ESPN pay cuts?

Probably. Pat McAfee will be getting 17 million a year. I think I read Smith makes about half that.

I don't see how Pat McAfee is going to work on ESPN. McAfee's entertainment value comes from is lack of restraint.

 

I agree. We've heard and seen in the past all the "we're going to let him/her be themselves, that's what makes them great!" until He/She does something to upset the brass or an advertiser or Maude in Wichita. And then the "let's reign it in a bit" begins. It always has. Go back 40whatever years in ESPN history and it always happens with someone or The Big Hire.

 

Rose & Van Gundy are actually good at their jobs, so yeah, this tracks.

 

My sense is JVG is more popular with journalists than any other constituency. I find him to be a grump.

I would imagine JJ Redick slides into the Rose role. Rose heads to Fox to argue Skip Bayless. I think everyone finds a way to win there.

 

Once Rose's podcast simulcast thing went away I figured he was toast. Sad to see them gut the best parts of their NBA coverage.

 

Suzy Kolber also out. Baseball reporter Joon Lee also laid off.

 

ESPN: “Our NBA pregame show has been a Dumpster fire. What should we do?”

*ESPN finally hits on a team that’s passable*

ESPN: “Let’s burn the motherfucker down!”

You forgot to mention Aikman’s $19m/year.

McAfee is smart enough to clean up his act for ESPN. He’s well aware of where his checks come from. He comes off as an idiot kicker who dresses like Conor McGregor, but everything he’s done has succeeded.

 

WTF? Suzy Kolber?

They must be letting go of almost anyone making seven figures.

 

and 20 more soon to go when contracts are not renewed, according to this article.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/30/espn-lays-off-on-air-talent-including-jeff-van-gundy-and-jalen-rose.html