Earlier today as I was refreshing my twitter feed, one by one I started so see some of the following tweets:
Suzy Kolber, gone.
Jeff Van Gundy, gone.
Jalen Rose, gone. And TBH, who ever picked this picture from @TheNBACentral, it looks like an "in memorial" headshot.
TheNew York Post first reported on Friday morning that NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and NBA Countdown host Jalen Rose were among those who have been let go. Star commentators and hosts Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson were soon added to the list.
Van Gundy, a former coach with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, had been with the network for 16 years and is considered one of the top in-game analysts in the business. He’d also recently called the NBA Finals with announcer Mike Breen and analyst Mark Jackson, both of whom are expected to remain with the Disney-owned channel. The trio that has ben Van Gundy, Breen, and Mark Jackson has been incredible, and if you're going off a talent level, I would've voted Jackson out. Unfortunately, it comes down to $$$, and not who Young Horn wants on the #NBAFinals broadcast.
Jalen Rose, a former player, had been part of NBA Countdown for a decade. He reportedly makes millions annually but had become expendable after he was removed from the morning show Get Up and his daily program was canceled last year.
The writing was likely on the wall for Kellerman and Johnson after their morning radio show was recently canned. Kellerman makes in the neighborhood of $5 million a year, while Johnson, is in the second year of a five-year, around $18 million deal. Co-host Jay Williams’ contract is up this summer.
Legendary NFL broadcaster Suzy Kolber revealed she was also among the layoffs. “Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted. “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.”
Obviously the trajectory of network television has significantly changed over the last decade, and with a lot of their revenue tied to advertisers and endorsement deals, it is tough to keep on air talent, especially to compensate them fairly.
Stephan A Smith, the #1 talent in the industry is paid handsomely by #ESPN, but also never stops working. Very blue collar esque of him, respect. They also recently acquired Former NFL punter and internet personality, Pat McAfee, who they gave a big deal too as well. Can't pay everyone! Just finished Stephan A's book Straight Shooter, which was very good and will be include in Young Horn's Book Club blog coming tomorrow or Sunday.
Matt Hasselbeck, Steve Young and Todd McShay were some of the biggest names let go of by ESPN as well. ESPN’s parent company, Disney, previously had three rounds of layoffs with the goal of eliminating 7,000 jobs, which were ordered by the company’s CEO, Bob Iger. I blame the mouse!