Some of the most recognisable names in the US sports media landscape have lost their jobs as part of a cost-cutting measure undertaken by broadcaster ESPN.
Back in February, Disney — the parent company of the major sports network owner — announced that some 7,000 members of staff would be laid off, despite the company's profits soaring by 56% to $12.1 billion last year. Although it is unconfirmed whether the cuts to staff at ESPN is related to this measure, 20 members of ESPN's on-air team have been relieved of their duties in the past week.
The lay-offs also follow those put in place by other media companies in the US including at CNN, The Athletic and National Geographic and include household names such as Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy and Keyshawn Johnson. Now, one of ESPN's most famous personalities has revealed his fear that more cuts could well be on the way, with "First Take" star Stephen A. Smith also fearing that he could also lose his job.
Speaking on his self-named show, he explained that he also felt sympathy for his colleagues, saying: "This ain’t the end, more is coming. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I could be next. It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from, they deserved better than the times we’re living in."
Among those let go is also Smith's former co-host Max Kellerman, who left "First Take" two years ago, and Smith was quick to also express his sorrow to see his ex-colleague among those to lose his job. While also praising the aforementioned Rose, Van Gundy and Johnson, he also said that he hoped Kellerman would find a new role soon, adding: I" don’t want the brother unemployed. I want him gainfully employed. I want him having a job and a career."
In a statement, ESPN's representatives stated that the cuts were deemed to be required due to the "environment" currently, with the company needing to meet "financial targets". They said: "Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun.
"This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead.
"This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth."
Below is a full list of the ESPN staff members who have been laid off as a result of cuts at the US sports network.
Full list of ESPN Layoffs
- Andre Ward, Boxing analyst
- Ashley Brewer, SportsCenter anchor
- Chris Chelios, NFL analyst
- David Pollack, College football analyst
- Doug Kezirian, betting analyst
- Gene Wojciechowski, college
- Jalen Rose, NBA analyst
- Jason Fitz, radio host
- Jeff Van Gundy, NBA broadcaster
- Joon Lee, staff writer
- Jordan Cornette, college basketball analyst
- Keyshawn Johnson, NFL analyst
- LaPhonso Ellis, college basketball analyst
- Matt Hasselbeck, NFL analyst
- Max Kellerman, Ex-“First Take” co-host
- Neil Everett, SportsCenter anchor
- Nick Fridell, NBA reporter
- Rob Ninkovich, NFL analyst
- Steve Young, NFL analyst
- Suzy Kolber, NFL host
- Todd McShay, NFL Draft analyst
