In just over two months, ESPN has lost three major personalities — a drain of renowned talent that is unusual in its suddenness.
First, Bill Simmons’s contract was not renewed in early May.
Then, Keith Olbermann was told to turn in his microphone two years after being wooed back to the network by its president, John Skipper.
And last week, Colin Cowherd, the host of a popular midday show on ESPN Radio, decided to leave for Fox Sports 1.
In a company with more than 1,000 on-air reporters, hosts and commentators, the three were the type of breakout personalities that ESPN, or any network, does not often produce.