NFL
By: Greg Rector
The layoffs that came down today at ESPN have been massive and will affect how we view sports on the network.
Max Kellerman
Longtime boxing analyst and show host Max Kellerman was let go by the network. His show “This Just In” is going away. Appears that Pat McAfee will replace Kellerman’s slot on his new 5-year 85 million dollar deal.
Keyshawn Johnson
Johnson was also let go as he was never consistently used properly on the radio show or during his time with Max Kellerman on “This Just In,” either. Keyshawn is expected to make a deal with ESPN and get out of his contract so he may join Skip Bayless on FS1.
Suzy Kolber
After 27 seasons at ESPN, the network let Kolber go as well. No idea where she will end up as of yet.
Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off.
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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/URitozP0LQ
— Suzy Kolber (@SuzyKolber) June 30, 2023
Kolber will be missed by many.
Jeff Van Gundy
Here’s the shocker Jeff Van Gundy was also let go by ESPN. Van Gundy had been with the network for 16 seasons since his last head coaching gig with the Houston Rockets ended. Van Gundy was highly popular. The network announced that they intend to still use a three-man crew with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, looks like Richard Jefferson or JJ Reddick will be the new third man on the crew that calls the NBA finals.
Jalen Rose
The former member of Michigan’s Fab Five was also let go by ESPN. This move really surprised me. Jalen Rose will be employed elsewhere very quickly in my opinion. Not going to raise the whole divorce between him and First Take host his now ex-wife Molly Qerim.
Todd McShay
The sometimes acerbic NFL draft analyst was also let go by the network. ESPN keeping long-time draft analyst Mel Kiper over McShay might surprise many.
Steve Young and Matt Hasselbeck
Both former NFL quarterbacks were also let go by ESPN. The release of Hasselbeck didn’t surprise me as much as losing Steve Young does. The NFL shows on ESPN will appear to be going smaller over the last few seasons where they had a huge assortment of panelists on the shows.
The Overview
For my taste, the layoffs on the football side were surprising but not unexpected. However, the basketball layoffs by ESPN really surprised me. Keeping Kendrick Perkins over Jalen Rose? Makes no sense to me. I know I mentioned JJ Reddick and Richard Jefferson as the two leading candidates to replace Jeff Van Gundy, but for my money, I would love to have Doris Burke get the upgrade to the leading broadcast team with Breen and Jackson.
The Business
ESPN basketball might be in trouble because the news has NBC making an attempt to take over again as the next network to once again have the NBA contract over them. So I get why the network moved out some of those folks.
