FRIDAY CONFIRMATIONS
It looks like Henry Abbott, blogging pioneer and founder of the True Hoop network, has been let go of.
https://twitter.com/kevinarnovitz/status/858034155396976640
Ace NBA reporter Marc Stein is on his way out, as well.
Informed I'm among ESPN's layoffs. But basketball, as they say, never stops. To readers/viewers/listeners/countless colleagues … grateful
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 28, 2017
In a Facebook tribute to Abbott, ESPN NBA writer Kevin Pelton seemed to reveal that fellow NBA writer David Thorpe has also been laid off.
It appears NBA Draft guru Chad Ford is out too.
Henry was one of the most creative guys I've ever worked with. Not sure how we will replace his brilliance. https://t.co/eZO1SiMzcf
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) April 29, 2017
NASCAR and college football commentator Allen Bestwick.
With thanks to all who checked on me, I was also on "the list". pic.twitter.com/MBiGnS3NJg
— Allen Bestwick (@AllenBestwick) April 29, 2017
THURSDAY CONFIRMATIONS
As Awful Announcing reported, college football analyst Mark May has been laid off.
Mark May on Arizona Cardinals flagship program said he was fired by ESPN as well. Said he didn't see it coming.
— jbook™ (@jbook37) April 27, 2017
Suzy Kolber confirmed that NFL insider Phil Savage had been laid off on Friday’s edition of NFL Insiders:
ESPNFC’s Doug McIntyre:
After 13 wonderful years at ESPN, I’m proud that this feature on @ATLUTD wound up being my final piece: https://t.co/JOpL8Jcvyq
— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) April 27, 2017
Andy Katz also released a statement confirming his departure:
An update on my situation: pic.twitter.com/ktnoLHDTZH
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) April 27, 2017
Britt McHenry announced her last assignment for ESPN would be the NFL Draft:
Staying on the NFL Draft as my last assignment. Grateful for 3 years at ESPN. My colleagues became best friends & I'll cherish that the most pic.twitter.com/YHZeutahTS
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) April 27, 2017
Radio host Jeff Biggs announced his layoff on Wednesday night:
Sad to announce that my nearly 6 year run is done at ESPN L.A. It was truly a blessing. All part of God's plan. I'm excited for what's next.
— Jeff Biggs (@biggs_jeff) April 26, 2017
WEDNESDAY CONFIRMATIONS
This current set of cuts began with Tennessee Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky.
Knew cuts were coming. Sad to say nine great years at ESPN end for me in July. Please stay tuned to @Midday180.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 24, 2017
Long-time NFL reporter Ed Werder was among the first on Wednesday to announce that he was being let go.
After 17 years reporting on #NFL, I've been informed that I'm being laid off by ESPN effective immediately. I have no plans to retire
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 26, 2017
NHL columnist Scott Burnside confirmed he was part of the layoffs, as were reporter Joe McDonald and NHL reporter Pierre LeBrun.
After 13 years of sticks and pucks can share that as of today my tenure at ESPN is at a close. I look forward to the next adventure.
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) April 26, 2017
After nearly eight years of covering the NHL, MLB and the NFL at ESPN, it's time for the next chapter in my career.
— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) April 26, 2017
Well folks, as you can tell by my new Twitter handle, I was also among the cuts today at ESPN.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
NOTE: Earlier we linked to and quoted from a Hollywood Reporter article saying certain ESPN personalities would have reduced roles. That article was later refuted, so we have deleted reference to it.
College basketball reporter Dana O’Neil was let go.
Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 26, 2017
ESPNU anchor Brendan Fitzgerald.
https://twitter.com/BrendanFitzESPN/status/857238272887672835
Soccer writer Mike Goodman.
https://twitter.com/TheM_L_G/status/857244867155591168
Austin Ward, Big Ten reporter:
I've been informed that I'm no longer employed at ESPN. Greatly enjoyed covering the B1G, and will immediately try to find a new challenge!
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 26, 2017
Jesse Temple who covered Wisconsin and the Big Ten:
Like other colleagues, I've been informed I am no longer working for ESPN. This is a crummy day, but I'll never stop pursuing my passion.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) April 26, 2017
MLB reporter Mark Saxon:
Well, I'm a free agent. I learned a lot in eight years with ESPN and benefitted from being around a lot of smart people
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) April 26, 2017
MLB insider Jim Bowden:
I feel blessed & privileged to have worked @ESPN and most importantly work w/ so many great people.Thank you. I look forward to what's next
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) April 26, 2017
College football reporter Brett McMurphy:
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) April 26, 2017
College football reporter Jeremy Crabtree:
Six years ago, made most difficult decision ever made leaving @Rivals to come to @ESPN. Even after being laid off today, I don’t regret it.
