Keith Olbermann opened last night’s “Olbermann” show on ESPN 2 by explaining why Dave Letterman’s announcement Wednesday is like watching Babe Ruth retire. Letterman, a Ball State alum who began his career as a southern Indiana weatherman, will step down some time in 2015.
There is no heir apparent. Stephen Colbert? Chelsea Handler?
Keith Olbermann honors the late night legend in his monologue and talks about Letterman watching Formula One racing at ESPN headquarters (after signing the security log as Mr. and Mrs. Joey Buttafucco) because no one could yet watch it at home, about Letterman taking over the CBS late night slot and turning the network “into the Yankees,” and about the time KO filled in as a guest when John McCain cancelled last minute to appear on Katie Couric.
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So there’s the homage of Keith Olbermann.
During the taping of his show on Thursday, Letterman offered his own thanks. “I just want to reiterate my thanks for the support from the network, all of the people who have worked here, all of the people in the theater, all the people on the staff, everybody at home, thank you very much.”
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)