As part of ESPN’s continuing rollout of cuts and layoffs, SportsCenter anchor Ashley Brewer has been let go from the network.
The 31-year-old Brewer has made various appearances on the show since September of 2020 after previously serving as a host for ‘SportsNation’ and co-hosting the Sunday night edition of ESPN Radio’s ‘GameNight’.
In a tweet revealing that she was part of the cuts, she reflected positively upon her time at the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
‘I am so grateful for my time at ESPN and the opportunity to host Sportscenter. I learned and grew so much as a broadcaster and person,’ Brewer said.
‘I will really miss all of the wonderful friends I made along the way. I know God has a plan for my life and I look forward to what’s next.’
SportsCenter anchor Ashley Brewer was one of many people laid off from ESPN on Friday
She tweeted out confirmation that she had been cut, reflecting positively on her time there
Brewer, pictured with her dog Hank, had been hosting SportsCenter since the fall of 2020
In a follow up to that tweet, Brewer said that her wedding was coming in just one week
Friday was a bloody one for ESPN as more than 20 on-air talents, including Brewer were cut from their ranks.
Most notably, ESPN’s NBA coverage was stunted when they cut multiple commentators and analysts.
That includes Jeff Van Gundy – who had called 17 NBA Finals with the network, including the last 15 with play-by-play man Mike Breen and fellow color man Mark Jackson.
Both Breen and Jackson had been reported to be also included in the cuts and layoffs, but those were incorrect.
Joining the list of NBA layoffs was Jalen Rose, a veteran of ESPN since 2007 having covered both pro and college basketball as well as hosting numerous radio and talk shows.
In speaking of talk show hosts that were fired, ESPN cut ties with former First Take co-host Max Kellerman.
Kellerman also hosted a radio show with longtime NFL analyst Keyshawn Johnson and NBA analyst Jay Williams – who both also were let go.
Brewer was one of many on-air personalities that had been cut at ESPN on Friday
ESPN axed NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy (center) as part of Friday’s cost cutting measures
Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off.
Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run.
So grateful for a 38 yr career!
Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.
Next step- a project that gives back. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/URitozP0LQ
— Suzy Kolber (@SuzyKolber) June 30, 2023
Other big names to depart include Suzy Kolber, the longtime host of Monday Night Countdown as well as her co-host on that show, Hall-of-Famer quarterback Steve Young.
Kolber wrote on Twitter: ‘Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off.
‘Heartbreaking – but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career!
‘Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step- a project that gives back.’
Matt Hasselbeck, the former NFL quarterback who featured on Sunday NFL Countdown was also let go.
Todd McShay, a long time NFL draft and college football analyst was also cut from the network.
Other college sports personalities who were axed from the network include longtime College GameDay member David Pollack and college basketball analysts Jordan Cornette and Laphonso Ellis.
Max Kellerman (left) and Keyshawn Johnson have also departed from ESPN as of Friday
Jalen Rose (right) is also believed to be leaving ESPN as news of Friday’s job cuts emerge
In a statement provided to Front Office Sports on Friday morning, ESPN said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company.
‘These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.’
Doc Rivers, the former Philadelphia 76ers coach, has been linked with joining ESPN
Others laid off include writers Joon Lee and Nick Friedell as well as ESPN Radio host Jason Fitz.
Some replacements could already be lining up, with the New York Post reporting that former 76ers coach Doc Rivers might be in line to replace van Gundy.
Despite today’s cost-cutting measures, ESPN has still flexed its financial muscle in recent times.
Earlier this year, Pat McAfee’s successful show moved over to ESPN on a five-year deal worth $85million.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
