ESPN’s revolving door continued to turn on Friday as beloved daytime personality Clinton Yates was let go by the ‘Worldwide Leader.’
The cable giant told Awful Announcing in a statement that after 10 years, Yates’ role on its national radio network and LA’s KSPN would be coming to an end, as will his work as a senior writer for Andscape, the ESPN-owned website formerly known as The Undefeated.
‘We thank Clinton for his contributions and wish him continued success,’ the statement concluded.
Yates later acknowledged the bad news on social media, writing: ‘that’s showbiz, kiddos. Happy Friday.’
A former Washington Post reporter, Yates was a versatile contributor for ESPN’s television, radio and digital platforms. He was regularly seen on Around the Horn and later replaced Mike Greenberg in the midday radio slot with his own show, Clinton & Friends.
A number of Yates’ former colleagues reached out on X to show their support, including Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.
Yates (pictured right) spent years with the Washington Post before moving over to ESPN
Yates was a frequent guest on ESPN’s Around the Horn (pictured), which has been cancelled
‘Best wishes brother,’ Spears wrote on X. ‘You’re a superstar talent.’
Katie Nolan, a former ESPN personality now on Sirius XM, congratulated Yates: ‘ah, you’re free!’
There was also an outpouring of frustration among ESPN’s audience as another contributor left the network.
‘This makes me incredibly sad,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘For you and all of your listeners, myself included, who thoroughly enjoy and learned from your commentary. Your voice and perspective are as important as any in this space. You speak truth to power and I know that won’t change. Long live the Big CY!!’
Yates positioned himself on ESPN as a voice of frustrated fans.
For instance, when Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis threatened to move the teams to Virginia, Yates took direct aim at the billionaire.
‘It’s despicable,’ Yates said on Around the Horn. ‘You’re gonna have to look yourself in the face every day, Theodore, when people start walking away from your team. And you’re going to know exactly why they did it. Not cool, never has been, never will be.’
Sports host Madelyn Burke is set to move into her dream role at ESPN
ESPN has had a number of staff cutbacks in recent years with NBA reporter Zach Lowe following high-profile broadcasters such as Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose out the door.
Meanwhile, ESPN is adding former New York Giants reporter Madelyn Burke to its SportsCenter lineup. Burke has spent a decade covering the Giants for various outlets, including MSG Network and Giants.com.
‘I’m over the moon to begin this next chapter of my career in my dream job! SportsCenter is a show I grew up watching, a cornerstone of ESPN for decades, and I’m so honored to join such an iconic program,’ the Los Angeles native announced on social media on Monday.
‘I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and especially thankful for the family, friends, and colleagues who have supported me every step of the way. Can’t wait to get to work!’
She described the move as a ‘full-circle moment,’ having previously worked as a production assistant for ESPN on ‘Monday Night Football’ and the NBA Finals.
‘Nearly 20 years later, to be here now joining “SportsCenter,” I honestly feel a lot more gratitude than anything else to the people and the experiences and the opportunities that have helped me get here,’ Burke told the New York Post.
