After a three-year run as part of the most successful sports program in cable television, Tony Kornheiser made the choice not to return to ESPN’s Monday Night Football. He will be replaced by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.
In the end it was his fear of flying that got the best of him. That is the reason he is not returning to join Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski in the broadcast booth.
I spoke to ESPN Executive Vice President Norby Williamson about Kornheiser and his decision not to return to Monday Night Football.
JW » When was this choice made?
Williamson » Last week. Tony and I went over the new 2009 MNF schedule and he had some reservations about the vast amount of travel. He told me he would think over what he wanted to do. Then he called me and told me that he simply didn’t think he could do another season of MNF and thanked us for the chance. He said he wanted to dedicate more time to “Pardon the Interruption.”
JW » How did you respond to Tony not wanting to return?
Williamson » I respect that travel, especially plane travel, is very hard on Tony. This is not a joke and anyone who has a fear of flying knows that traveling can be extremely tough. So I told him that I understood and that we thanked him for his hard work and his many contributions to MNF. Nothing would have made me happier than to have seen Mike, Jaws and Tony work together for 20 years, but I respect his decision and we will move on with Jon.
JW » So what is next for Tony?
Williamson » First of all, “PTI” is one of the network’s most popular shows, so the fact that he can be free to do more shows makes all us happy. But Tony remains one of the most important and respected talents on this network. I spoke to him over the weekend and there will be a number of other projects that he will be part of in the future. He remains one of our most valued talents.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
