It appears that USA Today is downsizing its sports division.
On Thursday, multiple sports reporters announced they had been let go from USA Today.
Among those that announced the news on social media were Akeem Glaspie, who covered Butler basketball for the paper, Sherlon Christie, a senior trending editor, and Michael Chavez, who covered Mississippi high school sports.
I just got the call nobody wants.
Today is my last day at Gannett. I won’t be covering Butler Basketball this season.
Firing me weeks before the season starts, with a pregnant wife is beyond crushing.
Well, I’m a free agent now.
— Akeem Glaspie (@THEAkeemGlaspie) October 1, 2026
I was informed today was my final day at USA TODAY Co. after spending 22 years with the company.
Thank you to all my colleagues that have reached out about being laid off. I really appreciate that.
For only the second time since graduating college, I am a free agent.
— Sherlon Christie (@sherlonchristie) October 1, 2026
My start date with the Clarion Ledger was on Oct. 1, 2023. My last day would be exactly three years later. I learned today that USA Today eliminated my position covering Mississippi HS sports.
Calling it an honor would be an understatement. The people, players, coaches and fans… pic.twitter.com/NTds6X9e02
— Michael Chavez (@MikeSChavez) October 1, 2026
The extent of the layoffs at USA Today are unclear. Awful Announcing has reached out to the publication seeking more information.
The apparent downsizing comes as legacy newspaper brands like USA Today struggle to maintain viable economics. Just this year, The Washington Post eliminated its sports page entirely, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette nearly folded before a nonprofit organization saved the paper at the eleventh hour, and McClatchy, the publishing company which owns The Sacramento Bee and The Miami Herald, laid off nearly 100 reporters across the country.
News of the layoffs has already drawn reaction from prominent figures. Former Indiana coach and current ESPN college basketball analyst Tom Crean issued a statement of support for Glaspie on Thursday afternoon.
This Man is a very good writer. Thorough , insightful and knowledgeable. I don’t know what processes are used in these decisions but I hope someone recognizes talent and strong skills so people like me can keep learning from @THEAkeemGlaspie https://t.co/8Cxz4PvUQb
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) October 1, 2026
This post will be updated as we gather more information.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.