ESPN’s recent layoffs have sparked a wave of backlash, and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy took aim at the network after reports emerged that longtime MLB broadcaster Karl Ravech is expected to be let go following 33 years of working at the company.
The reported firing comes just one day after ESPN parted ways with NFL analyst Ryan Clark.
Portnoy did not hold back in his reaction, praising Ravech.
“Boo!!!! Karl Ravech is awesome!” Portnoy wrote on X.
“How does Mina Kimes have a job before Ravech? Mina Kimes is the worst of the worst of the worst!” – he added.
In another tweet, he said:
“Another glaring difference between ESPN and Barstool. When our stars become huge and command tons of money like Mcafee at ESPN we part ways rather than fire people who have been with us for decades to pay for the 1 star. Loyalty matters here. At Espn there is no such thing. Not saying our way is right but just more family vs corporate”
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Ravech was expected to be informed of the decision Tuesday morning. At the time Marchand reached him by phone, the veteran broadcaster reportedly had not yet been notified.
“While Ravech is the biggest-name on-air personality expected to be let go, the most severe layoffs are expected behind the scenes at NFL Network. ESPN officially purchased the network in late January in a series of agreements with the NFL that gave the league a 10 percent stake in ESPN. ESPN has spent the past six months sorting out how to make all the pieces from its bases in Bristol and New York coordinate with NFL Network’s Los Angeles operation,” Marchand reported.
“ESPN’s parent company, Disney, is also expected to conduct a round of layoffs,” he added.
Karl Ravech’s 33-Year ESPN Legacy Comes to an End
Ravech joined ESPN in 1993 and spent more than three decades with the network.
He first worked as a SportsCenter anchor before taking over as host of “Baseball Tonight”. Over the years, he became ESPN’s lead Major League Baseball play-by-play announcer and also worked as an announcer for Little League World Series and college basketball broadcasts.
His departure marks a significant change for ESPN’s on-air lineup as Disney continues implementing company-wide budget reductions.
While ESPN has declined to comment publicly on Ravech’s reported departure, the timing surprised many.
ESPN’s baseball coverage has already undergone significant changes after losing the rights to Sunday Night Baseball, though the network continues to televise selective MLB games.
Portnoy’s criticism reflects the frustration many fans have expressed over seeing another longtime broadcaster leave the network after decades of service.
Whether Ravech continues his broadcasting career elsewhere or decides to step away is still unknown.
Also Read:
“Wild”: Emmanuel Acho Fumes at Timing of Ryan Clark’s Firing With Message for ESPN Executives
“Makes Absolutely No Sense”: Trey Wingo Slams ESPN’s Reported Explanation For Ryan Clark’s Layoff
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