ESPN is undergoing significant layoffs, impacting several high-profile on-air personalities as the company restructures following the NFL's acquisition of a 10% equity stake. Among the notable departures are former NFL MVP Cam Newton and long-time NFL analyst Ryan Clark. Reports indicate Clark was informed of his termination mid-show on Monday night.

Other individuals reportedly affected by the cuts include NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who was recently acquired by ESPN along with the NFL Network. Veteran sports host and baseball commentator Karl Ravech, ex-linebacker Bart Scott, NFL analyst Charles Davis, and injury expert Stephania Bell are also among those being let go. Newton's departure comes less than two years after he joined Stephen A. Smith on "First Take" and just 11 months after signing a contract extension.

Newton, who was elevated to co-host "First Take's" Monday broadcasts, had reportedly experienced a falling out with Smith earlier in the year after inviting Jason Whitlock onto his podcast. Smith had publicly criticized Newton for not defending him against Whitlock's accusations.

In a memo to staff obtained by Awful Announcing, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro addressed the changes. He stated that "difficult decisions about job impacts" were necessary as part of a restructuring in light of the NFL deal. Pitaro emphasized that while most job impacts are tied to the integration of NFL assets, some positions in other areas of the company have also been affected. He assured employees that the company is committed to treating those impacted with compassion and respect, providing support during their transition.

Reports suggest that the timing of the notifications was expedited in some cases. For instance, The Athletic claims that Ryan Clark was initially slated to be informed on Tuesday morning, but media inquiries about his status prompted ESPN to notify him sooner, potentially to preempt a leak. He reportedly did not finish his taping of "NFL Live" after learning of the decision.

These layoffs occur against a backdrop of significant financial commitments, including discussions for an extended contract with Pat McAfee that could reportedly more than double his salary to over $60 million per year. ESPN considers McAfee's contract a separate talent agreement, distinct from those of most other on-air personalities.

ESPN has declined to comment on the specific layoffs.