- ESPN dismisses Mark Jackson weeks after multiple layoffs
- NBA broadcasts will be voiced by Dorris Burke and Doc Rivers
- NBA fans are not happy over recent changes at the media company
Former NBA coach Mark Jackson was a regular voice on ESPN, where he’d often join Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy to call NBA games for the network. After years behind the mic, Jackson has been canned as part of a company-wide sweep of layoffs.
The news was officially announced today, and it came to the surprise of many who thought he was a fine addition to the broadcast crew.
“This just in: Mark Jackson told me he was let go by ESPN. He had two years left on his contract. Jeff Van Gundy was let go weeks ago. Doc Rivers and Doris Burke are now Mike Breen’s partners,” wrote leaguer insider Peter Vecsey.
Jackson is rumored to be replaced by Doc Rivers and Dorris Burke, but not all fans are looking forward to the change.
Mark Jackson is the main reason why we watch ESPN’s broadcast, with all due respect 🤷🏽♂️🤣 https://t.co/2mMhJIi5l0
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) July 31, 2023
going from JVG and Mark Jackson to Doris Burke and Doc Rivers https://t.co/EQKLxUPe6D pic.twitter.com/RYza91KYEZ
— ☘️ – Jays Enthusiast (@gReenbean_26) July 31, 2023
ESPN went too far with this one the commentating going to be cooked next year 🤦🏾♂️
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) July 31, 2023
Having to listen to doc rivers and Doris Burke commentate the biggest games in the sport with all due respect pic.twitter.com/Vjehxmwu0V
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) July 31, 2023
Only time will tell how the public feels about these moves, but it’s pretty wild how many popular and recognizable names were recently let go of the sports media industry. As of the time of this writing, guys like Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Keyshawn Johnson, and others have all been canned and it’s going to be tough for some to adjust.
Eventually, people will get used to the new broadcast crew, and it’s likely many of those let go by ESPN will find other places to work. As for ESPN, the future is still uncertain there, given all the variables that could potentially be in play, but it may not be long before we see some brand-new faces join the network.
Is ESPN Preparing Monster Offer For Shannon Sharpe?
Interestingly, despite firing a slew of long-time employees, ESPN is apparently considering the hiring of a big-name analyst just weeks after signing Pat McAfee to a huge new contract.
“Make no mistake about it. I’m not apologizing to a damn show. I want Shannon Sharpe on First Take,” said Stephen A. Smith. “And I aim to get him. We are definitely talking to Shannon Sharpe. The conversations are official.”
It would be pretty telling if ESPN fired Jackson only to turn around and hire Shannon Sharpe a short time after, but as the industry gets more and more competitive, it does make sense for ESPN to try out some different voices in their most prominent roles.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
