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ESPN’s network president John Skipper announced Wednesday that the company will let go up to 100 of its employees today–running the gamut from anchors, analysts, reporters, writers, and every one in between. The company is reportedly placing a large focus on its ESPN App with a “multi-screen approach around big events,” and is deadset on building up their online presence.
Longtime NFL reporter Ed Werder was among the first to announce he had been laid off (just minutes after he announced his dog was dying.) Werder, who was one of ESPN’s most respected voices, said in a tweet he was “surprised and disappointed” by his firing, and an inside source claims he is far from the only one.
Hearing now from several @espn employees who, despite advanced word, are "in shock" and "frozen." This is an awful day for all in Bristol.
— james andrew miller (@JimMiller) April 26, 2017
Here are just a few of the farewell nods of the ESPN employees who were affected by the cuts. Some names you’ll recognize, others you won’t.
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDimes) April 26, 2017
It's my birthday! And also the day to learn that my side gig @ESPN has come to an end. Great experience. So many classy people to thank.
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) April 26, 2017
Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 26, 2017
Well, I'm a free agent. I learned a lot in eight years with ESPN and benefitted from being around a lot of smart people
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) April 26, 2017
Bad news morning. I loved every bit of my eight years at ESPN and will miss it, and so many friends and colleagues there, profoundly.
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) April 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/JJT_ESPNDallas/status/857261702538305536
Six years ago, made most difficult decision ever made leaving @Rivals to come to @ESPN. Even after being laid off today, I don’t regret it.
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) April 26, 2017
Landed in Madrid. Turned on phone 1st time all vacation. Got texts asking if job was safe. Found out it was not. Enjoyed my 4 years, ESPN.
— C.L. Brown (@clbrownhoops) April 26, 2017
Super Bowls, The Trifecta and stories like the one up now are the moments I'll take with me into free agency starting tomorrow.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 26, 2017
It’s amazing how long ESPN attained most of its employees–many have been with the company over a decade and were surprisingly cordial and grateful in their public announcements. And then there’s Danny Kanell, who ended his ESPN career with a jab.
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go "all in" 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
The ESPN causalities will surely add up as the days go on, so good luck to all who lost their jobs in finding a paycheck soon.