ESPN personalities pay tribute to those who were part of layoffs
ESPN on Wednesday announced that it had cut 150 jobs, mostly in studio production, digital content and technology.
While many of those who were part of the layoffs may not be known to sports fans, at least one person had a big impact on on-air personalities at ESPN.
At the end of “Outside The Lines,” Bob Ley said that Wednesday was a tough day for those at ESPN. Ley then singled out producer David Brofsky, who was with ESPN for 27 years. Ley said his words about Brofsky also could be applied to others who were let go.
“Without him, we wouldn’t be in the position today to deliver this show and frankly anything to you,” Ley said.
Here is what Ley said on the air:
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/EwRoQEA4tD
— Bob Ley (@BobLeyESPN) November 30, 2017
“Around The Horn” host Tony Reali also toasted Brofsky:
Really nice tribute by @TonyReali and team to beloved producer David Brofsky. Maximum respect and admiration to David, a great friend and mentor to so many over a stellar 27-year run. pic.twitter.com/KkqBntsIRI
— Scott Turken (@Turk0219) November 30, 2017
ESPN investigative reporter T.J. Quinn also mentioned Brofsky and two others.
Too many to say goodbye to, but a few of the people we lost yesterday deserve special mention. I worked for years with David Brofsky and Stu Barbara on OTL, and you'll never have two better, more generous, colleagues or friends. Completely pros.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) November 30, 2017
Some of you might have heard the name John Sawatsky. His impact on the network is immeasurable. He took some of the best journalists in the country and made them better. His methods should be required in every J school. https://t.co/Zz7WXBltFt
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) November 30, 2017
Whether John Sawatsky is at the network or not, many of us will never conduct an interview or write a story without applying his principles. Thank you, John. https://t.co/72WhgoUmiX
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) November 30, 2017
The kind words about John Sawatsky were echoed by a number of current and former ESPN employees:
Amen. Single most useful thing espn did during my time there was mandating his three-day interviewing course. https://t.co/dSqSPABhLG
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) November 30, 2017
Truth https://t.co/DnLeNqYGU0
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) November 30, 2017
This is exactly right. John taught us much with his mastery of the art of interviewing. https://t.co/1Ph5igtsQe
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) November 30, 2017
Amen. Simple, yet profound. A great loss https://t.co/TR7vkqmBQW
— Jeannine Edwards (@jeanninee12) November 30, 2017
Everyone has a particular takeaway from his class. Mine: Ask a question that demands an explanation, not an affirmation. https://t.co/pZfePdUqOq
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 30, 2017
Rece Davis also tweeted about Sawatsky’s impact:
John Sawatsky is among the most influential people I’ve met at ESPN. He is a trusted mentor & friend. He changed my entire approach to interviews. Such an influence, that I always think, “would Sawatsky do it this way?” He’s brilliant & the best. Thanks John. #openneutrallean https://t.co/slZYawTSyC
— Rece Davis (@ESPN_ReceDavis) November 30, 2017
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published November 30, 2017 at 1:35 PM.