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ESPN Layoffs Cut Some Of The Biggest Names In Sports Journalism – Updated List Of Cuts Includes Ed Werder

By Danny Cox
Published on: 06:43 PST, Apr 26, 2017

Everyone knew it was coming and that the layoffs at ESPN were ready to take place at any moment, but no-one knew it was going to be this bad. ESPN has been struggling over the last few years, and these expected layoffs are thought to end up around 100 people, and absolutely no-one is safe from being left without a job. Analysts, long-time writers, and on-air personalities who have been with the company for decades are no longer with the sports leader as of Wednesday afternoon.

Last month, Sports Illustrated reported that the layoffs were coming and that ESPN would be cutting a big portion of its workforce. While “100” may not seem like a lot to a company as big as ESPN, they really do add up when you look at some of the names who were released.

On Wednesday afternoon, the list of ESPN layoffs continued to grow as USA Today started keeping a running tally of just who was let go. One of the biggest shocks was former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer who has been with the network for close to a decade.

espn layoffs trent dilfer ed werder
[Image by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images]

ESPN President John Skipper released a memo to staffers of the network saying that these layoffs are simply a part of the business and necessary.

“A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions…. These decisions impact talented people who have done great work for our company. I would like to thank all of them for their efforts and their many contributions to ESPN.”

As Wednesday continues, more and more names are popping up with the now released talents letting the world know of their layoffs on social media. One of the toughest to believe was that of NFL expert Ed Werder who has been with ESPN for close to 20 years.

Paul Kuharsky covered the Tennessee Titans for ESPN’s website, and he was also advised that he would be laid off, and his time with the company is just short of a decade.

While not all ESPN staffers have been laid off, the Hollywood Reporter is stating that many on-air talents will see their roles “significantly reduced” in the coming weeks and months. Three of those specifically named to suffer that fate are Hannah Storm, Karl Ravech, and Ryen Russillo.

espn layoffs trent dilfer ed werder
[Image by Mike Windle/Getty Images]

As of 2:30 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, here is a list of those who have fallen victim to this round of ESPN layoffs:

  • Ed Werder – NFL
  • Trent Dilfer – NFL
  • Jayson Stark – MLB
  • Mark Saxon – baseball
  • Brett McMurphy – college football
  • Paul Kuharsky – NFL
  • Brendan Fitzgerald – ESPNU
  • Pierre LeBrun – NFL
  • Brian Bennett – Big 10
  • Derek Tyson – SEC
  • Jane McManus – ESPNW
  • Max Olson – Big 12
  • C.L. Brown – college basketball
  • Austin Ward – college football
  • Dana O’Neil – college basketball
  • Jean-Jacques Taylor – ESPN Dallas
  • Mike Goodman – soccer
  • Doug Padilla – MLB
  • Johnette Howard – ESPN.com
  • Jim Bowden – MLB
  • Danny Kanell – ESPN Radio
  • David Ching – SEC
  • Eamonn Brennan – college basketball
  • Scott Burnside – NHL
  • Jeremy Crabtree – college football
  • Joe McDonald – NFL, MLB, NFL
  • Jesse Temple – college football

Updated at 6:40 p.m. Eastern – More who have been released by ESPN:

  • Jay Crawford – SportsCenter anchor
  • Dr. Jerry Lee Punch – NASCAR, college football
  • Marysol Castro – boxing
  • Melissa Isaacson – ESPNW, ESPN Chicago
  • Rosger Cossack – legal
  • Greg Ostendorf – SEC
  • Reese Waters – correspondent
  • Jayme Sire – SportsCenter anchor
  • Ethan Strauss – NBA
  • Tom Farrey – enterprise
  • Ashley Fox – NFL
  • Calvin Watkins – NBA
  • Jarrett Bell – NFL
  • Ted Miller – Pac 12
  • Justin Verrier – NBA
  • Len Elmore – college basketball
  • Rufus Peabody – sports analytics
  • Chris Hassel – SportsCenter anchor
  • Dottie Peper – golf
  • Jade McCarthy – SportsCenter anchor
  • Dave Tuley – sports betting
  • Robin Lundberg – ESPN Radio
  • Chantel Jennings – college sports

Updated at 8:05 p.m. Eastern

  • David Hirshey – ESPN FC
  • Darren Haynes – SportsCenter anchor
  • Josh Parcell – ESPNU producer

Updated at 11:55 p.m. Eastern

  • Doug Glanville – MLB
  • Dallas Braden – MLB
  • Raul Ibanez – MLB
  • Charles Arbuckle – college football

Updated at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, April 27:

  • Jim Caple – ESPN.com
  • Jeff Biggs – ESPN 710
  • Andy Katz – college basketball
  • Britt McHenry – Sideline reporter
  • Steve Delsohn – Outside The Lines

ESPN has seen a large decline in subscribers and viewers over the years as many have turned to mobile apps and even other networks. Layoffs needed to be done as is expected from any company that is losing money and needing to find ways to survive. The only problem is that loyal fans of the sports network aren’t going to take it well when favorites such as Ed Werder, Jayson Stark, and Trent Dilfer are no longer around for them to enjoy.

[Featured Image by Mike Windle/Getty Images]

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