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ESPN and NFL Network have announced a major round of layoffs, with several high-profile on-air personalities and behind-the-scenes staff being informed of job cuts on Tuesday morning.
Analyst Ryan Clark was informed of his removal during an episode of NFL Live, and veteran baseball announcer Karl Ravech has also been let go. Insider Tom Pelissero is also among the cuts, while fellow insider Ian Rapoport is finalizing a new deal.
ESPN has invested hundreds of millions in Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith, but the merger with NFL Network has led to cuts within the operation. Staff members were informed of the changes in a memo sent by ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro.
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NFL Network was recently acquired and absorbed by ESPN, leading to difficult decisions. ESPN has taken over the operation of NFL Network and other assets in exchange for a 10 percent ownership stake in the company.
"Team: Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. 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," Pitaro wrote.
"As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.
"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.
"Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork, and our shared mission to serve sports fans."
Clark was one of the biggest personalities to be let go, and responded to the news with an uplifting message to the others impacted. "Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN," he wrote on X.
"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!"
Full list of high-profile ESPN layoffs
- Ryan Clark — longtime analyst and former NFL safety
- Karl Ravech — play-by-play broadcaster
- Tom Pelissero — NFL Network insider
- Cam Newton — former NFL MVP and analyst
- Charles Davis — NFL Network analyst
- Stephania Bell — ESPN injury expert
- David Lloyd — longtime anchor
- Bart Scott — radio host and former NFL player
Andreas Hale - Boxing, MMA, and professional wrestling reporter
