Bowling For Eric (With Lawyers)

As TVNewser reported last week, Fast Money contributor Eric Bolling has left CNBC and may be headed for FBN.

And we’re learning new details about how difficult it was for ‘The Admiral’ to jump ship. TVNewser has learned that NBC retained Proskauer Rose, one of the most expensive law firms in Manhattan, to go up against Bolling. In addition, sources say NBC showed up in court with a team of lawyers and even got CNBC’s VP of strategic development Susan Krakower to testify.

Sources say Bolling lost his argument in court, and cannot enter into a contract until his CNBC non-compete expires. And while his last appearance on CNBC was August 21, he showed up on Fox News Channel the next day, which means he may be able allowed to do one-time appearances.

So, is CNBC worried about losing their talent to FBN? In confirming Bolling’s departure, CNBC spokesman Kevin Goldman told Howard Kurtz, “we’re not worried about their poaching.”

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.