Pre-Bid Drama at NBC as Olympics Boss Ebersol Quits

Friday, 20 May 2011 | by Pat's Picks

It’s “Olympian chaos” at NBC, reports the New York Post. After a disagreement with the network’s new owner Comcast, NBC sports chief Dick Ebersol has quit, just weeks before the meetings with Olympic officials to determine the broadcast partner for the 2014 and 2016 games. The Post report says Ebersol may have tried to get an early contract extension out of his new employer, thinking he had extra leverage in the weeks leading up to the Olympic bid. Competition for the broadcast rights is expected to be particularly intense this year with ESPN making an aggressive bid. Ebersol told the New York Times he was given a “very healthy” contract offer by Comcast, but said it ” wasn’t as high as I wanted to go.”

In the Los Angeles Times, columnist Bill Dwyre says Ebersol’s contribution to the Olympics has been huge. He’s been a “sugar daddy” to athletes around the world for his ability to package the games and collect top dollar from advertisers.

SOURCE: New York Post