Keith Olbermann parting ways with ESPN — again

The famously combative and mercurial Keith Olbermann is leaving ESPN again, nearly two years after he rejoined the sports network.

Olbermann, who first departed ESPN in 1997, and also had a messy breakup with MSNBC several years ago, will not be renewing his deal to anchor the ESPN2 program Olbermann, and his contract expires this month. A source told The Hollywood Reporter the decision was due to "creative differences." The Reporter previously said that ESPN wanted Olbermann to stop engaging in commentary, a condition he wouldn't accept. Network executives were also considering having him tape either in ESPN's Bristol, Connecticut, headquarters or a studio in Los Angeles rather than spending money on his Times Square set, a move that would save $40 million.

In a statement, the network said, "Keith is a tremendous talent who has consistently done timely, entertaining, and thought-provoking work since returning to ESPN. While the show's content was distinctive and extremely high quality, we ultimately made a business to move in another direction. We wish Keith nothing but the best and trust that his skill and ability will lead him to another promising endeavor."

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