ESPN has been conducting widespread layoffs this weekend. Those cuts began on Friday with some of the network’s prominent on-air talent being let go.
That list of cuts consists of David Pollack, Jalen Rose, Todd McShay, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Steve Young, Rob Ninkovich, and a host of others.
Taking to Twitter, longtime ESPN journalist and broadcaster Steve Levy heartbreakingly stated how “numb” he felt over this.
“Feel numb. Been trying all day to find the right words. Maybe there aren’t any,” Levy tweeted.
Here’s how social media reacted:
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ESPN issued the following statement about the layoffs:
“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,” ESPN said in a statement. “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 a 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.
Van Gundy, a former NBA head coach of the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, was one of the most prominent voices in ESPN’s NBA coverage. Jalen Rose was a 13-year NBA veteran and one of the network’s most recognized basketball analysts.
“Around the Horn” contributor Max Kellerman was on First Take for years after Skip Bayless, and although he lost that job, it is shocking to see him part of these cuts. NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay was laid off as well. He was best known for forming a tandem with NFL Draft legend Mel Kiper and helped turn the NFL Draft into a must-see television event.
ESPN’s parent company Disney had announced several rounds of major layoffs throughout the year as it looked to reduce costs by up to $5.5 billion.
Reports indicate that ESPN will lay off as many as 20 on-air employees as part of a companywide shakeup, so who knows which talent might be next.
