The conflict between ESPN’s Linda Cohn and former SportsCenter personality Keith Olbermann intensified on Friday.
In reaction to Olbermann’s remarks calling him a “self-centered, politically motivated buffoon,” Cohn hit back, suggesting he might need to seek help.
“@KeithOlbermann, it’s interesting how you choose to portray yourself,” Cohn wrote on X. “What’s going on? Bullying and gaslighting former colleagues? Is this really where you’re at now? It’s honestly quite sad and disappointing.”
“Honestly, everyone realizes you’ve become irrelevant since you walked away from sports to push your unsolicited and warped views. You come across as bitter and unhappy. I sincerely hope you find the help you need.”
To this, Olbermann replied simply with “LOL.”
This back-and-forth came after Cohn reacted to a Toronto Star op-ed that criticized Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews for allegedly prioritizing President Trump over Canada during a visit to the White House, which marked the U.S. men’s hockey team’s 2-1 overtime gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The article suggested that Matthews hadn’t performed well as the Leaf’s captain, implying he made choices that favored Trump over the team.
While Matthews and his teammates visited the White House on Tuesday, he did not attend Trump’s State of the Union address that evening.
Cohn expressed disbelief at how Leafs fans could feel that way: “If I were Auston Matthews, I would take charge of my life and go where I’m appreciated,” she stated in her commentary.
Later, Olbermann critiqued Cohn’s remarks sarcastically, stating, “I have to break it to you, Linda Cohn. I wish I could tell you to do better, but that seems unlikely.” He shared a screenshot of her original post along with his comment.
“You’re a self-absorbed, politically driven clown who believes her views are sacred while silencing others. We’ve babied you for too long, and that’s done.”
Both were prominent at ESPN during the 1990s. Olbermann has had various tenures at the network, most recently leaving in 2020, while Cohn has been with ESPN since 1992.
