Soledad O'Brien: 'Real Sports' Pairs Ex-CNN Anchor With Bryant Gumbel

Former CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien will join the panel of HBO's "Real Sports," the network announced Wednesday.

Alongside her former "Today" show colleague Bryant Gumbel, O'Brien will be a reporter on the monthly magazine show, The Associated Press reported. Her first story, due later this month, is about war veterans who use martial arts to help them cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Soledad is a perfect fit for 'Real Sports,'" said HBO Sports president Ken Hershman in a statement. "She’s an extraordinary interviewer and storyteller, and we’re thrilled to be able to add her to a franchise where the emphasis is on finding and presenting thought-provoking stories in the diverse and ever-fascinating world of sports."

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O'Brien most recently was a morning show host on CNN, but the news network has given the program an overhaul that will debut next week.

HBO also agreed to a deal with O'Brien's production company, Starfish Media Group.
O'Brien played college rugby, but her experience covering sports is limited.

"Soledad's a respected journalist with a proven track record," Gumbel said in a statement. "Her credibility, broad interests, and passion make her a wonderful addition to our program. I'm thrilled to have her on our 'Real Sports' team."

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