On Wednesday, ESPN laid off many prominent writers and broadcasters for everything from hockey to predictive analytics.
Starting early Wednesday, now former ESPN employees began to notify the industry mostly through Twitter that they were being laid off. On TV, ESPN personalities who weren’t given the axe took the opportunity to pay tribute to their former colleagues.
Regarding today. pic.twitter.com/H9zN0yDDZ7
— Bob Ley (@BobLeyESPN) April 26, 2017
Meanwhile, both ESPN employees who weren’t fired and writers and broadcasters at other networks took to Twitter to directly praise those who unfortunately lost their jobs and lobby for them to get new jobs quickly.
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
A crushing day to hear about the news about Jayson Stark, Doug Padilla, Mark Saxon and the others who are leaving ESPN. Devastating.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 26, 2017
Jayson Stark has been THE BEST at what he does for decades, and a true inspiration personally and professionally for decades. Unfathomable. https://t.co/QvHVQBNgHp
— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/857290174719545345
So sorry to hear this, Jayson. Thinking good thoughts for you and your family.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 26, 2017
This one really, really hits hard. Though I know your free agency will last the length of a Clayton Kershaw inning, so sorry to hear this.
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) April 26, 2017
The most useful useless information in baseball. Jayson, you are a powerhouse free agent. Someone's staff is about to get a lot better.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) April 26, 2017
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) April 26, 2017
Ed Werder:
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
Disappointing news Ed Werder is leaving ESPN☹️ one of the 3 amigos…Berman,Mort and Ed. Great guys and much respect
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) April 26, 2017
So sorry to hear this Ed. Looking forward when you announce your new career chapter and you are right. It will not be retirement!
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) April 26, 2017
Thinking of you friend. You are so talented and I have no doubt you will not be a free agent for long.
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) April 26, 2017
Ed, I'm so sorry. I have enjoyed learning from you and laughing with you. All my best.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 26, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear this, Ed, for you and so many other great people with the company. Best wishes wherever you go from here.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) April 26, 2017
I hate to see & hear this, Ed. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you & get to know you over the years. My best to you & your family.
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) April 26, 2017
Trent Dilfer:
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
Hate it bro. Thanks for all the great help and insight over the years.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 26, 2017
And for how many people you've worked countless hours to mentor and help along the way.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/AdrienneESPN/status/857288241816489986
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
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/857280957866553344
Jane: You are brilliant, witty and a model of integrity. I'm better for knowing you. I'll read anything you write anywhere (To North Beach!)
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) April 26, 2017
Jane, I'm so sorry to hear this. You're too talented not to land on your feet somewhere soon.
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/scATX/status/857309981707829248
So sorry, Jane. Really enjoyed getting to work with you, I can't imagine youll be a free agent for long. Best wishes.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) April 26, 2017
So sorry to hear this, Jane. We'll follow you wherever you land ❤️
— Katie Nolan (probably) (@katienolan) April 26, 2017
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
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/857262577797214209
A pleasure working with you, Brett. So much talent in your family. Be good.
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) April 26, 2017
So sorry to see this buddy.. You're one of the hard-working ppl I've ever been around in the biz and I'm sure you'll land on your feet.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 26, 2017
Danny Kanell:
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
Shocked by this. You are so engaging & talented. It was an honor to work w/ you & I can't wait to see what bigger & better gig you get next.
— Molly McGrath (@MollyAMcGrath) April 26, 2017
Listened to you and Ryen EVERY DAY. Absolutely heartbroken to hear this. Best of luck to and all others affected by this today.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/AdrienneESPN/status/857284231898247170
Dana O’Neil:
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
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/857243841765801985
Sorry to hear that Dana. Always really enjoy your work.
— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) April 26, 2017
So sorry to hear this, Dana. Thinking of you and wishing you the best wherever you go from here.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) April 26, 2017
I'm so sorry, Dana. Wishing you good luck.
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) April 26, 2017
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
Thanks so much for bringing Little League stories to life! Best of luck and you're always welcome in Williamsport.
— Little League (@LittleLeague) April 26, 2017
oh no. so sorry to hear this jaymee. love watching sports center am. my daughters love watching you every am. you are great.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) April 26, 2017
Awful news…you have so much positivity and talent to share. I loved watching you and can't wait to follow your career to bigger things. ❤
— Molly McGrath (@MollyAMcGrath) April 26, 2017
The @espn bloodbath also has claimed @jaymee.
