Tom Pelissero is expected to be let go by ESPN. The NFL Network insider becomes a casualty as the two networks consolidate their NFL coverage.
What We Know: Pelissero joined NFL Network in July 2017. Before that, he covered the NFL for USA Today starting in 2013. Pelissero was part of a team that won an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award. He also hosted radio shows on SiriusXM NFL Radio and 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. The Athletic reports say ESPN favored pairing Adam Schefter with Ian Rapoport over retaining Pelissero.
What’s At Stake: Pelissero is just the latest name in a growing list of names being laid off by the company. Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd and fantasy analyst Stephania Bell are other names that have surfaced as part of the layoffs. The moves come as ESPN takes oversight of the NFL Network as training camps begin to open this week.
What Remains Unclear: ESPN nor Pelissero have confirmed the reports of his departure.
What It Means: ESPN is clearly prioritizing some but not all NFL league insiders as the company takes over the NFL Network. The consolidation keeps trimming redundant roles across both platforms where multiple talent were likely doing the same role. In addition, even well-compensated, plugged-in names aren’t safe from the cuts. These roster cuts were expected. ESPN is taking over the NFL Network in lieu of a 10% acquisition by the NFL approved earlier this year.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.