Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990 TAG: 9004060283
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
Musburger, in his first interview since he was dumped Sunday by the network, appeared on ABC's "PrimeTime Live." He said CBS Sports President Neal Pilson and Executive Producer Ted Shaker "conspired to get me out."
"In my opinion, it was not a network decision," Musburger said in an interview with Sam Donaldson. "It was a personal vendetta on the part of two people."
CBS decided not to renew Musburger's five-year, $2 million-a-year contract when it expires in July. His last broadcast for CBS was the NCAA basketball championship game Monday night.
Musburger, 50, said CBS officials have tried to destroy his reputation since making the announcement.
"This is not the saga of a whiny, whimpering, ex-sportscaster who lost his cushy job and limousines and American Express card," he said.
"The network has the right to fire me whenever they want or not renew my contract. . . . What they don't have the right to do is turn around and defame you. I have to go back to work."
Musburger, who worked for the network and its affiliates for 22 years, denied reports that he was power hungry and tried to have producers fired.
"Name the producer I got fired. . . . There were none, zero, not once. If anybody told you that it's a lie," he said.
Shaker and Pilson each issued a response through CBS spokeswoman Susan Kerr.
"I wish to remember Brent the way he was Monday night, gracious and professional," Shaker said.
Said Pilson, "It was disappointing to watch."
Various reports have Musburger going to ABC, TBS and Chicago's WGN.
"I'm going someplace," he said. "I'll sit back and take a look at the offers."
by CNB