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.
https://twitter.com/JATayler/status/1179857073535881217
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.
https://twitter.com/andrewsharp/status/1179865029425926144
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
— Tiffany Oshinsky (@TMOluvsSports) October 3, 2019
Writer Charlotte Carroll.
https://twitter.com/charlottecrrll/status/1179862852968091657
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.
https://twitter.com/Andy_Benoit/status/1179914155156885504
Columnist Ben Baskin.
https://twitter.com/Ben_Baskin/status/1180122019272232964
More to come….
About Joe Lucia
I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.