ESPN’s high-profile cuts

An anticipated brutal day was worse than expected as ESPN dropped the axe on around 100 staffers on Wednesday, more than the projected 50-70 cited previously in various publications. Among the on-air casualties were Trent Dilfer, Len Elmore, Danny Kanell, Jay Crawford, Pierre LeBrun, Jane McManus, Brendan Fitzgerald, Mike Goodman, Jim Bowden and Mark Saxon. “Our goal continues to be to maximize our unparalleled scale in every medium with storytelling that stands out and makes a difference,” Skipper said in a memo to employees, per the AP. “We are well-equipped to thrive going forward by embracing those themes.”

In addition, the round of casualties will now see the ESPNU studio operation shift from Charlotte to Bristol, according to the Charlotte Observer, although SEC network operations, as well as an events division, will remain in the city. In addition, according to THR, other ESPN personalities may see their roles “significantly reduced,” including Baseball Tonight’s Karl Ravitch, ESPN Radio’s Ryen Russillo and mainstay Hannah Storm.

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