Ex-host David Gregory Praised on 'Meet the Press'

NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell has paid tribute on "Meet the Press" to its abruptly departed host, David Gregory.

Meanwhile, the New York Post reported Sunday that Gregory was paid $4 million in a severance bonus to serve as "hush money" to prevent him blasting the decision and NBC.

A source told the Post that since Gregory’s contract extended into 2015, NBC had to pay him for the rest of the term, plus an extra fee to ensure his silence.

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Gregory was asked to sign a nondisparagement clause, which explains, the Post reported, his mild message last week upon news of his firing.

"I leave NBC as I came - humbled and grateful," Gregory wrote on Twitter. "I love journalism and serving as moderator of MTP was the highest honor there is. I have great respect for my colleagues at NBC News and wish them all well. To the viewers, I say thank you."

Mitchell told viewers Sunday that the long-running public-affairs show has made a lot of history and that a large share was made with Gregory at the helm. She said Gregory had been "true to the traditions of the program and NBC News."

Gregory had been at NBC News for two decades and host of "Meet the Press" since 2008. Last week he announced he was leaving the network amid sinking ratings for the program. Prior to his tenure, it had been the ratings leader.

Mitchell was filling in as host.

NBC political director Chuck Todd takes over as permanent host Sept. 7.