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) April 26, 2017
College basketball columnist Eamonn Brennan:
Bad news morning. I loved every bit of my eight years at ESPN and will miss it, and so many friends and colleagues there, profoundly.
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) April 26, 2017
Voiceover talent Dan Sharfin:
After 8 incredible years, I've been laid off by @espn. If @FOXSports wants to scoop me up and pay me money without looking into it so be it.
— Dan Sharfin (@VoiceOverDan) April 26, 2017
ESPN Dallas reporter Jean-Jacques Taylor:
https://twitter.com/JJT_ESPNDallas/status/857261702538305536
SEC recuiting analyst Derek Tyson:
After 5 incredible years, I was laid off today by ESPN. I met & worked w/ some great people & I am very grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Derek Tyson (@DerekJTyson) April 26, 2017
Noted Big Ten reporter for ESPN.com, Brian Bennett:
Like far too many other ESPN colleagues today, I’ve been laid off. Enjoyed nine great years here. Thanks for reading and following along.
— Brian Bennett (@GBrianBennett) April 26, 2017
ESPN.com columnist Johnette Howard:
I just found out I'm among the layoffs at ESPN today. Enjoyed my eight years there immensely. Looking forward to what's next.
— Johnette Howard (@JohnetteHoward) April 26, 2017
Dodgers writer Doug Padilla:
Rough day. Just learned I will no longer be covering the Dodgers. Enjoyed my 7 years at ESPN. On to the next chapter.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 26, 2017
College football analyst and ESPN Radio co-host Danny Kanell has been let go:
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go "all in" 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
Big 12 ESPN.com writer Max Olson:
I got laid off by ESPN today after an amazing 5+ years. I've been unbelievably fortunate. Better days ahead.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 26, 2017
College basketball writer C.L. Brown got word while he was on vacation:
Landed in Madrid. Turned on phone 1st time all vacation. Got texts asking if job was safe. Found out it was not. Enjoyed my 4 years, ESPN.
— C.L. Brown (@clbrownhoops) April 26, 2017
ESPN.com writer and Sports Reporters panelist Jane McManus:
Super Bowls, The Trifecta and stories like the one up now are the moments I'll take with me into free agency starting tomorrow.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 26, 2017
Long-time MLB writer and Baseball Tonight contributor Jayson Stark:
For 17 yrs I've had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017
NFL analyst Trent Dilfer is one of higher profile cuts:
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDimes) April 26, 2017
SEC football reporter David Ching:
https://twitter.com/ESPNChing/status/857282490574282752
College football writer Ted Miller:
Started at ESPN in 2008, but my tenure ended today. Worked w/ some great folks who are now friends. Onward to new challenges.
— Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) April 26, 2017
SportsCenter anchor and former Cold Pizza co-host Jay Crawford:
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) April 26, 2017
Basketball writer Ethan Strauss:
So, I am no longer with ESPN, as of today. I want to thank all the great people I've worked with and, of course, the readers + listeners
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) April 26, 2017
Long-time college basketball Len Elmore is gone:
Gee, I feel like I am now part of an exclusive club. #ESPNLayoff. For 21 yrs. I tried to represent the best in college hoops. Adios Bristol!
— Len Elmore (@LenElmore) April 26, 2017
Chicago-based columnist Melissa Issacson:
Sorry to get the call from ESPN this a.m., but grateful for my eight years there and trying to positively look ahead.
— Melissa Isaacson (@mkisaacson) April 26, 2017
Calvin Watkins who covered the Houston Rockets and at one time wrote for the old ESPN Dallas site:
After seven great years at ESPN I've been let go. Much respect to all the people.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 26, 2017
NFL analyst Ashley Fox:
I had a great 6+ years at ESPN, but it's over. I will badly miss all the talented folks there, many of whom I call dear friends. #Onward
— Ashley Fox (@AshleyFoxSpeaks) April 26, 2017
NBA writer Justin Verrier:
No longer at ESPN. Thank you to everyone who read and supported me throughout my 9 years there. Means more than you can know.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) April 26, 2017
Producer Josh Parcell:
When I was 5 years old my teacher told me I'd work at ESPN one day. I did. Today that dream ended. Thankful for the time I had. More to come
— Josh Parcell (@JoshParcell) April 26, 2017
Radio host Robin Lundberg:
Today was my last day on air at ESPN Radio. On to the next…I'll let everyone know what that is when I do. pic.twitter.com/1wTnGfRVcW
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) April 26, 2017
Pac-12 reporter Chantel Jennings:
Like many others, I got the call today from ESPN that today would be my last with them. A few parting words: https://t.co/pBfnewUHIG
— Chantel Jennings (@ChantelJennings) April 26, 2017
Anchor Chris Hassel:
https://twitter.com/Hassel_Chris/status/857319587192418304
Analytics expert Rufus Peabody:
Just found out ESPN is not renewing my contract for next fb season. Learned a lot and had a lot of fun! Grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Rufus (@RufusPeabody) April 26, 2017
SportsCenter AM anchor Jaymee Sire:
I was only at ESPN for 4 years, but they were some of the best of my career. Thanks to all of the fans and to my entire SportsCenterAM crew. pic.twitter.com/gxKuUh13ck
— Jaymee Sire (@jaymee) April 26, 2017
Golf analyst Dottie Pepper:
https://twitter.com/dottie_pepper/status/857320130203836418
SEC reporter Greg Ostendorf:
Growing up, working for ESPN was the dream. Today was my last day after 5+ years, but I feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity.
