It’s been tough for folks at ESPN lately. As many as 20 on-air staff and TV personalities were laid off last week, owing to cost-cutting strategies by the network. All of this comes as a bigger plan by their parent company, The Walt Disney Co. to reduce 7,000 headcounts globally. ESPN announced last month that they’re phasing out prominent names like Max Kellerman, Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose, and many others.

Huge outcry over the firings is seen globally. Stephen A. Smith, too, had a lot to say after the infamous layoffs. Amidst this, a former Chicago Bulls star, Jay Williams, also chimes in. The NBA star expresses his disgust over the sporting news giant firing his dear friend, Kellerman.

Former top 3 pick expresses sadness after ESPN firings

For many years, Max Kellerman has featured alongside Stephen A. Smith. The 49-year-old is famous for his bold takes, rarely hesitating to speak his mind. In 2019, he had his most iconic moment to date when he said, “With the fate of the universe on the line? I want Iguodala!”

Unfortunately, it was reported that he’s one of the many reporters set to leave the ESPN presenting team. His colleague and former no. 2 pick, Jay Williams, expressed his dislike at the unprecedented layoffs.

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On air, Williams said, “We’ve all gone through things where friends have lost jobs. It stinks. It sucks.” 

Evidently, Williams was distraught over the fact that his close friend would no longer be associated with ESPN. Regardless, people will remember Max Kellerman for his controversial and amusing takes.

He further added, “Max and I still laugh about lot of random things. Max is my boy.”

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Kellerman has had issues with ESPN in the past. From getting suspended for a controversial statement to being fired from ‘First Take’, his journey with the network has come to an end.

Why did ESPN go on a firing stint?

Sure, the times are tough all across the globe for almost all industries right now. However, when a network channel like ESPN goes on a firing streak, getting rid of veterans from its list, it sends fans into a state of frenzy!

The move is marked as the third round of layoffs by Disney. The previous two rounds of firings focussed on behind-the-scenes staff members. Citing reduced interest post-pandemic, the sports media divisions bore most of the brunt. With several large contracts released, ESPN is basically trying to cut costs. However, one of the last remaining veterans at ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, believes the worst might not be over.

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It’ll be interesting to see what happens at ESPN in the near future and if the uncertainty will continue to rise.