Add Mark Jackson to the list of ESPN reporters and commentators who have been laid off over the past few weeks. Jackson was let go with two years remaining on his contract. With Jeff Van Gundy also being laid off in late June, ESPN is expected to replace them with Doris Burke and Doc Rivers.
Burke and Rivers would join Mike Breen on ESPN and ABC’s top NBA broadcast crew. With the move, Burke would be the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA Finals on television.
Rivers, who was fired as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in May, called games on ESPN during the 2003-04 season.
When it comes to Jackson, it seems he won’t have to be without a job if he decides to take his talents to do something way out of his comfort zone.
Adult site Cam Soda has extended a jaw-dropping $1,000,000 offer to Jackson to provide play-by-play analysis during their live cam shows. The company has even suggested that Jackson can use his famous catchphrase, “Grown Man Move,” during sensational moments when couples perform intimate acts.
CamSoda’s Vice President, Daryn Parker, penned a letter to Jackson:
Dear Mark Jackson,
My condolences on being laid off by ESPN and vacating your role as an NBA analyst at the worldwide leader in sports.
Now that you’re out of a job and in search of work, I’d like to formally extend you an offer. We here at Cam Soda – an adult site – would like to hire you as the company’s first-ever play-by-play announcer for adult cam shows. You’d call private cam sessions just like you had been calling NBA games, commentating on the action playing out in front of your very eyes. You can even use your catchphrase, “Grown Man Move” for sensational moments during couples shows when the man bangs down low and goes strong to the hole.
In return for hiring you as Cam Soda’s play-by-play announcer – a role you would have to serve for one full year – we’d be willing to compensate you up to $1,000,000.
Please take some time to consider my offer. I’d like to get you back on the mic and calling the…action…ASAP.
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Jackson is a very religious person, so this pairing is never going to happen.
On Monday, Jackson released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter: “This morning, unexpectedly, I was informed that my services were no longer needed at ESPN. Although shocked and dismayed with the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be a part of the organization for the past 15+ years. … It has been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business, who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and learn so much from them. Lisa Salters is a GOAT and like a sister to me and I’m so proud of the work she continues to do. … To all of the staff and crew, that may have never been seen on camera…please know that you were always seen by me and so greatly appreciated.”
Jackson had a very successful NBA career before his career change. Jackson ended up winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1987-88, as he averaged 13.6 points per game and 10.6 assists. Then, in Jackson’s second season, he earned an All-Star selection by averaging 16.9 points per game and 8.6 assists.
Overall, in his career, Jackson played for the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers, and four other teams. He is also fourth in NBA history in total career assists with 10,334 and averaged eight per game for his career.
Despite not coaching the Warriors for very long, Mark Jackson proved during his stint as a head coach, and also during his playing and ESPN careers, that he has a great basketball mind.
Hopefully, he lands on his feet elsewhere.
