Suzy Kolber discusses her departure from ESPN

Sports journalist Suzy Kolber has shared details regarding her 2023 departure from ESPN after 27 years with the network. In a recent interview, Kolber described being notified of her layoff by ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, who informed her that her name was on a whiteboard of employees to be let go.

Kolber expressed disappointment that the network did not publicly acknowledge her long career, which included being an original anchor for ESPN2 and hosting ‘NFL Live.’ She also noted that former executive Norby Williamson advised her not to speak negatively about the company to avoid risking her remaining contract.

Former ESPN host Sam Ponder also commented on the network’s handling of departures, noting that she learned of her own firing after 14 years via a news notification rather than a public announcement. Ponder praised Kolber’s character during their time working together, describing her as a legend and a gracious colleague.