ESPN fires NBA commentator Mark Jackson after 14 years on air
The sports network laid off Jackson in a new cost-cutting move. He joins his former partner Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman, who were also laid off by the company.
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The Disney-owned sports network ESPN continues its round of layoffs. This time, it was NBA color commentator Mark Jackson who lost his job Monday after 14 years on the air.
The network decided to drop the former NBA player, who still had two years left on his contract. The network has also let go several TV personalities such as Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman, who also lost their jobs in the network's latest attempt to cut costs.
Mark Jackson speaks after his dismissal from ESPN
Jackson, surprised by the decision, shared a few words on social media in which he assured that the news had come to him unexpectedly but that he accepted the decision. He thanked his team for the more than 15 years they had spent working together:
ESPN already has its eye on a replacement for Jackson, who did color commentary for NBA games for 14 years, and Van Gundy, Jackson's former partner. They will be replaced by veteran coach Doc Rivers and network veteran Doris Burke.
In addition, the sports network also announced that it is looking to give more prominence to J.J. Redick and Richard Jefferson. Both are former NBA stars who could land bigger roles at ESPN in the upcoming season.
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