NBC Today Show Matt Lauer, Ann Curry Drama Sparking Replacement Rumors, Anderson Cooper an Option?

NBC Today Show's Matt Lauer could be replaced by CNN's Anderson Cooper, according to reports that surfaced this week. Ever since the Ann Curry drama that has tainted America's beloved morning show, the ratings have dropped behind their long time rival Good Morning America.

Lauer, who was "at the top of his field" just a year ago, has been depicted as the mean guy who helped push his colleague off the show.

Lauer has denied having anything to do with Curry being "fired" from "Today", however many netizens and viewers doubt that Lauer is completely innocent.

Huffington Post reported that he explained to reporter Howard Kurtz that he had "pleaded with the network to give her more time." Lauer also said that he felt that "the show handle her departure badly."

Lauer tried to defend himself amidst media's negative portrayal of him and the show. “When the media covers something, it’s important to do basic homework," he told Joe Hagan of NYMag.com.

"You can’t just repeat something over and over again until it sounds true. It’s not fair. You know how much trouble we would be in if we did that? If we repeated what one person told us over and over like it was a basic fact? We would be done.”

His reputation has been going downhill ever since Curry's tears left a haunting impression on millions of viewers on the show.

Now, rumors surfaced that Lauer is to be replaced by the year's end. One top contender is Anderson Cooper, deadline.com reported.

Another report from The Hollywood Reporter said that Cooper is not interested in becoming an early bird for the morning talk show. NBC executive Alexandra Wallace confirmed herself that the rumors were false to THR saying, "As we've said before, Matt Lauer is the best in the business. We want him in the Today show anchor chair for many years to come. We are not considering replacing Matt Lauer."

It looks like NBC has a firm grip and unwavering support towards Lauer.

Is Lauer a bully or is he the victim of cyber bullying?