Jeff Zucker ended his 9-year-tenure as president of CNN yesterday, and the surprising announcement sent shockwaves through the cable news giant. CNN insiders are now claiming that the network's owner, AT&T, forced his hand so they wouldn't have to pay disgraced anchor Chris Cuomo the $18 million he had remaining on his contract.

The head honcho announced yesterday that he was resigning from his $6 million-a-year post at the cable news network. The ex-boss failed to disclose a romantic relationship with another senior executive, violating company policy.

"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years," Zucker told employees in a memo. "I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today."

Cuomo, who hosted Cuomo Prime Time, was fired by Zucker in December following the revelation that he attempted to help his brother, ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo, fight accusations of misconduct.

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Cuomo, who hosted Cuomo Prime Time, had roughly $18 million remaining on his contract at the time of his termination. However, Zucker stonewalled Cuomo and cited a morality clause as a reason not to pay.

According to reports, Cuomo was said to be "livid" following his termination and was prepping to sue the network over the remainder of his four-year contract.

Cuomo and his lawyers allegedly took their grievances to CNN owner AT&T. Cuomo allegedly attempted to use his knowledge of Zucker's affair to secure the remaining $18 million he had on his contract.

The ex-anchor and his lawyers accused the company of selective enforcement. They argued that Zucker kept his job while violating company policy by dating a coworker without disclosing it. However, when Cuomo violated company policy the network fired him. Because of the circumstances, Cuomo's lawyers argued that he should receive the full $18 million he was asking for.

“How do you fire a journalist who violates a policy while the CEO gets away with violating a policy?” a source told the Post.

Ultimately, AT&T forced Zucker to resign instead of paying Cuomo. Sources say the former anchor is still planning on filing a lawsuit over the $18 million.

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Sources: New York Post, Politico