Mr. Olympics, Bob Costas, without eye infection.

Since 1988, only one face has been the face of NBC Sports during the Olympics, and that is Bob Costas.  For 157 straight primetime appearances, Bob Costas has been leading the pack when it comes to Olympic coverage, and NBC doesn’t have anyone able to even get close to Costas when it comes to being the Olympic master of ceremonies.  However, it looks like they’re going to have to try to change horses mid-stream and put a new face on the Olympics.  Matt Lauer of the Today Show is going to replace Bob Costas on NBC’s Sochi 2014 coverage.

As it turns out, the weird eye infection that has forced Bob Costas to both apologize for looking so weird and switching from contact lenses to glasses during the Olympics is going to force the venerable broadcaster and all-around sports maven to take a leave of absence from the Olympiad.  Matt Lauer is going to take over since he’s already in Sochi and is a well-known face in America.  Here’s hoping we don’t have another Ann Curry situation on our hands when Bob’s eye heals up.

“It was becoming increasingly noticeable and uncomfortable, but if it was just that, I would have continued,” admitted Costas.  “We in broadcasting are lucky to have the jobs we do, and at one time or another, we’ve all gone on the air feeling less than our best.  The difference is that last night and into this morning, it got to the point where, as a practical matter, I simply couldn’t do my job because my eyes had become so blurry, watery and sensitive to light.  If it was just discomfort, I’d be there.  I’m receiving excellent treatment…it’s a viral infection, and all you can do is try to manage the symptoms while the virus runs its course.  But I’m hopeful that those symptoms will improve in the next couple of days and I can return to the broadcast.”

Fingers crossed Bob can make a return to the booth soon.  It’s just not an Olympics without Costas waxing philosophically.

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