Keith Olbermann faces backlash for calling Lou Holtz a ‘scumbag’ after coach’s death
Keith Olbermann, a former ESPN broadcaster, attracted criticism Wednesday after he called the late Lou Holtz a “legendary scumbag” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The comment came on the day Holtz’s death was announced.
Olbermann responded to a clip of Holtz criticizing President Joe Biden in 2020 over support for abortion rights. He wrote, “Legendary scumbag, yes,” prompting a flood of negative responses. Several users condemned Olbermann, with one calling him a “scumbag that needs mental help” and another saying, “Lou Holtz had more class, integrity, and genuine decency in his pinky finger than you’ll ever show in your lifetime.” Others criticized Olbermann’s tone, calling him “a grumpy, lonely, Godless man”.
Olbermann has a history of posting politically charged and often controversial statements on social media. He previously criticized the U.S. men’s hockey team for accepting an invitation to the State of the Union address from President Donald Trump, calling attending players “indelibly stupid and misogynist.” He also targeted University of Kentucky swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler in January for celebrating a women’s rights rally outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments on transgender athletes. In 2025, Olbermann faced backlash after posting and deleting a threatening message aimed at CNN contributor Scott Jennings, following the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Holtz, a staunch supporter of Trump, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Trump in 2020. After his death was announced, many Republican figures paid tribute, including senators Tommy Tuberville, Todd Young, Tom Cotton, and Lindsey Graham; representatives Greg Murphy, David Rouzer, Erin Houchin, and Steve Womack; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; Indiana Gov. Mike Braun; U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon; and Rudy Giuliani.
In contrast, prominent Democratic leaders with football backgrounds, such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Colin Allred, and Rep. Kam Buckner, have not publicly acknowledged Holtz’s passing as of this report.
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