Sports activities betting analyst Doug Kezilian may be one of many on-air personalities despatched in for packing. ESPN In a brand new spherical of finances cuts.
Numerous media retailers reported late Monday that Kezilian and boxing analyst Andre Ward had been added to a listing of 20 broadcast personalities fired final week by the Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) sports activities broadcast community.Ward confirmed his retirement on Twitter ESPN. As of this writing, Kezilian’s Twitter feed accommodates no such declarations, however does embody feedback about Nathan’s well-known worldwide sizzling canine consuming contest held in Coney Island, New York earlier in the present day. ing.
Given the present setting, ESPN decided that it was essential to determine further value financial savings within the space of ββpublic commentator salaries, and that course of has begun,” in keeping with an announcement issued final week. ESPN stated: ESPN. βThis train will embody a small variety of job cuts within the close to time period, with a continued give attention to value management as we conduct particular person contract renewal negotiations within the coming months. β
Job cuts introduced final week embody former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, former NBA star Vince Carter, former NFL gamers Matt Hasselbeck, Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Younger, in addition to Max Kellerman. , Susie Kolber, and NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay. .
Disney’s failures pile up
On November 20, 2022, Disney introduced that Bob Iger would return as CEO to switch Bob Chapek. There was some preliminary hype across the information as Disney inventory rose, closing at $97.58 on November twenty first, however that pleasure waned as shares closed at $90.60 on July third. 12 months-to-date, the speed of improve is 4.28%, properly beneath 16.06%. Returned by the S&P500.
The stoop in inventory costs is one instance of Mr. Iger’s Disney sequel getting off to a rocky begin. Elsewhere, the administration claims its rift with Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified over a invoice that will ban educating sex-related matters to youngsters in kindergarten by third grade. It additionally contains what you probably did. This subject was a part of Mr. Chapek’s downfall.
What’s extra, Disney’s once-pretentious Pixar division, the division accountable for producing many standard animated movies, has misplaced its clout. Previously three works, mild 12 months, unusual worldand Elementalall failed on the field workplace.
The timing was unhealthy for the Disney president, however on the identical day, ESPN It grew to become clear that the dismissal big apple publish The Igers reportedly made $7 million from upgrading their Brentwood, Calif., mansion. He’s value an estimated $700 million.
ESPN caught in crossfire
Hypothesis is widespread. ESPN Workers cuts had been essential to accommodate Pat McAfee, who just lately joined the sports activities broadcasting large from FanDuel and his namesake present.
it’s believed ESPN He pays McAfee $17 million a 12 months over 5 years, which if true would imply a pay reduce from his four-year, $120 million cope with FanDuel. Some media trade observers consider in any other case. ESPN Workers had been laid off to make room for McAfee-related spending. Contained in the community, the enchantment of McAfee’s present is taken into account easy. It is already being profitable and has a loyal fan base.
As for Kezilian, the Las Vegas resident hosted the “Every day Wager.” ESPN2. He hasn’t introduced his subsequent transfer, however he is a succesful bettor, as evidenced by the truth that he gained $58,000 within the 2022 William Hill Faculty Soccer Problem.
