SportsCenter host Neil Everett, 61, is leaving ESPN after ‘he refused pay cut’

Longtime SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett is leaving ESPN after 23 years with the cable sports network. The 61-year-old confirmed the news to Sports front officesaying, “Bartender…last call.”

In addition to several side projects, the Portland native told FOS that he plans to expand his existing role with the NBA’s Trail Blazers, and also has several side projects: “ESPN has changed my life, but now it’s time for me to change my life. to live. Time to write a new chapter.”

As FOS reported, Everett was offered to stay with ESPN at a reduced salary, but declined the offer. Another ESPN veteran, Kenny Mayne, followed a similar path in 2021.

More recently, ESPN decided to part ways with NHL analyst and former Chicago Blackhawks star Chris Chelios, and more on-air talent is expected to be laid off amid widespread layoffs within the Disney company.

ESPN cuts payroll as part of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s effort to cut 7,000 jobs and $5.5 billion. Meanwhile, ESPN just added YouTube host Pat McAfee for a reported $85 million over the next five years.

Everett’s longtime co-host Stan Verrett memorialized the move on Twitter.

“I started at ESPN in 2000, a few months after Neil Everett. We joined Sportscenter from LA in 2009. For 14 years he was the best teammate I could imagine. Selfless, caring, generous and a pro’s pro. He’s moving on now, but we’re brothers for life. That will never change.’

Everett was a favorite in the popular ‘This Is SportsCenter’ ad campaign and is known for working his way through highlights.

Before joining ESPN, Everett worked in Hawaii, which is why he often uses “Aloha.”

Everett has been working with the Trail Blazers for the past two years.