Suzy Kolber, a former ESPN anchor and reporter for 27 years, has detailed her departure from the network in 2023, describing the moment she "lost it" during a conversation with an executive and the emotional toll of her layoff.

Kolber, 62, was among approximately 20 commentators and reporters laid off by ESPN in 2023. She learned of the potential cuts a week before the official announcement when ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro informed her that her name was on a whiteboard, indicating a possible layoff. Kolber recalled the moment, sharing, "I sat down next to her [her daughter] and I cried. And I said, ‘I think this is really happening.'"

She described being aware of the situation, telling colleague Steve Young, "Steve, you know our place. Where there is smoke, there's fire. This is coming from inside. So, I’m not shocked."

Kolber recounted an interaction with ESPN executive Norby Williamson, who called her after the layoffs began. The conversation escalated when Williamson stated she could not say "anything disparaging about the company or we can take the last year of your contract." Kolber, identifying herself as the "ultimate good soldier," responded, "I have never said one negative thing about this company. Do you think I’m going to start now?"

Williamson also informed Kolber that ESPN would not issue any statement about her layoff or her 27 years of service. This news, Kolber said, "hurt. Why not?" When asked if she received a satisfactory answer, she replied, "No."

"I just thought after 27 years of, I was the first person hired for the launch of ESPN 2. I was the first person assigned to the X Games," Kolber said. "I went and shot the marketing tape for it. ‘Monday Night Football’s’ move to ESPN, I was part of some pretty big franchises. You’re not going to say a word? Not thanks for 27 years, just acknowledge it? I didn’t understand that."

Following the layoff, Kolber created a social media post to share her story, alerting Adam Schefter and Chris LaPlaca, then head of communications, who confirmed ESPN would repost it. She described experiencing "three to five minutes of full on sobbing" immediately after the post went live.

Kolber also revealed that prior to her layoff, she accepted a 39 percent pay cut as a means to continue her work while requesting some assignments be removed to regain personal time. "I did think the 39% cut was going to get me to the end," she stated.

Kolber is now preparing to launch a new series, "The Originals," as the executive producer for Scripps Sports Network. The series will feature one-on-one interviews with prominent figures in the sports world. Scheduled guests include Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters, Hilary Knight, Diana Flores, and Steve Young. The network also holds live rights for various sports leagues and teams.

Kolber's new show premieres on September 15 at 8 p.m.