Reports suggest that former CNN boss Jeff Zucker, who left owing to his alleged role in various scandals, plans to return to the media landscape by focusing on sports.
After it came out in February that Zucker was having an affair with another CNN executive, he quit immediately. After it was revealed that popular anchor Chris Cuomo was acquainted with the brother of another former employee, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), Cuomo was fired.
An article in the most current issue of the Ankle newsletter claims that Gerry Cardinale, managing partner and CEO of New York-based investment firm RedBird Capital Partners, is in talks with Zucker “to lead a $1 billion sports investment fund for the firm.”
Some of the recent sports investments rumored to have been made by RedBird include Skydance Media, a partnership with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia to purchase the XFL (a bankrupt football league founded by former WWE CEO Vince McMahon), a partnership with Epic Games and Nike to take a stake in SpringHill (a production company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter), etc.
Zucker, a lefty, apparently considered a run for office before quickly changing his mind.
Zucker left CNN over an inquiry into whether or not Chris Cuomo had advised his brother, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a political scandal.
Zucker said that during CNN’s investigation into Chris Cuomo’s employment, he was asked about a consensual relationship he had had with his closest colleague of over 20 years. Our relationship has evolved throughout the years, and I recognize it as a fact. I should have told you when it started, but I didn’t. In reality, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Finally, Zucker said, “Therefore, I am resigning today.” I started working for CNN on January 28, 2013. Those nine years were among the greatest of my life. I really hope that this wasn’t how things had to finish. However, that run really was remarkable. In addition, I had a great time doing it. I’d want to express my gratitude to the tens of thousands of talented individuals that make up CNN and Turner Sports for making my time there a pleasure and a success for us all.