Olympics: Bob Costas Replaced by Matt Lauer Due to Eye Infection

Update:

Bob Costas will miss a second straight night of NBC’s prime-time Olympic coverage due to a dual eye infection.  Matt Lauer will fill in for a second night and is doing double duty on the “Today” show, mid-afternoon Olympic coverage (Sochi time) and primetime Olympic coverage in the U.S.

 Original Article (1/11/14)

Bob Costas is headed to the sideline with an injury that will result in Matt Lauer hosting prime-time Olympic coverage tonight. Costas announced on Tuesday morning that an eye infection in both of his eyes is forcing him to sit out.

“As a practical matter, I simply couldn’t do my job because my eyes had become so blurry, watery and sensitive to light,” Costas released in a statement Tuesday morning. “I’m hopeful the symptoms will improve in the next couple of days and I can return to the broadcast. Also, the last thing I want is to go through the rest of my life owing Matt Lauer a bunch of favors.”

Costas called into the Today show this morning to give an “injury update” to his replacement, with Lauer asking Costas he is doing.

Costas: “Well, even worse than when you saw me this morning, Sochi time. So, reluctantly, I was trying to throw a complete game here, but I think we’re going to have to go to the bullpen. I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but you’re Mariano Rivera, at least tonight.”

Lauer: “So, I’m going to step in for you tonight, the master of Olympic prime-time?”

Costas: “I believe that’s it. Let’s hope it’s only tonight because right now I’m walking around and might as well be playing Marco Polo. I have no idea where I am.”

Lauer is grateful for having the opportunity to step in for Costas, but joked, “I’m happy to keep his chair warm, although I might Purell it before I sit in it.”

Bob Costas is currently listed as “day-to-day” by NBC.

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