ESPN has issued a statement in response to a report saying they have censored Keith Olbermann’s commentary on his ESPN TV show “Olbermann.”
In their response, ESPN PR says Olbermann has never been told any topic is off limits or that he has to dial down his commentary in order to be re-signed by the network:
ESPN’s response to a report today: pic.twitter.com/4JPZzuT6kL
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 1, 2015
ESPN’s statement came in response to a report in The Hollywood Reporter that said the network has asked Olbermann to “cease engaging in ‘commentary’ on his ESPN2 program” in order to receive a contract extension (Deadspin reports Olbermann was asked to drop the commentary portion of his show).
The report says the network was upset with Olbermann’s criticism of Roger Goodell amid the Ray Rice scandal. They supposedly communicated their issues with Olbermann shortly after Bill Simmons was dismissed, signifying an effort by the network to rid themselves of their most vocal personalities. That came after Olbermann was suspended in February for getting into a Twitter tiff with some Penn State fans.
The information in the report seems to be leaked by Olbermann’s side because it paints the anchor as a sympathetic figure. I mean who really believes that ESPN told Olbermann he can’t provide commentary on his show? That’s such an oversimplified breakdown of what’s really happening, which is that they probably frown upon personalities crapping on important broadcasting partners for the network, such as the NFL, the way Olbermann has. The report says Olbermann’s contract expires in August and that he may be looking to get back into political commentary. Translation: this was Olbermann’s agent’s way of telling any interested networks to start bringing their best offers.
