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Former NBA player turned basketball announcer Mark Jackson is reacting to the news of his firing.
On Monday, it was revealed that the network was targeting Doris Burke and former NBA head coach Doc Rivers to revamp their NBA coverage which left Jackson’s role with the company in doubt.
Via Andrew Marchand
ESPN is closing in on promoting Doris Burke to the NBA Finals, hiring Doc Rivers to join her and laying off Mark Jackson, The Post has learned.
In the wake of Jeff Van Gundy’s firing in late June, ESPN set their eyes on making Burke the first woman TV analyst on the NBA Finals and hiring Rivers to join Hall of Fame play-by-player Mike Breen.
This left Jackson in peril. Sources said that plans to put him on the network’s “B” team alongside Mark Jones fell apart in part due to the hope of getting more game reps for JJ Redick and Richard Jefferson.
Jackson would later tell veteran reporter Peter Vecsey that ESPN had fired him with two years left on his contract.
“Mark Jackson told me he was let go by ESPN,” “He had two years left on his contract.”
This just in: Mark Jackson told me he was let go by ESPN. He had two years left on his contract. Jeff Van Gundy was let go weeks ago. Doc Rivers and Doris Burke are now Mike Breen’s partners…
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) July 31, 2023
Jackson has now released a statement to address getting fired by ESPN.
“This morning, unexpectedly, I was informed that my services were no longer needed at ESPN,” the statement began. “Although shocked and dismayed with the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be part of the organization for the past 15+ years. I would also like to thank the NBA fans watching at home and in the arenas throughout the league for all of your support. To the NBA, a heartfelt thank you for allowing a kid to continue to accomplish his dreams.”
“It has been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business, who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and learn so much from them. Lisa Salters is a GOAT and like a sister to me and I’m so proud of the work she continues to do. To the best producer in the world, and my friend, Tim Corrigan, I give the utmost thanks and gratitude and thanks for always inspiring and supporting me. To all of the staff and crew, that may have never been seen on camera…please know that you were always seen by me and so greatly appreciated.”
“Finally, I wish greater measures of success to the new ESPN team. May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life. I leave ESPN with nothing but gratitude, all the while knowing that my highest praise goes to God! Through it all, He has always sustained me and His grace allows me to know that there are greater blessings ahead. I look forward to what He has in store next.”