Things at Sports Illustrated are getting ugly.
Thursday has been a tumultuous day at the company, starting with initial layoff meetings earlier this morning postponed minutes before they were supposed to begin. Hours later, SI’s staff put out a statement of support for each other and against any potential layoffs at the company. Shortly after that statement was released, the layoffs began.
NEWS: Management at Sports Illustrated just informed its newsroom in meetings that half the staff has been laid off, according to a person present.
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) October 3, 2019
We’re going to keep this post updated with updates on who was let go as they announce their departures.
MLB writer Jon Tayler.
It’s official: After six years, a lot of bylines, and getting to call the Orioles diarrhea in an article, my time at Sports Illustrated is over. If you have need of a baseball writer (or a writer for anything, honestly), please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s been fun.
— Jon Tayler, Smiling Politely (@JATayler) October 3, 2019
Digital editor Mark McClusky.
Getting to help lead Sports Illustrated after starting my career there as a fact-checker was a thrill of a lifetime, and beyond my dreams. I’m leaving after 3 years proud of the work we did and filled with love and admiration for this staff and this place.
— Mark McClusky (@markmcc) October 3, 2019
Staff writer Joan Niesen.
After six years at @SInow, it's over. I can't begin to articulate the fun I had covering damn near everything: the College Football Playoff, Super Bowl, Masters, Stanley Cup, World Series.
This industry can be heartbreaking, but I don't want out. If you're hiring, I'm all ears.
— Joan Niesen (@JoanNiesen) October 3, 2019
Staff writer Dan Greene.
Got to experience a lot of cool stuff in nine years at SI. Can’t say getting laid off alongside dozens of colleagues in a conference room ranks super high
— Dan Greene (@thedangreene) October 3, 2019
Staff writer Tim Rohan.
I’ve been laid off as part of the purge at @SINow. If you need a writer, reporter, podcaster, please let me know. Any journalism job at all. I’ll work in the mailroom. My DMs are open.
— Tim Rohan (@TimRohan) October 3, 2019
Senior writer Andrew Sharp.
I was among the layoffs at SI earlier today. Tough way to end, but it was a great 4 years. I have too many people to thank in a tweet, but thanks especially to @SI_ChrisStone @matt_dollinger and @SI_MarkBechtel.
Now we’ll see what’s next.
— Andrew Sharp (@andrewsharp) October 3, 2019
WNBA producer Kellen Becoats.
After two-plus years at SI, my time here is over. It’s still crazy to me that my first job out of school was here but, after a wild day, it’s time to move on. If y’all have anything open or know of anything, please hit me up. Otherwise y’all know where to find me
— Kellen Becoats (@KellenBecoats) October 3, 2019
Host Tiffany Oshinsky.
3 yrs ago today, I made Ben Affleck curse bc the Pats were losing to the Bills.
Today I, too, am losing as I say goodbye to SI, a place that has let me do so much like interviewing celebs, to doing Cash Cab, to working with some amazing people.
To quote Ben Affleck… “Fuck” https://t.co/gChexr4ClK
— ??????? ???????? (@TMOluvsSports) October 3, 2019
Writer Charlotte Carroll.
After two years @SInow working the dream, I'm sad to say it’s over and I've been laid off. I'm so proud this was my first job out of school and so lucky to have been colleagues with these writers, editors and producers. If you're hiring or know of anything, please reach out.
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) October 3, 2019
Staff writer Paul Lukas, known for his popular Uni Watch blog.
Fun while it lasted: Six weeks after being hired as a @SInow staff writer, I was part of today's mass layoffs. pic.twitter.com/cbtnQVuaXB
— Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) October 3, 2019
Graphic artist Bryce Wood.
My time at SI has come to an end, as part of today’s layoffs. If you or anyone you know is looking for a dedicated digital/graphic artist please let know. DMs are open.
— Bryce Wood (@woodymlb4) October 3, 2019
NBA producer and reporter Jake Fischer.
Four years ago I first stepped foot in SI's newsroom. Today is unfortunately my last day as an SI employee, as part of today's layoffs. It's been a devastating day in the office, but I'm looking forward to whatever's next. And I'll forever cherish the people at 225 Liberty.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) October 3, 2019
Self-proclaimed “video dude” David Sanchirico
So my time at @SInow has ended. SI was a dream job when I was a kid, so I will cherish my four-year run. It was amazing.
To be frank, I’m devastated I won’t be able to work with my friends anymore, and I have too many people to thank.
— David Sanchirico (@DavidSanchirico) October 3, 2019
Columnist Jacob Feldman.
Today is my last day at @SInow. I have been so lucky to call myself a staffer and learn from the best. Now I proudly join the unrivaled crew that is former SI writers. Time to see what’s next.
— ✏️Jacob Feldman (@JacobFeldman4) October 4, 2019
NFL analyst Andy Benoit.
After 6 ½ years at Sports Illustrated, I’m now a free agent. My colleagues and friends at SI are the most talented I’ve worked with and some of the best people I’ve ever known. I’ll miss working with them. In the meantime, I’m eager to keep covering the NFL.
— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) October 4, 2019
Columnist Ben Baskin.
I have a story I’ve worked on for the past two months that should run next week. It’ll be my last at Sports Illustrated. It’s been a privilege getting to write longform for a mag I grew up dreaming to see my name in, alongside the writers I admire most. Thanks for reading.
-30-
— Ben Baskin (@Ben_Baskin) October 4, 2019
More to come….
