Former CNN chief Jeff Zucker, who left the network over his alleged involvement in numerous scandals, is reportedly poised to reemerge in the media world in the sports realm.
Zucker left CNN in February after news broke that he failed to disclose a romantic relationship that he had with another executive at the network. His departure also came after it was revealed that he had a cozy relationship with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), the brother of one of the network’s top hosts at the time, Chris Cuomo, who was fired by the network.
The Ankler newsletter says that Zucker “is in talks to lead a $1 billion sports investment fund for RedBird Capital Partner’s Gerry Cardinale, the managing partner and CEO of the New York-based investment firm.”
RedBird has reportedly made numerous recent investments in sports ventures, including “a stake in Skydance Media; a partnership with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia to buy the XFL, the bankrupt football league founded by former WWE CEO Vince McMahon; and a partnership with Epic Games and Nike to take a stake in SpringHill, the production company founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter.”
The report said that Zucker, a leftist, had considered a run for office, but quickly ditched those plans.
Zucker resigned from CNN while the network was investigating the actions of Chris Cuomo in helping his brother navigate a political scandal while he was the governor of New York, a position from which he later resigned.
“As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years,” Zucker said. “I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.”
“As a result, I am resigning today,” Zucker continued. “I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute. I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and a success for all of us.”
