If he’s too proud to publicly apologize for violating NBC’s ethics code, wouldn’t that indicate he’s too proud to come groveling back just so he can go back on the air? I say NBC either buckles or Olbermann walks. Assuming this report is true, that is.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Network sources tell Playbook that Keith Olbermann was suspended because he refused to deliver an on-camera mea culpa, which would have allowed him to continue anchoring “Countdown.” Olbermann told his bosses he didn’t know he was barred from making campaign contributions, although he is resisting saying that publicly. Olbermann may not hold as many cards as he thinks. He makes $7 million a year and MSNBC’s prime time is not as dependent on him as it was before the addition of Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell, who make considerably less.

Something else to consider: When Olbermann took a few days off and Lawrence O’Donnell took over for him, Countdown‘s ratings actually went up. Olbermann seems to be a $7 million per year drag on the network. And even at that, he won’t respect the company’s ethics rules. I’d drop him.