Key takeaways: ESPN and Penn Entertainment have entered into a $2 billion agreement to rebrand Penn’s Barstool Sportsbook as ESPN BET. The new platform will…
Posts tagged as “ESPN”
ESPN has announced a round of job cuts that includes some well-known on-air personalities, such as Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jalen Rose. The cuts are part of ESPN's effort to identify cost savings and prevent further reductions to off-air staff due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs of these personalities is a sign of the difficult times the network is facing.
ESPN is mourning the loss of award-winning director Kyle Brown, who died unexpectedly on Saturday after suffering a medical emergency at an NCAA baseball super regional. Brown had been with the network for 15 years and was a former Ohio State pitcher. ESPN said Brown “cherished the opportunity to have a career in sports” and that his “passion for sports, storytelling, and mentoring young talent was unmatched.” The network is “deeply saddened by his passing and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
LeBron James, the 38-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star, hinted at retirement after his team was swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. During the post-game news conference, James said he had "a lot to think about" when asked if he would walk away from the game. He has not yet made a decision, but it is clear that he has a lot to consider, and it would be a major loss for the league if he decides to retire.
ESPN has fired longtime baseball reporter Marly Rivera after she used a vulgar insult to address a rival journalist competing for an interview. The incident has sparked a debate on the internet, with some arguing the punishment was too harsh and others arguing the language was inappropriate. ESPN has not yet commented on the matter.
The Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a blockbuster trade, sending eight-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a package of draft picks. Irving is a controversial figure in the NBA, but is still an eight-time All-Star and one of the most talented point guards in the league. The Mavericks are hoping that Irving can help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16 and join a talented core of players in Dallas, including Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Joe Mixon, running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, is being investigated for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman and threatening her. The Bengals are aware of the allegations and are investigating the situation, and will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete. Mixon has been with the team since 2017 and has become one of the team's most productive players.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is making remarkable progress in his recovery from cardiac arrest, but still faces a lengthy rehabilitation according to his marketing representative. Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's representative, said that he still requires oxygen and is having his heart monitored regularly. Coach Sean McDermott reported that Hamlin has been at the team facility almost daily, but still has a long road ahead of him in his recovery.