Andre Ward becomes the latest ESPN employee to depart the network

Boxing analyst and hall of famer Andre Ward has become the latest big-name employee to depart ESPN.

‘Tonight’s show was the last fight under my ESPN contract,’ stated Ward on his Twitter account. 

‘It’s been a great ride and I’m going to miss the whole ESPN crew that I’ve worked with for the last six years. I’m excited about my future and the chance to work on new projects and endeavors. Great things are ahead.’ 

Although his contract is simply running out rather than seeing him be laid off, Ward will now join a group that includes beloved figures such as Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Todd McShay and David Pollack in leaving.

In a statement provided to Front Office Sports on Friday morning, ESPN said:  ‘Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun.

Ward finished his career with a 32-0 professional record and won an Olympic gold medal

He joins names such as Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson who also departed from ESPN 

‘This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. 

‘This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company.

‘These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.’

Ward retired from boxing in 2017 at the age of 33 with a 32-0 professional record. He also unified the world titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight.

He also won a Olympic Gold medal in 2004. 

Newly hired ESPN personality Pat McAfee recently spoke out against his company’s recent round of talent cuts in a post on social media. 

Part of McAfee’s post read: ‘We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but, that’s how I truly look at life. 

‘I wish we could’ve worked alongside a lot of the folks that got released today. Some absolute legends, that we all respect, in the sports media world were trending today for losing jobs. 

‘That sucks.. no matter how you slice it. We’re gonna continue to control the things we can control.. try to do daily sports coverage in an entertaining and informative fashion.. and be thankful for all of the opportunities that have been earned thru a lot of hard work and commitment from the group of dudes I get to call coworkers.’