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J.J. Redick is the name that stands out in the ESPN purge.
About 20 veterans at ESPN were laid off last week in what the sports cable giant is calling a necessary cost-cutting measure, even though it says revenues increased in 2022.
Among those cut were long-time football show host Suzy Kolber, who has been the longest-running woman sportscaster for 38 years in a career that included the infamous sideline interview with Broadway Joe Namath, who was obviously inebriated when he said he would like to kiss Kolber.
Max Kellerman, who hosted his own television and radio shows for ESPN, made $1 million a year and will likely catch on with another sports network for his versatility and brashness, like predicting the end of Tom Brady’ career way prematurely. Also laid off was LePhonso Ellis, who seemed to be a well-versed studio analyst for the ACC Network, and Jalen Rose who grew into a respected talk show host and the former Michigan Fab Fiver who had the best TV career.
Most of those who were spared are veterans with the largest following and fattest pay checks, like talk show big mouth Steve A. Smith, college football play-by-play lead Chris Fowler and late night sports center host Scott Van Pelt.
A-listers like Kirk Herbstreit weren’t even mentioned because he is an untouchable who could command a seven-figure salary at any other network should he leave ESPN.
Equally not a surprise is the retention of J.J. Redick, the former Duke basketball star who joined ESPN after his 15-year NBA career during which he was considered a good player and great spokesman for the game. He was the first active NBA player to host a podcast, and started his own media company, from where he was tabbed by ESPN.
Redick leaped onto the First Take set with Smith and some rotating cohorts, but as his role grew so did his popularity. He engages in just the right amount of banter, but his opinions are fact-based, and his knowledge of the game, players and coaches is as good as anyone, including 25-year veteran Jay Bilas.
Redick is 39 to Bilas’ 59 and looks like he has the chops to replace his fellow Dukie when Bilas decides to move into another broadcasting role. Former Duke players like Grant Hill and Jay Williams are overrated as broadcasters, but Redick seems like a sure shot to stay with ESPN for a long stretch. . . or as long as he chooses to be there.
Featured image via ESPN/Phil Ellsworth
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