Keith Olbermann under fire again after calling late coach Lou Holtz a 'scumbag'

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Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann incited backlash on social media after he called late legendary college football coach Lou Holtz a 'legendary scumbag' in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on the day Holtz was announced dead. Olbermann has a history of making politically charged and combative statements on social media that often result in significant criticism.

Why it matters

Olbermann's comments about Holtz, a revered figure in college football, highlight his continued pattern of making controversial and divisive statements on social media that draw widespread criticism. This latest incident adds to Olbermann's reputation for making provocative remarks that often spark intense backlash.

The details

In his X post, Olbermann responded to a clip of Holtz criticizing former President Joe Biden in 2020 for supporting abortion rights, writing 'Legendary scumbag, yes.' Olbermann received scathing criticism in response, with one user telling him 'You're a scumbag that needs mental help.' Another user said Holtz 'had more class, integrity, and genuine decency in his pinky finger than you'll ever show in your lifetime.' Olbermann has a history of making politically charged far-left statements on social media that are often combative and ridiculed.

• On March 5, 2026, Olbermann made the controversial post about Holtz on X.