Cam Newton and Karl Ravech are among the major stars exiting in the latest round of layoffs at ESPN, sources told The Athletic Tuesday.
Ravech, a 31-year veteran of the network, served as ESPN’s lead MLB play-by-play announcer, covered college basketball and anchored SportsCenter. He called the Dodgers-Phillies game Monday before reportedly learning his position was in jeopardy. When contacted by The Athletic Tuesday, Ravech said he had not yet been informed of his status.
NFL MVP Newton, longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury analyst Stephania Bell, former All-Pro linebacker and studio host Bart Scott and NFL Network analyst Charles Davis are also being impacted by the cuts at ESPN and NFL Network, according to The Athletic.
Newton joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in October 2024 after an 11-season NFL career that included a Super Bowl run with the Carolina Panthers. After initially appearing on First Take, he signed an expanded contract with the network in August 2025.
On Monday, ESPN announced it was parting ways with NFL analyst Ryan Clark and additional cuts are expected among behind-the-scenes staff.
Many of the cuts are reportedly connected to ESPN’s integration with NFL Network, including the expected departure of NFL insider Tom Pelissero, one of the network’s top reporters, according to the outlet.
A memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Independent, did not identify those impacted by the layoffs but said the cuts followed a review of the company’s teams, resources and structure after integrating acquired NFL assets.
ESPN acquired NFL Network in late January as part of a deal with the league that also gave the NFL a 10 percent stake in ESPN.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today,” Pitaro wrote.
“While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition,” the memo continued.
“Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans.”
ESPN declined to provide further comment.
The network reportedly planned to announce Clark’s departure Tuesday but moved up the decision after receiving media inquiries Monday, The Athletic reported.
Clark was removed from Monday’s episode of NFL Live and informed of his dismissal directly by an executive before the news became public, sources claimed.
Clark, a former NFL safety who joined ESPN more than a decade ago, was earning more than $2 million annually, according to The Athletic. He was a prominent voice on shows including Monday Night Countdown, First Take, Get Up and NFL Live.
ESPN executives reportedly became concerned over Clark’s conduct, with tensions escalating after a dispute with colleague Peter Schrager during an episode of Get Up last season.
The disagreement followed Clark’s criticism of Schrager’s defense of Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, with Clark telling Schrager, That’s the non-player in you.”
Clark addressed his layoff in an Instagram post Tuesday, sharing clips of his workout allegedly before he received the news. “Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark wrote.
“The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today y’all!”
Clark also showed support for his laid off colleagues on X. He wrote Tuesday: “Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes, another opens for you all. God bless!”
