Updated, July 31: Longtime ESPN NBA announcer Mark Jackson has joined the ranks of on-air talent laid off of late by the network. Almost exactly a month ago, Jackson’s broadcast partner (and former coach) Jeff Van Gundy was among the 20-odd boldfaced names let go by the network. See the list below. Since then, speculation has abounded about Jackson’s fate. That speculation came to an end today.
Previously, June 30: On the same day ESPN ran special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency, about 20 of the network’s top on-air talent found out they would be on the move, as well.
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline they are unrelated to the multi-round Disney layoffs implemented in recent months. The source indicated that many of those affected by the new cuts have contracts beyond June 30 and will be paid out accordingly,...
Previously, June 30: On the same day ESPN ran special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency, about 20 of the network’s top on-air talent found out they would be on the move, as well.
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline they are unrelated to the multi-round Disney layoffs implemented in recent months. The source indicated that many of those affected by the new cuts have contracts beyond June 30 and will be paid out accordingly,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Finebaum, an ESPN contributor for a decade, is weighing in on the layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities exit the sports network.
“It’s pretty tough, and I say that loving my job and loving the company,” Finebaum said during an appearance on The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast. “But it was the worst day in my 10 years at ESPN. I can’t explain Bob (Iger’s) thinking. I think you have to trust his track record, but it doesn’t really excuse the state of mind that a lot of us, if not all of us, were in.”
He continued, “And I say as an employee nobody knew Friday. Especially those of us who were on the air whether we would be around at the end of the day. I’ll spare you a lot of the things that have been said on Twitter and on social...
“It’s pretty tough, and I say that loving my job and loving the company,” Finebaum said during an appearance on The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast. “But it was the worst day in my 10 years at ESPN. I can’t explain Bob (Iger’s) thinking. I think you have to trust his track record, but it doesn’t really excuse the state of mind that a lot of us, if not all of us, were in.”
He continued, “And I say as an employee nobody knew Friday. Especially those of us who were on the air whether we would be around at the end of the day. I’ll spare you a lot of the things that have been said on Twitter and on social...
- 7/9/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has responded to the laying off of more than a dozen of ESPN’s on-air personalities, and fears that more layoffs could very well be in the works. The staffers were all dropped by the network at the end of June as part of an overall cost-cutting measure at the network.
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent… friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” he said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from,...
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent… friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” he said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Stephen A. Smith is opening up about the ESPN layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities become redundant at the sports network.
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” the sports analyst said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from, they deserved better than the times we’re living in.”
Smith, who co-hosts First Take con ESPN, gave a shoutout to Jalen Rose saying that he had been doing an “outstanding job for us covering the NBA for years.”
Related: Pat McAfee Addresses Backlash Over ESPN “Mass Exits” & Says He’s “Pumped To Be Joining” Network
“Got a lot of love for that brother,” he added. “A lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company…...
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” the sports analyst said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from, they deserved better than the times we’re living in.”
Smith, who co-hosts First Take con ESPN, gave a shoutout to Jalen Rose saying that he had been doing an “outstanding job for us covering the NBA for years.”
Related: Pat McAfee Addresses Backlash Over ESPN “Mass Exits” & Says He’s “Pumped To Be Joining” Network
“Got a lot of love for that brother,” he added. “A lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company…...
- 7/5/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Pat McAfee recently struck a deal to bring his namesake sports commentary show to ESPN. The former NFL player has been receiving backlash after the sports network announced layoffs and many viewers are correlating that it has to do with McAfee.
McAfee, who is also an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, took to Twitter to clear things up and address the “mass exits.”
“I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today (hell yeah).. all roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group and how lucky I am to be a part of this team,” he tweeted.
He continued, “We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but,...
McAfee, who is also an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, took to Twitter to clear things up and address the “mass exits.”
“I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today (hell yeah).. all roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group and how lucky I am to be a part of this team,” he tweeted.
He continued, “We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but,...
- 7/2/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has let go of about 20 on-air personalities who have now taken to social media to react to the news following the cuts.
David Pollack shared a message with his followers on Twitter after news broke that he was one of the talents who got laid off from the sports network.
“I won’t be brought back to College GameDay next year or to ESPN and just wanted to say thank you to so many people. I just appreciate everybody along the journey,” the former NFL player said in his video statement. “You know, 12-13 years ago, ESPN taking a chance on me and all the people that I got to work with.”
