As you’re well aware, ESPN has been laying off staffers. The list of those who have been laid off to date is here. There have been a couple of public statements from ESPN in regards to the layoffs and for some who have to be on the air today, it’s a tough subject to avoid.
Adnan Virk who is hosting the Rusillo and Kanell show addressed the elephant in the room at the start of the show on both ESPN Radio and ESPNews. And he also paid tribute to Danny Kanell who was one of those laid off today:
Virk has worked with Kannel not just on ESPN Radio, but also on the Worldwide Leader’s college football coverage. It’s understandable to see Virk getting emotional talking about friends and colleagues losing their jobs and in particular Kanell.
At the end of Outside the Lines, original ESPN’er Bob Ley gave some thoughts on those who have lost their jobs:
Regarding today. pic.twitter.com/H9zN0yDDZ7
— Bob Ley (@BobLeyESPN) April 26, 2017
Michelle Beadle also started today’s episode of SportsNation by mentioning the layoffs.
Tony Reali took some time at the end of Around the Horn to pass along his well-wishes and support:
At the end of the NBA-centric The Jump, Rachel Nichols mentioned the layoffs. She said “it stinks” regarding the job cuts and thanked those who made ESPN better.
People keep asking me about my reaction to what's going on at ESPN.
Here's what we said on #TheJump. pic.twitter.com/sIqonskvjH— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 26, 2017
On Baseball Tonight, host Karl Ravech paid tribute to Jayson Stark, Doug Granville, Dallas Braden and Raul Ibañez who were among the cuts on Wednesday:
During SportsCenter, Scott Van Pelt paid tribute to those who lost their jobs:
It’s a dark day for ESPN. And it’s tough for those who have to be on the air knowing their friends and co-workers are being laid off. There’s little solace in being laid off, but those who have lost their jobs can take heart knowing that they’re being paid tribute on-air.
About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.