Cam Newton is officially out at ESPN, a shocking move that came just one day after longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark was surprisingly fired while on air during “NFL Live.” This isn’t just a few minor cuts; Newton is part of the latest brutal wave of layoffs hitting the network as it integrates NFL Network employees into its existing roster, a massive shake-up across the board.
The “Difficult Decisions” Memo Hits Hard
Newton had become Stephen A. Smith’s main Monday co-host on “First Take” during the NFL season, a gig he took over from Shannon Sharpe last year. But now, he’s gone. This latest round of layoffs is tied directly to ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network, and it’s hitting some big names. Besides Newton and Clark, we’re talking about Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero, Charles Davis, Bart Scott, David Lloyd, and Stephania Bell, among others, all caught in the crossfire.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro sent out a memo to staff, obtained by Business Insider, saying the company had to “make some difficult decisions about job impacts.” He mentioned “significant progress integrating the NFL assets” and how they’ve “carefully evaluate[d] our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future.” Sounds like corporate speak for a bloodbath, doesn’t it?
That New Multi-Year Deal Just Vanished
Here’s where it gets wild: this news about Newton is a huge surprise because ESPN had *just* announced a brand-new multi-year deal for him last August! At the time, ESPN’s executive vice president David Roberts even gushed about Newton, calling him “an ultimate team player” and “a unique talent who is authentically himself.” What happened between then and now? Clearly, a lot.
Outkick’s Bobby Burack reported that Newton was “the last big name on the layoff list,” though Mina Kimes’ job is reportedly safe. Now, ESPN is scrambling to find a permanent replacement for Newton on those Monday editions of “First Take.” Burack mentioned Stephen A. Smith was “intrigued” by NFL quarterback Jameis Winston as a potential addition. Problem is, Winston is currently under contract with the New York Giants and is expected to keep playing this season, even if he’s dipped his toe into broadcasting, like his recent gig covering the FIFA World Cup for Fox.
A Cursed Chair and On-Air Madness
The “First Take” co-host chair next to Stephen A. Smith has proven to be a revolving door, cycling through big names like Skip Bayless, Michael Irvin, Max Kellerman, Shannon Sharpe, and now Newton. Burack also spilled the tea that Newton, Sharpe, and Irvin were all pulling in a hefty $2 million to $6 million per year, so yeah, it’s an expensive role to keep filled.
Remember Ryan Clark? He was reportedly making around $2 million annually too. Clark himself called his on-air firing “madness” in a social media post, saying his “peace is with God.” And Newton’s run wasn’t without drama either, including a public spat with Smith last spring after Newton interviewed Jason Whitlock on his own podcast. That beef played out for weeks on social media and “may have contributed” to ESPN’s decision to fire him.
Whoever steps into that Monday co-host chair on “First Take” this fall, good luck. It’s proven expensive to fill and even harder to keep filled. ESPN has a massive hole to fill, and they need to find someone fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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