Bob Ley Takes a Shot at ESPN Following Layoffs Report

An OG has spoken. ESPN will lay off 300 employees, about 6 percent of its worldwide staff, and let 200 open positions go unfilled, Jimmy Pitaro, the network’s chairman, told employees in a memo on Thursday.

“Prior to the pandemic, we had been deeply engaged in strategizing how best to position ESPN for future success amidst tremendous disruption in how fans consume sports,” Pitaro wrote in a memo.“The pandemic’s significant impact on our business clearly accelerated those forward-looking discussions.”

The cuts will affect most divisions across the company, but are concentrated in broadcast production.

One of ESPN’s first employees has some thoughts on the latest round of layoffs.

Trying to remain objective and unemotional as I learn of the @espn team members laid off today. Not possible. Not as I see countless decades of journalistic experience, and expertise jettisoned. Just when we need it most. Enjoy the DIS stock price and your NFL football.

— Bob Ley (@BobLeyESPN) November 5, 2020

Ley retired in 2019.

Looks like Disney wants in on Sunday Night Football. Apparently you can’t have everything.

Bob Ley is a legend.

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