If anyone can make a comeback, the article continues, citing more anonymous sources, it’s Batali, who “still has legions of fans and colleagues who admire and respect his generosity, culinary knowledge and charisma. Many still post their interpretations of his recipes on Instagram, ask him for selfies on the street or urge his return to ‘The Chew’ on Facebook. His restaurants continue to attract customers.”

A redemptive story arc might be a nice change of pace, the Times story continues, because “others,” including “people who have worked for him,” say “the absence of his food knowledge and his palate would be a loss.”

Yes, a real loss. You get the picture.