Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann went in hard on Rogers’ decision to replace Hockey Night In Canada host George Stroumboulopoulos with once and future host Ron MacLean when rumors of that move first came out last Wednesday, calling it “the dumbest thing I’ve seen in 36 years in TV sports,” and he made his criticisms even more personal Monday once that move was confirmed along with other Rogers NHL coverage moves. It’s not surprising to see Olbermann still upset about this, given his long-standing support for Stromboulopoulos (he called him “the host of the best studio pre- or post-game show in North America, in English anyway”) in an interview on Olbermann last year, but it’s interesting to see how strongly he specifically criticized Rogers’ president of Sportsnet and NHL properties Scott Moore:
Dear, @MooreScottmoore You are the stupidest executive I've yet encountered in television.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 27, 2016
.@MooreScottmoore Your level of insight and imagination should preclude you from watching TV, let alone running part of it.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 27, 2016
.@MooreScottmoore You had the finest studio sports show on the continent, and you traded it for a format that was passé in 2004 #ByeFelicia
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 27, 2016
I will now stop tweeting to my fellow US hockey fans who will now be talked down to – again – by the zombie announcers of TWO countries.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 27, 2016
I lied. One more about this bag @MooreScottmoore – he's also killed the 2nd best studio show, the Saturday 5 PM. Have dignity, Moore: resign
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 27, 2016
Moore’s moves in general and the return of MacLean in particular have received praise from other corners, but Olbermann clearly doesn’t agree with that. It seems apparent he’s not angling for work with Sportsnet, as this probably goes beyond even napalming a bridge.
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About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.