He continued, “I got to work with so many great people and do so many things, that was so awesome for so many years and I’m just very, very thankful for it. And I don’t know what’s next,...
David Pollack shared a message with his followers on Twitter after news broke that he was one of the talents who got laid off from the sports network.
“I won’t be brought back to College GameDay next year or to ESPN and just wanted to say thank you to so many people. I just appreciate everybody along the journey,” the former NFL player said in his video statement. “You know, 12-13 years ago, ESPN taking a chance on me and all the people that I got to work with.”
He continued, “I got to work with so many great people and do so many things, that was so awesome for so many years and I’m just very, very thankful for it. And I don’t know what’s next,...
- 7/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
More than a dozen on-air personalities are being dropped by ESPN as part of an overall cost-cutting measure at the network.
NFL great Keyshawn Johnson, who became one of ESPN Radio’s top morning show personalities; Johnson’s former co-host Max Kellerman; basketball coach-turned-analyst Jeff Van Gundy; and NBA star Jalen Rose, who went on to become a commentator for the network, have all been let go, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: ESPN's Serena Williams Docuseries, Joe Pickett Trailer and MoreNFL, ESPN Clash Over On-Air Reports That Teams Were Given '5 Minutes' to Warm Up, After...
NFL great Keyshawn Johnson, who became one of ESPN Radio’s top morning show personalities; Johnson’s former co-host Max Kellerman; basketball coach-turned-analyst Jeff Van Gundy; and NBA star Jalen Rose, who went on to become a commentator for the network, have all been let go, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: ESPN's Serena Williams Docuseries, Joe Pickett Trailer and MoreNFL, ESPN Clash Over On-Air Reports That Teams Were Given '5 Minutes' to Warm Up, After...
- 6/30/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
ESPN is letting go of about 20 on-air personalities, including two familiar names to NBA viewers: game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and studio co-host Jalen Rose.
Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player who had co-hosted ESPN Radio’s national morning show in one of many chapters in a 16-year run on ESPN, is also among those leaving. Also out is Max Kellerman, Johnson’s radio co-host as well as host of This Just In and formerly Stephen A. Smith’s longtime sparring partner on daily morning TV staple First Take. Suzy Kolber, a 27-year veteran of ESPN who most recently hosted Monday Night Countdown, also confirmed her exit. While she described the end of her run as “heartbreaking” in a tweet, she also said she was “grateful,” noting that “longevity for a woman in this business is something I am especially proud of.”
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline...
Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player who had co-hosted ESPN Radio’s national morning show in one of many chapters in a 16-year run on ESPN, is also among those leaving. Also out is Max Kellerman, Johnson’s radio co-host as well as host of This Just In and formerly Stephen A. Smith’s longtime sparring partner on daily morning TV staple First Take. Suzy Kolber, a 27-year veteran of ESPN who most recently hosted Monday Night Countdown, also confirmed her exit. While she described the end of her run as “heartbreaking” in a tweet, she also said she was “grateful,” noting that “longevity for a woman in this business is something I am especially proud of.”
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline...
- 6/30/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Ninkovich’s ESPN contract won’t be renewed, continuing cutbacks of ESPN’s television and radio teams.
Front Office Sports reported the news Friday. Ninkovich joined ESPN in 2019.
A former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion, Ninkovich was on-air personality on programs including “NFL Live,” “Get Up,” and “SportsCenter.”
Front Office Sports reported his contract will expire this summer.
ESPN cut its national morning radio show with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman earlier this month. It also said farewell to SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett, who had been with ESPN for 23 years. NHL analyst Chris Chelios was also axed.
Front Office Sports reported the news Friday. Ninkovich joined ESPN in 2019.
A former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion, Ninkovich was on-air personality on programs including “NFL Live,” “Get Up,” and “SportsCenter.”
Front Office Sports reported his contract will expire this summer.
ESPN cut its national morning radio show with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman earlier this month. It also said farewell to SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett, who had been with ESPN for 23 years. NHL analyst Chris Chelios was also axed.
- 6/24/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
NHL star Bob Probert, one half of the “Bruise Brothers,” was widely considered one of the toughest and most violent ice hockey players of all time. His role as the hard-hitting enforcer of the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, as well as his hard-living ways and death at age 45, is the subject of a new documentary; wathc the trailer above.
