In spite of the millions of dollars it was able to pocket from its coverage of this past NBA and NFL seasons, among others, ESPN is still cutting costs. Quite considerably, actually. A clear testament to this fact is how the network dominated NBA news recently for going on an unconstrained firing spree. Among the casualties is former Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Rose, who will now have to find employment elsewhere after he was recently informed by ESPN that they no longer require his services.
Incidentally, a former Milwaukee Bucks player now appears primed to step into the void Jalen Rose will leave with the network.
Ex-Bulls Forward Jalen Rose Among Slew Of Broadcasters Fired By ESPN
On Friday, ESPN fired no less than 20 on-air personalities as the broadcasting giant looks to save millions of dollars with this ruthless purge. Jalen Rose is just one of the high-profile individuals that have now been left unemployed. Joining him are the likes of Jeff Van Gundy, Keyshawn Johnson, Mex Kellerman, and Suzy Kolber, to name a few.
On the NFL side, ESPN’s recent casualties include Matt Hasselbeck, Steve Young, and Todd McShay. LaPhonso Ellis, Ashley Brewer of SportsCenter, and even NBA reporter Nick Freidell were also let go on Friday morning, per a report by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
Former Bucks Sharpshooter JJ Redick Rumored To Be Potential Replacement For Jalen Rose
Jalen Rose was a major part of ESPN’s NBA Countdown, and naturally, now that he’s left a vacancy on the program, the question on everyone’s mind is, who’s going to replace him? A handful of names have already been thrown into the hat as potential successors, and it appears that ESPN will be looking in its internal pool of broadcasters in finding Rose’s replacement.
According to reports, one name that was floated is none other than former Milwaukee Bucks sharpshooter JJ Redick. Redick recently joined ESPN as a regular contributor for First Take with Stephen A Smith. The 39-year-old, who suited up for the Bucks during the 2012-13 season, rose to fame thanks to his strong and unfiltered takes. He butted heads with Stephen A on more than a few occasions, and perhaps the viewers appreciate how the ex-NBA journeyman never backed down from ESPN’s own golden boy.
At this point, however, JJ Redick is not yet a lock for the post. Another First Take regular, Kendrick Perkins, is also being linked as a potential replacement for Jalen Rose (h/t NBA Central). Much like Redick, Big Perk has also made waves with his unfiltered views, and he too would be a formidable candidate for Rose’s recently-vacated post.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
