BRISTOL, CT—On July 21, ESPN announced layoffs including former Auburn trained, NFL quarterback, Cam Newton and LSU safety, Ryan Clark. The players on the lists of terminations in ESPN Television Network’s recent acquisition of the NFL Network.
ESPN’s Sports Analyst, Stephen Smith will remain. Clark’s high-profile on-air departure took place while sportscasters were taking a commercial break. When the team returned to their NFL Live broadcast, Clark was gone. He’s been with the network since 2015.
“Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company and I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope i8s as this door closes another, opens for you all. God bless,” Clark posted on his X page.
30-year ESPN veteran, and face of ESPN’s Major League Baseball, and Baseball tonight, and SportsCenter, Karl Ravech, known for his play-by-plays was also let go.
ESPN News anchor and longtime sports commentator for ESPN and Coast-to-Coast SportsCenter since 1997, David Lloyd, was laid off.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is not making the move to ESPN. Pelissero has worked for NFLN since 2017.
Senior writer, and sports injury analyst, Stephania Bell, who joined ESPN in 2008, is leaving after 18 years. Bell, known as the ‘Physical Therapist’ of fantasy football, was also part of the layoffs.
The CBS NFL sports analyst trio; Charles Davis, Andrew Catalon and Jason McCourty have been divided.
The former defensive back and play-by-play announcer, Catalon and Davis will now lead college football for CBS. McCourty has signed an exclusive multi-year contract with ESPN pre-game coverage.
