Former NFL linebacker Bart Scott disclosed that ESPN notified him of his contract non-renewal moments before he was scheduled to broadcast his ESPN New York radio show last month. Scott described the experience as a "brutal exit," echoing criticism leveled at the network for its handling of recent layoffs.
Scott, who played in the NFL from 2002 to 2012 and joined ESPN in 2017, was informed of the decision via a phone call just before going on air. "I was going into my radio show and they called me, like, ‘Hey, uh, just to let you know, wish we could do it in person,’" Scott recounted on "The Joint Venture Show." He added that his contract was set to expire in September.
ESPN has faced significant backlash for its recent round of layoffs, which affected prominent personalities such as Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, and Cam Newton. Clark's departure drew particular criticism after he was reportedly informed of his termination mid-broadcast during "NFL Live."
Despite the abrupt nature of his own dismissal, Scott stated he harbors no ill will toward ESPN. "I understand the balance, and I don’t know what they had to do when they had to trim the fat," he said. "But it’s what it is, man. Sometimes, losing your job can be some of the biggest blessings because it forces you to try and do something else and sometimes step out of your comfort zone."
Scott, who also made appearances on "Get Up" and other ESPN programs, expressed appreciation for the platform ESPN provided him. "I think I was a pretty good player, but I just appreciate them giving me the platform, and I’m not gonna hold any ill will toward them. It’s my job to make them regret it."
He also reflected on past opportunities, including a desire to have partnered with former NFL star Shannon Sharpe. Scott suggested that past decisions in the sports media business sometimes prioritized a specific on-air dynamic. "Me and Shannon are similar. We represent a certain type of demographic. We’re both funny, loud, loquacious, all that type of stuff, and I never got the opportunity," he said, implying a lack of diversity in on-air talent at the time.