More Layoffs Hit ESPN Including Steve Young, Todd McShay, and ESPN Legend Suzy Kolber
Yesterday morning we brought you the news that The Walt Disney Company’s widespread layoffs had finally come for ESPN’s on-air talent.
At the time, we reported that NBA color commentator Jeff Van Gundy, NBA analyst Jalen Rose, NFL analyst Keyshawn Johnson, and ESPN personality Max Kellerman were among those leaving the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Photo: ESPN
Since that time, more ESPN personalities have revealed that they too have been let go by the network. Among those leaving the company are NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, NFL analysts Steve Young and Matt Hasselbeck, College GameDay host David Pollack, and longtime ESPN fixture Suzie Kolbar.
ESPN’s Response
In an internal memo obtained by multiple sources, ESPN stated that the job cuts were based on managing costs.
Photo: Yahoo Sports
“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,” the company 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 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.”
End of An Era
The loss of Kolber in particular will mark the end of an era at EPSN. Kolber had been with the network since the 1990s and was synonymous with ESPN’s football coverage. She also served as one of the most recognizable anchors on the network’s flagship program SportsCenter
Photo: ESPN
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted, sharing a photo of herself covering the most recent NFL draft in April. “Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step- a project that gives back.”
Colleagues Congratulate Kolber
As news that Kolber was leaving ESPN spread through the sports community, her colleagues and fans were quick to pay tribute to her extraordinary career.
“Suzy Kolber is a pioneer and a legend. She, like others laid off today, always will be remembered and missed.” Adam Schefter tweeted.
Photo: THR
Former ESPN employee Kenny Mayne reminisced about the time the two spent working with Stuart Scott.
“Never will forget that first day meeting Stuart and you. He wadded up a script and threw it at me. I threw it back. You gave it that look…like this is going to be something..& it was. Good run, Suzy.”
Never will forget that first day meeting Stuart and you. He wadded up a script and threw it at me. I threw it back. You gave it that look…like this is going to be something..& it was. Good run, Suzy. ❤️ https://t.co/I4PvWtBi1p
— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) June 30, 2023
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