Bob Costas Joins CNN As Sports Commentator

Sportscaster Bob Costas is joining CNN as a contributor, providing commentary on a range of sports-related issues, including the challenges presented by the coronavirus crisis and on other society-related issues, reports Deadline.

CNN President Jeff Zucker said in a statement, “Bob Costas is a legendary, respected voice across the spectrum of sports and beyond. As the world continues to change amid the coronavirus pandemic, we are confident that Bob’s insightful analysis will help our viewers better understand what the future holds as the sports and teams we love evolve to meet this moment.”

Costas was at NBC Sports from 1980 to 2019, and he hosted the network’s Olympics coverage for decades. He also hosted seven Super Bowl telecasts, seven World Series and 10 NBA finals. He also hosted the late-night show Later with Bob Costas, from 1988 to 1994. Mike Tirico took over Olympics hosting duties starting with the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea.

Costas left NBC by what he said was mutual agreement to end his contract early. His exit came after he was dropped from the network’s 2018 Super Bowl coverage after he had been continually outspoken about the role of football in brain injuries, according to an interview with ESPN.

In a statement, Costas said, “CNN’s willingness to devote time and attention to sports related topics, makes it a good fit for me.”