Tough Guy is directed by Geordie Day, who previously co-directed Goalie, a film on former NHL goaltender Clint Malarchuk and produced Reelz’s Charles Manson: Final Words. It is based on a book by Day’s mother Kirstie McLellan Day, who co-wrote it with Probert, who died after collapsing on his boat on Lake St. Clair in 2010. Probert’s widow Dani exec produces the film, which premieres on Canada’s Superchannel on December 14 and will air in the U.S. in 2019. It explores Probert’s career, which included being...
Tough Guy is directed by Geordie Day, who previously co-directed Goalie, a film on former NHL goaltender Clint Malarchuk and produced Reelz’s Charles Manson: Final Words. It is based on a book by Day’s mother Kirstie McLellan Day, who co-wrote it with Probert, who died after collapsing on his boat on Lake St. Clair in 2010. Probert’s widow Dani exec produces the film, which premieres on Canada’s Superchannel on December 14 and will air in the U.S. in 2019. It explores Probert’s career, which included being...
- 11/26/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Featuring: Jay Baruchel, Chris Chelios, Brett Hull, Sasha Lakovic, Derek Boogaard, Howard Bloom, Kelly Chase, Brian McGratton, Dave Semenko, Bobby Hull, Wendel Clark, Kevin Westgarth, George Parros | Written by Brett Harvey, Scott Dodds | Directed by Brett Harvey
Speaking from my own personal perspective, Ice Guardians is one of the most interesting and gripping documentary’s I have watched recently. Full disclosure first… I am a Brit, a little Englander if you will so my knowledge of ice hockey and the world of that sport is very limited to the Mighty Ducks movies. However I love a good personal documentary that can engage me in something I know little about.
In Ice Guardians, director Brett Harvey carefully and passionately explores one of the most controversial and provocative positions in the history the National Hockey League, the Enforcer – telling the story of the most controversial positions in the world of sport, from...
Speaking from my own personal perspective, Ice Guardians is one of the most interesting and gripping documentary’s I have watched recently. Full disclosure first… I am a Brit, a little Englander if you will so my knowledge of ice hockey and the world of that sport is very limited to the Mighty Ducks movies. However I love a good personal documentary that can engage me in something I know little about.
In Ice Guardians, director Brett Harvey carefully and passionately explores one of the most controversial and provocative positions in the history the National Hockey League, the Enforcer – telling the story of the most controversial positions in the world of sport, from...
- 11/14/2016
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber partied like the beautiful people they are ... with their famous friends ... at their restaurant, Cafe Habana, in Malibu. They hosted Casamigos karaoke -- you know, Casamigos, the tequila brand Gerber and George Clooney started because they can. Sources tell us they danced and partied Sunday night. Tennis legend John McEnroe sang David Bowie’s "Rebel Rebel" with the entire Northwestern women's lacrosse team. Ex-nhl hockey star Chris Chelios sang too,...
- 1/19/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_f0qycedw"]] Chris Chelios does Not want the NHL to start messing with the rules to create more goals -- telling TMZ Sports if Americans can't appreciate the game we have now, it should move to Europe. It's a big topic in the NHL right now -- with Patrick Roy recently telling Espn he thinks smaller goalie equipment and larger nets will lead to more goals ... which will help create more interest in the game. But Chelios...
- 11/22/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In honor of the Sochi Games, PopWatch is taking a look back at a few of our favorite Winter Olympics-themed movies. First up: The Cutting Edge, the classic 1992 “hockey player meets figure skater” romantic comedy. We talked to star D.B. Sweeney — who played cocky ex-hockey star Doug Dorsey, opposite Moira Kelly’s snooty ice queen Kate Moseley — about the making of the film, the impossible physics of its climactic bounce-spin-throw (the “Pamchenko”), and its truly wretched sequels. Toe pick!
Entertainment Weekly: First of all: Do you resent people still asking you about The Cutting Edge?
D.B. Sweeney: No, it’s great.
Entertainment Weekly: First of all: Do you resent people still asking you about The Cutting Edge?
D.B. Sweeney: No, it’s great.
