(Dmytro “Henry” Aleksandrov, Headline USA) ESPN laid off around 20 on-air personalities — including some of the biggest stars of the network — on Friday, hoping to save tens of millions of dollars that the network lost after its overlord — Disney — made it woke.
ESPN surprised its employees this Friday morning with the news about forthcoming cuts, a memo that was obtained by the New York Post revealed.
“In order to identify additional cost savings, ESPN determined it necessary to turn the cost management focus to public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” ESPN wrote.
“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.”
The network then went on to justify the slashing of its workforce.
“It’s important for you to know that these are difficult decisions, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company,” ESPN wrote.
“They are based more on overall efficiency than merit, and we believe they will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth. Out of respect to all involved, we don’t plan on releasing a complete list of names.”
Some names, however, were released to the public.
NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, personalities Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, NFL sideline reporter Suzy Kolber, sports analyst Jalen Rose and “NFL Countdown” analysts Matt Hasselbeck and Steve Young were fired from the network.
Among others who lost their jobs were NFL draft expert Todd McShay, college basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis, “SportsCenter” anchor Ashley Brewer, “College GameDay” analyst David Pollack, radio host Jason Fitz, host Jordan Cornette, baseball writer Joon Lee and NBA reporter Nick Friedell.
Kolber shared the news with her Twitter followers, being grateful about her career and hopeful about the future.
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking – but 27 years at ESPN was a good run,” she wrote.
“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.”