— Henry Schulman BLUE CHECK MARK (@hankschulman) April 26, 2017
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
fuuuuuuuck.
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) April 26, 2017
We will miss you in Williamsport! Best of luck!
— Little League (@LittleLeague) April 26, 2017
I remember being on set with you for Cold Pizza in 2004. That was a huge honor. Sorry and Good luck, can't wait to see what's next for you!
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) April 26, 2017
Our best to you, Jay. We know you'll land on your feet!
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) April 26, 2017
While those names listed above were some of the biggest, many other notable ESPN broadcasters and writers were let go as well. Additionally, many still at ESPN and those outside of Bristol decided to both address those who lost their jobs directly on Twitter and take the time to thank everyone at once for their work at ESPN.
https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/857298767745122304
ESPN is saving money on shoes by cutting off feet https://t.co/Dx8cAdNgKS
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) April 26, 2017
Mike Brown shouts out @SherwoodStrauss to open presser today, sends thoughts to those losing jobs at ESPN pic.twitter.com/9RhMFk6XH6
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 26, 2017
Great laid-off @espn reporters who want to do investigative work, either on sports or other subjects, should get in touch with @Propublica.
— Jesse Eisinger (@eisingerj) April 26, 2017
As someone who has been laid off, I can't begin to explain how sickening it is that this all plays out publicly. I wish everyone there well. https://t.co/jBw1tebbsn
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) April 26, 2017
It is immensely frustrating on this day to know that ESPN management was willing to pay Skip Bayless millions of dollars last year to stay.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 26, 2017
For most of @espn history, growth was engine. More was better than less. Sooner better than later. That's all far from guaranteed now. #ESPN
— james andrew miller (@JimMiller) April 26, 2017
As you see more names on @espn layoff list, it will be hard in many cases to capture exact reasoning for one who leaves vs. one who stays.
— james andrew miller (@JimMiller) April 26, 2017
There are a variety of reasons you can dislike ESPN but it’s obtuse to say today’s layoffs validate your specific flavor of vile for ESPN
— Ben Koo (@bkoo) April 26, 2017
A lot of @ESPN talent laid off today wrote a lot of stories I wished I had written. Hopefully the industry finds room for these folks.
— Matt Futterman (@MattFutterman) April 26, 2017
This is a heart-tearing day. For ESPN not to understand that no one eclipses Jayson Stark in creativity, integrity, joy of the game. And
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) April 26, 2017
As one who was on the first Baseball Tonight, it has always been a part of me. Or was. I loved that show. I wish I could reach out to..
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) April 26, 2017
everyone impacted by cuts, but right now think how this cuts at the heart of John Walsh, to whom thousands are indebted to his genius
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) April 26, 2017
On @stephenasmith, a $3.5 million contract and good @espn employees being canned left, right. Farewell, journalism … pic.twitter.com/jYyOYbD0aA
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) April 26, 2017
ESPN's transformation into MSNBC with footballs continues apace.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) April 26, 2017
Media people who take pleasure in hearing about ESPN layoffs had best not celebrate too much. The industry is changing and no one is immune.
— Rich Kimball (@DowntownRichK) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/857289131315122189
I'm young and I don't know it all. But I know the importance of strong, substantive reporting and the message sent today is terrifying
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 26, 2017
Heartbreaking to see so many lose jobs at ESPN today, seeing @jaysonst as part of it, well, that just ratchets it up personally
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 26, 2017
The amount of people on the internet taking glee in the fact that ESPN is laying people off today is absolutely despicable.
— Jared Diamond (@jareddiamond) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/SopanDeb/status/857248674983837696
Good luck to the ESPN people today and moving forward. This is tough.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/BarrettSallee/status/857242980268339200
Raising a glass to all our friends at ESPN. Dreadful watching a ton of talent with families and loved ones impacted. To better days for all
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/jonahkeri/status/857259101528764417
Maddon opened his pregame briefing by offering sympathy to @jaysonst and others at ESPN who lost their jobs.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) April 26, 2017
There were many other posts and there will continue to be over the coming days. It’s a rough and sad day in the sports media industry.
