Suzy Kolber Reflects on Her Firing from ESPN

Suzy Kolber, a seasoned member of ESPN, was laid off in June 2023 alongside notable personalities like Steve Young, Max Kellerman, and Jalen Rose. At the time, she was the host of the network’s ‘Monday Night Countdown’ pregame show. Recently, Kolber discussed her dismissal during the ‘Sports Media with Richard Deitsch’ podcast.

Kolber recounted a conversation with ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, who informed her about the uncertainty concerning her position. ‘Suzy, there’s a whiteboard and your name’s on it. I don’t really know for sure right now, but your name is on it,’ she quoted him as saying. This left Kolber perplexed, questioning the lack of clarity from the company’s leadership.

Upon returning home that night, Kolber had an emotional discussion with her daughter. She expressed her feelings, saying, ‘I remember that day sitting next to my daughter in the kitchen. For years I’ve said “You never know.” And I sat down next to her and I cried. And I said, “I think this is really happening.”’

In the following week, Kolber received a call from Norby Williamson, an ESPN executive, who emphasized a non-disparagement clause in her contract, warning that violations could lead to financial penalties. Kolber admitted to feeling overwhelmed by this restriction.

Before her layoff, Kolber had accepted a significant pay cut, imagining this would extend her career. Reflecting on her departure, she expressed disappointment, remarking, ‘After 27 years, I was the first person hired for the launch of ESPN 2. I was the first person assigned to the X Games… You’re not going to say a word? Not a thanks for 27 years, just acknowledge it? I didn’t understand that.’

ESPN’s decision seemed to be financially motivated, as it was part of a broader move to reduce talent costs. Kolber was replaced by Scott Van Pelt for ‘Countdown,’ especially significant with ESPN’s upcoming inaugural Super Bowl broadcast.

Despite ESPN having a plethora of NFL hosts, Kolber’s talent wasn’t in question. Executive Burke Magnus, known for rehiring past anchors, chose not to reintegrate Kolber. Instead, Stan Verrett was brought back, raising eyebrows due to his previous controversies.

Since leaving ESPN, Kolber has shifted her focus to a new venture, ‘The Originals,’ an interview series on the Scripps Sports Network. The first episode aired on September 15 at 8 p.m.

Written by Bobby Burack for OutKick.