The big buzz on the first Sunday after the end of the football season (the Pro Bowl doesn’t count) is the decision of ESPN to drop sideline reporters Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber from the Monday Night Football team.

Several rumors are flying.  These are not hard news items, but only rumors.

First, we’re hearing a rumor that the duo initially were asked to voluntarily step aside, and they were told that if they didn’t their use during games would be dramatically limited.  They decided not to quit, and instead of merely having their face time cut during broadcasts they were dumped.

Second, there’s a rumor that ESPN management wants to make the broadcast booth work at all costs, and the belief was that dumping the sideline reporters would help.

Third, and contrary to the notion that the move was about not diluting the work of the booth, there’s a rumor that Andrea Kremer of NBC (and formerly of ESPN) and/or Jay Glazer of FOX could be pursued to handle the in-game journalism role, which frankly neither Tafoya nor Kolber really actually served.

Fourth, there’s a rumor that Tony Kornheiser doesn’t care for Suzy Kolber, and a belief that their relationship played a role in the move. 

We’re also told that there is “outrage” among on-air types regarding the treatment of Tafoya and Kolber.

Stay tuned for more.