ESPN NBA announcer Mark Jackson says he is ‘shocked and dismayed’ at the firing, but praises longtime colleagues Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Breen and Lisa Salters before wishing his replacements ‘more success’

Mark Jackson became the latest victim of ESPN’s ongoing layoffs this week, but the retired NBA star and longtime color commentator continued to compliment the network as he thanked his former colleagues.

“This morning I was unexpectedly notified that my services were no longer needed at ESPN,” Jackson wrote in a statement posted on social media. “While I am shocked and stunned by the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be a part of the organization for the past 15+ years.

“I also want to thank the NBA fans watching at home and in arenas across the league for all your support. To the NBA, thank you so much for allowing a child to continue to achieve their dreams.”

Jackson, 58, was quick to thank his on-air partners Mike Breen, Lisa Salters and Jeff Van Gundy, the latter of whom was previously fired by ESPN. ESPN’s new NBA crew includes Breen, Doris Burke and Doc Rivers, another former NBA point guard and head coach.

“It was an honor to sit next to two LEGENDS in the company who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and learn so much from them,” Jackson wrote of his play-by-play partner and his former coach with the New York Knicks respectively.

e ESPN Broadcast Crew, Mark Jackson, Mike Been, Lisa Salters and Jeff Van Gundy pose for a photo before the NBA 75 Game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks in 2022

“Lisa Salters is a GOAT and like a sister to me and I am so proud of the work she continues to do,” Jackson continued. ‘To the best producer in the world, and my friend, Tin Corrigan, my deepest gratitude and thanks for always inspiring and supporting me. To all the staff and crew, that may have never been seen on camera… please know that you were always seen by me and appreciated so much.

Finally, I wish the new ESPN team more success. May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life. I leave ESPN with nothing but gratitude, knowing that my highest praise goes to God! Through it all, He has always sustained me, and through His grace I know that greater blessings lie ahead. I look forward to what He has in store next.”

A former NBA point guard who went on to coach the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014, Jackson was known to be serious as an announcer, unlike his on-air partner, Van Gundy.

Like the New York Post Andrew Marchand reportedESPN executives believed Jackson’s value had been diminished by Van Gundy’s departure.

Mark Jackson penned a farewell statement after being fired by ESPN earlier this week

Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Jalen Rose and Steve Young were among about 20 ESPN commentators and reporters fired in June as part of the network’s job cuts.

ESPN planned this extra round of on-air talent to prevent further off-air staff cuts after two rounds of mandatory cuts by the company’s owner, the Walt Disney Company.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced in February that the company would cut 7,000 jobs due to unfilled vacancies or layoffs.

“Given the current environment, ESPN has felt it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in terms of salaries for audience-watching commentators, and that process has begun. This exercise includes cutting a small group of short-term jobs and a continued focus on cost containment as we negotiate individual contract renewals in the coming months,” ESPN said in a statement.

“This is an extremely challenging process, involving people who have had a huge impact on our business. These tough decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial goals and ensure future growth.”

Already a favorite among ESPN viewers, Doris Burke is now being promoted

Doc Rivers moves from the bench to the booth after being fired by the Philadelphia 76ers

Van Gundy had been the network’s top NBA analyst since 2007 and recently completed a record 17th NBA Finals. A long-time ESPN veteran, Kolber co-hosted a late-night show when ESPN2 debuted in 1993.

She was also the host of ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Countdown’ show.

“Today I join the ranks of many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking, but 27 years with ESPN has been a good run. So thankful for a 38 year career! Longevity for a woman in this industry is something I am extremely proud of,” Kolber said on social media.

Rose had also been with ESPN since 2007. Mainly a part of the NBA studio shows, he also did a radio show for 11 years and was a co-host when Mike Greenberg’s morning show ‘Get Up’ premiered in 2018.

ESPN’s NFL coverage and the radio side were the ones that got the biggest hits.

Longtime analyst Todd McShay, who has also contributed to coverage of college football, and analyst Matt Hasselbeck were also fired.

Jones joins Max Kellerman, among others, and Keyshawn Johnson has also left ESPN

Bomani Jones will be the next big sports personality to leave ESPN

ESPN Radio’s morning show team of Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, as well as afternoon host Jason Fitz were also affected. Kellerman also did an afternoon show on ESPN, but that probably wouldn’t continue after Pat McAfee signed on to bring his show to the network’s airwaves in the fall.

Others include “SportsCenter” anchor Ashley Brewer, radio and ACC Network host Jordan Cornette, college basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis, NBA reporter Nick Friedell, baseball writer Joon Lee, and “College GameDay” analyst David Pollack.

Most will be bought out of their contract and receive their full wages. If they want to take another job, they must negotiate a severance package with ESPN.

Johnson and Rose might be the first two that come to mind after Shannon Sharpe left FS1’s “Undisputed” due to heightened tensions with co-host Skip Bayless.

More recently, ESPN cut ties with host Bomani Jones.