Fred Thompson Likely Off 'Law & Order'

"NBC's top entertainment executive said Monday that he doesn't expect actor and potential Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson back on 'Law & Order' next season.

NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly claimed no insider knowledge of Thompson's political plans, but his statement indicated the seriousness of Thompson's presidential musings. The former Tennessee senator has been making speaking appearances and blogging on issues in recent weeks as he considers a candidacy.

'It's pretty clear that Fred is going to be leaving the cast of the show no matter what,' Reilly said at a news conference on NBC's fall schedule.

He later left the door slightly ajar by saying it was .........."