Suzy Kolber, a former ESPN star, has detailed the moment she confronted an executive after discovering her termination from the network in 2023. Kolber, who joined ESPN in 1993, was one of approximately 20 on-air personalities let go during a significant round of layoffs that year, a group that also included Jalen Rose and Steve Young.
Speaking on "Sports Media with Richard Deitsch," Kolber described how ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro informed her that her name was on a whiteboard, indicating potential dismissal. Later, she recalled a conversation with ESPN executive Norby Williamson.
Kolber stated that she was prepared for the conversation but became upset when Williamson told her she could not make any disparaging remarks about the company. She claims they threatened to withhold the final year of her contract if she did. "I have never said one negative thing about this company. Do you think I'm going to start now?" Kolber recounted saying.
She also stated that Williamson indicated ESPN had no plans to acknowledge her departure or her 27 years of service. Kolber expressed her hurt, questioning why her contributions would not be recognized. She highlighted her early involvement with ESPN2's launch, her role in the X Games marketing tape, and her work covering the "Monday Night Football" move to ESPN.
Kolber's account follows another period of layoffs at ESPN, during which former NFL star Ryan Clark learned of his dismissal live on air. Weeks after his exit, Clark announced a multi-year partnership for his podcast, "The Pivot," with Netflix, which will begin featuring video episodes on September 8. The show's back catalog will also be available on Netflix and remain on YouTube, with Netflix holding first-look rights on new content from Clark's production company.