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ESPN is continuing its latest round of layoffs this week, with the network letting go of broadcaster Karl Ravech, two people close to the situation confirmed to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on personnel decisions.
Ravech has been at ESPN since 1993 and was the lead play-by-play voice for its baseball coverage. Ravech called the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, July 20. The 61-year-old Ravech has also called college basketball, college baseball and the Little League World Series for the network. He also anchored SportsCenter during his tenure with ESPN.
Ravech is just one of those laid off, as NFL analyst Ryan Clark was also sent packing in an ongoing announcement of terminations that impacted various on-air personalities. Clark, a former NFL safety, also worked on Monday, July 20, during an appearance for "NFL Live" and was told midway through the broadcast that his services were no longer needed.
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The Athletic reports that the network planned to lay off Clark on July 21. That timetable was pushed up as the network wanted him to hear the news in person rather than read it online.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Chairman Jimmy Pitaro wrote in a memo to the company. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”
Pitaro’s memo continued, “While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition.”
Here's the latest on the high-profile transitions at ESPN:
Stephen A. Smith weighs in on Ryan Clark, ESPN layoffs
ESPN First Take star Stephen A. Smith has commented on the network's layoffs on a new episode of "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith" that dropped on his YouTube channel in the aftermath of the decisions. While Smith focused mainly on his unhappiness with the move to let go of NFL analyst Ryan Clark, he also offered commentary on the broader state of ESPN's business model.
"This ain’t the days when ESPN could just hire and hire and hire some more, without having to let go or lay off anybody," Smith said. "Those days are long gone."
What caused these ESPN layoffs?
Employees at ESPN and NFL Network are having to deal with the harsh reality of corporate consolidation. ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network earlier this year is what's triggering most of the jobs cuts being executed this week, according to an internal memo from ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
"While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted," Pitaro wrote, in part.
Read more about Pitaro's memo and why this round of ESPN layoffs is happening here.
ESPN layoffs force out boxing, MMA reporter
Andreas Hale, a combat reporter covering boxing, MMA and pro wrestling for ESPN's digital site, is part of the company-wide layoffs instituted on Tuesday, July 21. Hale announced his separation from ESPN on X. Hale joined ESPN in 2024, according to his official bio.
Charles Davis reportedly part of ESPN's layoffs
Add NFL analyst Charles Davis and former NFL player Bart Scott to the list of on-air commentators who will reportedly out of a job at ESPN, according to multiple reports. Davis had worked as an analyst for NFL Network before its merger with ESPN. He is expected to continue as a color analyst for Big Ten games on CBS.
Tim Tebow signs ESPN contract extension
In the midst of ESPN's latest round of layoffs, one prominent college football analyst has signed on to remain with the network moving forward. ESPN announced on Monday, July 20 that it has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow that will keep the former Florida quarterback in his role on SEC Nation, the SEC Network's weekly Saturday morning pregame show that he has appeared on for the last decade, in addition to doing work on College Football Live and SportsCenter.
Cam Newton not returning to ESPN
Cam Newton, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP, won't be returning to the debate show "First Take." The news, first reported by Outkick, ends Newton's two-year stint with the network after he replaced Shannon Sharpe as Stephen A. Smith's primary debate partner several times a week.
David Lloyd, Stephania Bell also among ESPN layoffs, per report
Others in the ESPN stable expected to be let go, according to Front Office Sports, are SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, who joined the network in 1997, and injury expert/fantasy analyst Stephania Bell. Bell, who is a licensed physical therapist, was a featured player in ESPN’s fantasy football coverage. Bart Scott, a former NFL player who was part of the network as an NFL analyst and a radio co-host, also will not be returning.
Ryan Clark responds to layoffs
Clark, who was laid off by the network on July 20, responded to the news via social media. Clark was reportedly making $2 million at the time of his dismissal.
“Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark wrote on Instagram. "The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today y’all!
He also posted a message on X saying: "Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!"
NFL Network expected to see cuts
The NFL Network, which was purchased by ESPN earlier this year, is also expected to lose key contributors. NFL insider Tom Pelissero is also expected to be laid off, according to multiple reports.
ESPN still has NFL news-breakers Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport on the roster. That deal with ESPN also gave the NFL a 10% stake in the Bristol, Connecticut-headquartered network.
Charles Davis, who has been part of the NFL draft coverage for NFL Network, was also let go. Davis is still at CBS Sports, where he will be the top college football analyst this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN layoffs latest updates: Karl Ravech, Cam Newton among those let go
