The world of sports media can be as cutthroat as the gridiron, and former NFL linebacker Bart Scott just got a harsh reminder of that. After years of delivering fiery takes on ESPN's "Get Up" and "SportsCenter," Scott was unceremoniously shown the door this summer, and he's now revealing exactly how the news went down.
During a recent appearance on "The Joint Venture Show," Scott didn't hold back—just like he never did on air. He recounted the moment he learned his time at the Worldwide Leader was over, and it wasn't exactly a heartfelt farewell.
"I was going in to my radio show. They called and were like 'wish we can do it in person.' I'm like, no you don't, [expletive]. So, it was more we're not going to renew you. My contract is expiring in September. I found out that way, and it's part of the business," Scott said, via Barrett Media.
Scott's departure was part of a broader shakeup at ESPN that saw several high-profile NFL voices shown the exit, including Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, and Tom Pelissero. The network also chose not to renew longtime analyst Damien Woody's contract. It's a trend that has left many fans scratching their heads, especially given the talent that was let go.
For Scott, the timing was particularly jarring. "I don't know what they had to do when they had to trim the fat. I had never been there where my contract is expiring. Because usually when it's a year [out], I get renewed," he explained. "It is what it is, man."
But instead of wallowing in bitterness, Scott chose to look at the silver lining. "Sometimes losing your job can be some of the biggest blessings because it forces you to try and do something else and sometimes step out of your comfort zone," he said. That's a mindset that has served him well throughout his career, from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowl linebacker to outspoken media personality.
Scott wasn't the only one who got a cold goodbye. Ryan Clark, an 11-year veteran at the network, learned he was being let go live on air during an episode of "NFL Live." According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, ESPN made that call because they feared the news would leak before they could inform him. It's a stark reminder that in the world of sports media, loyalty can be a one-way street.
As for what's next for Scott and Clark, they'll likely have no shortage of suitors. Their voices are too distinctive to stay off the airwaves for long. And for ESPN, the revolving door of talent means new faces will get their chance to shine this NFL season. But for fans who loved Scott's unfiltered style, his absence will be felt.
In the meantime, the sports world continues to spin, with plenty of other drama to keep us entertained. If you're looking for more NFL chatter, check out which teams are on the radar this year. And for those who enjoy a good media controversy, Katie Nolan's recent criticism of ESPN is worth a read.
Bart Scott may be out of a job, but he's not out of opinions. And something tells us we haven't heard the last of him.
