Gossip hounds may be loving MSNBC-journo Rita Cosby's allegations that Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead blew one another, but NBC's Today ain't having it.

TMZ has learned the "Today" show has pulled the plug on the Rita Cosby interview about her book in which she claims Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead had a "relationship."

The cancellation comes after "Today" received a bristling, threatening letter from attorney Lin Wood, Howard's lawyer. Wood, who represented John and Patsy Ramsey, made it clear he would sue the "Today" show for any falsehoods that spewed out of Rita's mouth. Birkhead has also vowed to sue Cosby and others who he claims are in on a plot to "smear" him.

Alright, Stern, even if Cosby's story ain't true, be happy your "good" name's still getting ink…