Why Keith Olbermann left MSNBC: 5 theories

Liberal talk-show host Olbermann abruptly parted ways with MSNBC on Friday, stunning his audience and commentators alike. What happened?

Keith Olbermann surprised 'Countdown' viewers by announcing his immediate departure on Friday.
(Image credit: Screen shot msnbc.msn.com)

MSNBC star Keith Olbermann shocked his viewers, the pundits, and apparently his own staff by announcing on Friday that he was leaving the network, effective at the end of his broadcast. (Watch Olbermann's farewell.) MSNBC's parent company, NBC Universal, declined to give a reason for Olbermann's departure, and the host's exit agreement reportedly bars him from discussing what happened, which has only fed the rampant speculation. Here, five theories on why Olbermann left.

1. Comcast's purchase of NBC forced him out

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