SerpApi.Org
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will no longer make appearances on ESPN's "First Take."
It was reported on Monday night that Ryan Clark was being let go by ESPN. According to The Athletic, the plan was for ESPN to lay off Clark on July 21. Unfortunately for the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, he was informed of this decision during his final episode of "NFL Live."
Less than 24 hours later, Bobby Burack of OutKick reported that Newton is part of ESPN's layoffs. There were a few other notable names shown the door this Tuesday, including MLB announcer Karl Ravech and NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Burack also reported that Newton is the "last big name" that'll be laid off by ESPN this week.
"Mina Kimes is safe. Newton was the last big name on the layoff list," Burack said. "There are a few more that will come out this afternoon, but no one big."
ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro releases a statement.
Jimmy Pitaro, who has been ESPN's chairman since 2023, released a statement on the company's layoffs.
"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," the statement read, per Awful Announcing. "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."
It'll be interesting to see how ESPN reshuffles its remain cast of analysts.
