ESPN Trying To Save Millions Of Dollars

Last Month, ESPN laid off around 20+ employees in hopes of saving million of dollars. The company removed household names such as Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Jalen Rose, Keyshawn Johnson, Todd McShay, and Steve Young. The layoffs put all employees on notice, they aren’t safe to keep their jobs.

On the Pat Bev Podcast with Rone, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins talked about how he feared losing his job. Perkins said he heard that the cuts were coming before it happened. He believes many well-established producers were fired because they were making too much money. This plays a role in ESPN laying people off to save millions of dollars. First Take Host, Stephen A. Smith, addressed on his podcast “The Stephen A. Smith Show” how it could have been anybody who got fired, because they were letting off a lot of great talent. Perkins said at first, he was comfortable with his job, but after the release of many employees he’s not getting comfortable again.

The Trio is Over

One of the most shocking cuts was Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. The duo of these two was iconic in the commentary of the NBA. They joined alongside Mike Breen and called many NBA Finals games. This cut made many wonder who will call the finals alongside Breen now. 

ESPN has announced that Doris Burke and former head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers Doc Rivers will join Mike Breen. Doris Burke will make history as she will become the first female commentator to call the NBA Finals. ESPN also announced that J.J. Reddick, Richard Jefferson, and Ryan Ruocco will make another commentary team. 

Shannon Sharpe on ESPN

With all these layoffs, many suspect they are making room for Shannon Sharpe to join ESPN. Sharpe was signed with Fox Sports 1, having the show Undisputed with Skip Bayless. He left Undisputed in June after the NBA Finals concluded. 

Sharpe hasn’t clarified where he will go, but many suspect he will join Stephen A. Smith on First Take. He has made it clear on social media that he will be on TV before the NFL season starts on September 7th, so everyone must wait and see his decision.