ESPN is cutting nearly 20 employees, including some well-known network personalities.
Among those are former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy and former player Jalen Rose. The cuts also include commentator Max Kellerman, Monday Night Football host Suzy Kolber and Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player turned analyst for the network, a source familiar with the details told CBS MoneyWatch.
NFL Countdown analyst and former league quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, NFL draft expert Todd McShay, Former NBA player turned college basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis, Anchor Ashley Brewer, ESPN radio host Jason Fitz, and Major League Baseball reporter Joon Lee are also in the round of cuts.
On Friday, the popular sport’s network confirmed the lay offs, but didn’t specify the number or the staffers who are losing their jobs.
The network is attempting to save millions of dollars and meet financial goals executives set for this year.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” the network said in a statement.
Kolber has since confirmed her departure from ESPN via a post on Twitter that called the moment as “heartbreaking.”
ESPN said the personalities were let go as a cost-cutting measure.
“This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead,” ESPN said. “This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company.”
