Sources within NBC News have confirmed that things are more dire than we originally thought. Veteran correspondents are cringing and are openly embarrassed by Olbermann’s self-absorbed theatrics.

Please keep in mind that nobody - nobody at all - is saying that Keith may not actually be concerned for his father or that there is not a genuine health issue. However, some are suggesting that his bizarre reactions are really symptoms of a much more troubling mental issue for a guy allegedly once accused of stalking multiple women.

The latest in this spectacle is the bizarre roof-top special comment that appeared on Monday’s Countdown:

Keith was absent and did this report at the end of a show hosted by the 2nd angriest man in television, Lawrence O’Donnell. The piece was obviously taped in advance - with the sun shining down on his drab, brown trench-coat and his bloated, pasty-white face (apparently there was no make-up available on top of this particular building).

Again, nobody is saying that his father is not sick or that it is not a very sad situation. However, we all go through this - sometimes multiple times over the course of our lives. What we don’t do is exploit a dying man to make a cheap political point. Nor do we hope to use sympathy to hammer our enemies. Keith took time out from his “comment” to once again brutalize Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin. Apparently, Keith could see through his grief long enough to attack both of them.

It looks like the real countdown is underway… Will forces within NBC, Keith’s own disturbing mental collapse, or a combination of both be his undoing? With many at NBC News now concerned about the real damage being done to their brand, we should have the answer soon.