Wednesday was an absolute blood bath at ESPN headquarters, as dozens of well-known and lesser-known employees lost their jobs. Among those to receive a pink slip were popular reporters like Ed Werder, writers like Jayson Stark and analysts like Trent Dilfer.
Stark, one of the most accomplished baseball writers in the sports media industry, worked at ESPN for 17 years.
For 17 yrs I've had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017
Not long after Stark was informed he was being let go, Dilfer also shared some bad news.
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@TDESPN) April 26, 2017
The list continues to grow by the minute, with ESPN cutting millions of dollars in salary. Other writers and reporters who aren’t quite as well-known but many of whom are equally accomplished are also moving on to the next stage in their careers.
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) April 26, 2017
I got laid off by ESPN today after an amazing 5+ years. I've been unbelievably fortunate. Better days ahead.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) 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
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
It's ironic ESPN laid me off the same day as my first partner on the cowboys @Edwerderespn. I haven't been a FA in forever. This shud be fun
— Jean-Jacques Taylor (@JJT_ESPNDallas) April 26, 2017
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@jaycrawfordespn) April 26, 2017
After seven great years at ESPN I've been let go. Much respect to all the people.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 26, 2017
The list goes on and on and on. The layoffs are so expansive that #ESPNLayoffs was trending on Twitter as of Wednesday afternoon. The World Wide Leader clearly has a new business model.
