ESPN mass firings of on-air talent

[bmw]

Here's the list of people who have been canned:

-former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy
-former player Jalen Rose.
-commentator Max Kellerman
-Monday Night Football host Suzy Kolber
-Former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson
-NFL Countdown analyst and former NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck
-NFL draft expert Todd McShay
-Former NBA player turned college basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis
-Anchor Ashley Brewer
-ESPN radio host Jason Fitz
-MLB reporter Joon Lee

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.

Apparently more cuts are on the way in the form of not renewing contracts.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/espn-layof ... van-gundy/

[Honeyman]

And they just gave that schmuck McAfee a 75 million dollar contract.

ESPN is a complete clusterfuck.

[craig11152]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

[Rate This]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

If they pay millions for a fake job… I want one too…

[lidoshuffle]

Jalen Rose has a bizarre head of hair, even for a "brother"....

[MasterB]

Jalen Rose going to be on the coaching staff for Michigan Men's basketball team since Howard and Rose were teammates Fab Five Members. I could see Fox Sports picking up Keyshawn Johnson or Max Killerman to be Skip Baseless/Clueless Oh, I mean Bayless on Undisputed.

[craig11152]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

If they pay millions for a fake job… I want one too…

No doubt. But what are the chances all those people are going to end up with a lateral move at worst?

[Rate This]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

If they pay millions for a fake job… I want one too…

No doubt. But what are the chances all those people are going to end up with a lateral move at worst?

None will be selling cars soon so near 100%

[craig11152]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

If they pay millions for a fake job… I want one too…

No doubt. But what are the chances all those people are going to end up with a lateral move at worst?

None will be selling cars soon so near 100%

Of course they won't be selling cars. But you think nearly 100% will land an equivalent job with either no pay cut or a raise? ESPN is the only company in the Industry needing to trim?

[MWmetalhead]

Firing Kellerman was a great move. Cannot stand that obnoxious twat.

Firing belligerent Jeff Van Gundy was another great move. The guy argues with fellow color analyst Mark Jackson and complains about rules the whole game instead of analyzing the actual game.

Jalen Rose seldom brought much insight to the table during his appearances on ESPN or during NBA telecasts. He seemed more interested in inane banter.

McShay and Kolber are two firings that surprised me.

I had no idea Jason Fitz, an accomplished musician, was even an ESPN employee.

[Rate This]

On one hand I don't wish unemployment on anybody , on the other hand "get a real job" is rolling around in my head.

If they pay millions for a fake job… I want one too…

No doubt. But what are the chances all those people are going to end up with a lateral move at worst?

None will be selling cars soon so near 100%

Of course they won't be selling cars. But you think nearly 100% will land an equivalent job with either no pay cut or a raise? ESPN is the only company in the Industry needing to trim?

These are people with connections. Where having other famous folks in your phone to get a favor from is normal… they’ll be fine.

[radioandtventhusiast]

I felt bad for everyone that was laid of. Kolber and McShay were the best of all of them. Kolber was there for so long and McShay was great on draft coverage.

Kellerman was a bit obnoxious at times, but then again, everyone who's been on First Take is at least somewhat obnoxious. The only opinion shows I like on ESPN are the longtime afternoon staples of Around the Horn and PTI.

I don't think Pat McAfee is to blame as Disney, like many media conglomerates, is bleeding money right now, so they'd be cutting costs nonetheless. Plus, McAfee said he was sad to see so many staffers leave the network.

They also got rid of Chris Chelios and longtime west coast SC anchor Neil Everett as well a few weeks ago.

Best of luck to every on-air staffer let go.

[moldyoldie]

Rumors are afloat that Disney is planning to either spin off ESPN or sell it. Rampant cable cord-cutting has apparently put a dent in the once formidable cash cow and Disney's stock has been a "sleeping giant" for a few years now - a five year return of -23.23% versus +55.54% for the S&P 500 and +36.25% for the Dow Jones 30 Industrials. Stay tuned, Bob Iger's wheels are churning.