Michaels May Break With ABC

As a result of the firing of Brent Musburger by CBS, Al Michaels has taken the first step in an attempt to break his contract at ABC Sports and move to CBS, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

Attorneys for Michaels Friday filed for arbitration with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in Los Angeles, claiming the network breached his contract when it suspended him without pay for a nepotism incident in February. Michaels has three years remaining on a contract that industry sources say is worth $1.5 million to $2 million annually.

The suspension was meted out after Michaels’ teenage daughter was hired as a messenger during ABC’s broadcast of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Salt Lake City, according to reports. ABC officials have refused to confirm the suspension.