- 2/7/2014
- by Hillary Busis
- EW.com - PopWatch
Sundance is overcrowding Main Street already early Friday, and it didn’t take long for the deal-making to begin. Of the two hot Thursday titles, Dinosaur 13 found a home with Lionsgate and CNN Films, and the other title Whiplash is in play with Lionsgate/Roadside and A24 the outlets I’ve heard in the mix though the sale might take a little time because others like Radius-twc are catching up to it. The pic played great in the room, I’m told. Related: Sundance: Sony Nabs International Rights To ‘Whiplash’ Elsewhere, hockey players are massing again for the seventh annual Luc Robitaille Celebrity Shootout fundraiser which takes place Sunday from 2:30-4:30 at the Park City Ice Arena. It’s a mashup of former pro players, celebs and executives. While I risk Tom Bernard passing me on Main Street and hip-checking me into Banksy’s defaced wall painting, my...
- 1/17/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Chicago Bears Qb Jay Cutler might officially be the most hated man in the Windy City -- because last night, one of Chicago's most storied sports legends turned his back on the guy ... Torching Cutler's jersey inside a bar.The video was shot inside Stanley's Kitchen and Tap in Downtown Chicago -- showing Chicago Blackhawks legend Chris Chelios lighting Jay's jersey on fire while some hot chick dangles it from her fingers.One source inside...
- 9/24/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
One of the oldest and most storied trophies in sports history, the Stanley Cup causes a frenzy of reaction wherever it goes. On Wednesday, that frenzy was found in the mid-Wilshire offices of The Hollywood Reporter. Keeper of the Cup Phil Pritchard -- along with the Stanley Cup itself, in all its glory -- stopped by the THR Cover Lounge to discuss Hollywood's hockey obsession, recalling former Los Angeles Kings star Luc Robitaille and Southern Californian Chris Chelios' time as Stanley Cup champions. Photos: 26 of Hollywood's Most Popular Athletes-Turned-Actors As is tradition, each member of the winning team
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- 5/4/2012
- by Sophie A. Schillaci
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hosted by Aria Resort & Casino, the 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament (Mjci) returns to Las Vegas’ Shadow Creek March 29 – April 1 with new participants including current NFL Mvp Aaron Rodgers and comedic genius Joel McHale of NBC’s ‘Community’ and E! Entertainment Television’s ‘The Soup.’
Rodgers and McHale join many returning standouts from 2011 including Ken Griffey, Jr., Wayne Gretzky, Roger Clemens, Brian Baumgartner, Brett Hull, Maury Povich and Chris Chelios, who made a splash last year when he sank a 45-foot putt followed by a cannonball jump into the adjacent lake on the 18th hole green.
The Celebrity-Amateur tournament, which pairs one celebrity with four amateur participants, will take place Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30. The Mjci two-person, 36-hole scramble format tournament, including only competing celebrities, will take place Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. More information on special events surrounding the tournament, as well as additional celebrity...
Rodgers and McHale join many returning standouts from 2011 including Ken Griffey, Jr., Wayne Gretzky, Roger Clemens, Brian Baumgartner, Brett Hull, Maury Povich and Chris Chelios, who made a splash last year when he sank a 45-foot putt followed by a cannonball jump into the adjacent lake on the 18th hole green.
The Celebrity-Amateur tournament, which pairs one celebrity with four amateur participants, will take place Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30. The Mjci two-person, 36-hole scramble format tournament, including only competing celebrities, will take place Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. More information on special events surrounding the tournament, as well as additional celebrity...
- 2/27/2012
- Look to the Stars
Kid Rock has announced that he will headline a special concert in his hometown of Detroit this summer. The gig was announced Thursday, when Kid Rock, current Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom and former hockey great Chris Chelios paddled across the Detroit River to open a Belle Isle press conference. A barefoot Kid Rock soon took to a makeshift stage to reveal that he will perform a special show on August 12 at Detroit's Comerica Park. Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar and his Wabos will be the show's opening act. The 'All Summer Long' musician (more)...
- 6/3/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Tonight, the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks face-off in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals (NBC, 8 p.m. Et). Last month, hockey’s Holy Grail visited the EW offices, along with one of its four keepers, Mike Bolt, who’s become part guardian/part storyteller. Ever since the ’94 New York Rangers returned Lord Stanley in three pieces, the Cup has had a constant chaperone. Each player, coach, and trainer on the winning team gets to spend at least one day with it doing whatever he can talk Bolt, its companion of 11 years, into. (He’s declined a request for parachuting,...
- 5/29/2010
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW.com - PopWatch
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