes to outright sympathy and appealing to NBC to take Bob off the air so he could recover. That appeal appears to have been heard. NBC Olympics Executive Producer Jim Bell hinted this morning on his Twitter account that an announcement would be made on a replacement.
Announcement coming up on Today show about tonight's call to the bullpen.
— Jim Bell (@jfb) February 11, 2014
And that announcement has been made. Today co-host Matt Lauer will replace Bob in primetime at least for tonight.
.@MLauer will fill in for Bob Costas on @NBCOlympics primetime coverage tonight. Sending our best wishes to Bob! #SochiTODAY
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 11, 2014
At the outset, it might seem like a strange choice, but I can understand it. Bell is the former Executive Producer at Today and Lauer is his guy. And as Bell is running the Olympics for NBC, why not tap Lauer and leave the rest of the hosting rotation on NBCSN (Rebecca Lowe, Dan Patrick and Al Michaels) and NBC (Lester Holt) alone.
Personally, I would have gone with either Michaels or Patrick, but NBC is going with a known quantity to its target audience. Don’t forget NBC programs the Olympics to the same audience as Today and not hardcore sports fans so this actually makes sense when you think of it in that manner.
So Lauer will sit in for Bob tonight and hopefully he’ll be back soon.
UPDATE, 11:45 a.m.: NBC has issued a press release on the change for tonight’s broadcast. Since Costas became the Olympics host for NBC in 1992 during the Barcelona Games, he has not missed a broadcast and since 1998 when the Peacock gained the rights for all of the Olympics, Costas has been the exclusive primetime host. That is a total of 157 consecutive nights and that ends tonight.
NBC facetiously lists Costas as “day to day.” As Vin Scully once said, “Then again, aren’t we all?”
MATT LAUER TO HOST NBC’S OLYMPIC PRIMETIME & LATE NIGHT COVERAGE TONIGHT
Bob Costas Rests Due to Eye Infection; Breaks Hosting Streak of 157 Consecutive Olympic Primetime Shows on NBC
SOCHI, Russia – Feb. 11, 2014 – Matt Lauer, host of TODAY and co-host of NBC’s Opening Ceremony coverage, will host NBC’s Olympic primetime and late night shows tonight in place of Bob Costas, who has an eye infection.
“As a practical matter, I simply couldn’t do my job because my eyes had become so blurry, watery and sensitive to light,” said Costas. “I’m hopeful the symptoms will improve in the next couple of days and I can return to the broadcast. Also, the last thing I want is to go through the rest of my life owing Matt Lauer a bunch of favors.” (see below for a complete statement from Costas)
Tonight marks the first time since CBS presented the Nagano Olympic Winter Games in 1998 that someone other than Costas will host an Olympic primetime show. It’s also the first time since 1988 that someone other than Costas will host the Olympic primetime show on NBC, a remarkable 157 straight nights.
“Bob has been a real trooper, but needs a night off. We’re fortunate to have such incredible talent to draw upon within the NBCU family, including Matt, someone I’ve worked with for many years,” said NBC Olympics executive producer Jim Bell. “Now I know how Chuck Daly felt with the 1992 Dream Team, substituting one Hall of Famer for another.”
“I saw Bob in the hotel this morning, and if ever there was a guy who looked like he needed a night off, it was him,” said Lauer, who is working his eighth Games. “I’m happy to keep his chair warm. Although I might Purell it before I sit in it!”
Costas is listed as ‘day to day’ on the NBC injury report.
***
Bob Costas on his health:
“It was becoming increasingly noticeable and uncomfortable, but if it was just that, I would have continued. We in broadcasting are lucky to have the jobs we do, and at one time or another, we’ve all gone on the air feeling less than our best.
“The difference is that last night and into this morning, it got to the point where, as a practical matter, I simply couldn’t do my job because my eyes had become so blurry, watery and sensitive to light.
“If it was just discomfort, I’d be there. I’m receiving excellent treatment…it’s a viral infection, and all you can do is try to manage the symptoms while the virus runs its course. But I’m hopeful that those symptoms will improve in the next couple of days and I can return to the broadcast.
“Also, the last thing I want is to go through the rest of my life owing Matt Lauer a bunch of favors.”
As much as I like to tease Costas on this site, I do wish him a quick recovery and hope to see him back on primetime soon.