— Greg Ostendorf (@greg_ostendorf) April 26, 2017
Tom Farrey of Outside the Lines:
Got the call. Moving on from @espn. Grateful for 21 yrs w/great people, building rep of @OTLonESPN. It's time, w/@AspenInstSports growing.
— Tom Farrey (@TomFarrey) April 26, 2017
Boxing and Invictus Games host Marysol Castro:
What a fast but wonderful ride. 2 yrs flew by @espn. Thx for the opportunities & wonderful friendships. I'll miss it. On to the next one. pic.twitter.com/BKA8HanDpV
— Marysol Castro (@marysolcastro) April 26, 2017
Radio host and correspondent Reese Waters:
ESPN gave me the light and it's time to leave stage. Sincere gratitude to those who were so kind and supportive. Sorry for the mess I made. pic.twitter.com/jr5jJpZHOe
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) April 26, 2017
Long-time reporter Dr. Jerry Punch:
So blessed! 30yrs as host,pxp,reporter in NASCAR,indycar, CFB,& CBB. Many drivers,owners,crew,coaches & fans, lifetime friends. Thank u ESPN
— Dr. Jerry Lee Punch (@DocPunchESPN) April 26, 2017
Legal analyst Roger Cossack:
Time to go. Thanks to ESPN for allowing me to be their legal analyst for 13 years. Made great friends and have wonderful memories.
— Roger Cossack (@RogerCossack) April 26, 2017
Sports betting writer Dave Tuley:
Somewhere sports bettors cheer and somewhere dirty cops get payoffs
but there's no joy in ViewFromVegas Nation — I'm among the ESPN layoffs— Dave Tuley (@ViewFromVegas) April 26, 2017
ESPNFC writer David Hirshey (via Will Leitch):
https://twitter.com/williamfleitch/status/857353601768972288
SportsCenter anchor and NFL host Jade McCarthy:
Proud of my time at ESPN-Proud of the great ppl there & those like me w a future elsewhere-Proud to soon be mom of 3 w a bright career ahead pic.twitter.com/ABhgJQkQ9f
— Jade McCarthy (@JadeMcCarthy) April 26, 2017
Jarrett Bell, who contributed to NFL Insiders and other NFL shows
It's my birthday! And also the day to learn that my side gig @ESPN has come to an end. Great experience. So many classy people to thank.
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) April 26, 2017
SportsCenter anchor Darren M. Haynes
What an amazing ride at ESPN!! God has blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/lv2goTgwVG
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) April 26, 2017
On Wednesday Night Baseball, Jon Sciambi said Doug Glanville, who appeared on game broadcasts and also wrote for ESPN.com, had been laid off.
College football analyst Charles Arbuckle wrote about losing his job on his Facebook page:
On Baseball Tonight, host Karl Ravech revealed that ESPN had let go of analysts Dallas Braden and Raul Ibañez:
ESPN.com senior writer Jim Caple did not make an official announcement, but replied to a tweet informing that indeed he was laid off as well:
https://twitter.com/jimcaple/status/857410123760680961
Play-by-play man David Lombardi was also let go:
Working at ESPN was a dream, grateful to have lived it. Now time to reach the next one. Thanks to so many. Got to work with some of the best
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 26, 2017
While he didn’t make it public, college basketball insider Andy Katz was let go. College basketball analyst Seth Greenberg mentioned it and CBS’ Jon Rothstein wrote a column about Katz’s departure:
http://twitter.com/insidethehall/status/857563062005583873
Richard Deitsch tweeted that Steve Delsohn of Outside the Lines was leaving:
The excellent reporter @sdelsohnespn reached out to say his ESPN contract is not being renewed. A quality journo.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 27, 2017
As mentioned above, we’ll keep updating this post throughout the day when layoffs are confirmed.
