Bart Scott was part of ESPN’s cuts last month. He says the network gave him the news over the phone.
What We Know: Appearing on The Joint Venture Show, Scott says he was notified about his status by phone that it would not renew his contract, which ended in September. Scott joined ESPN New York in 2017, first appearing on The Michael Kay Show. He became a full-time host in 2020 and later co-hosted Bart & Carlin alongside Chris Carlin. Still, his exit comes amid a wider round of cost-cutting layoffs across the network. Scott discussed how he felt about leaving ESPN and what he’s hoping to accomplish moving forward.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Joint Venture Podcast)
Bart Scott on how he was let go by ESPN: “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, motherfu**er. 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”
Bart Scott on not being renewed by ESPN: “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. It is what it is, man. 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.”
Bart Scott motivated to try new things: “One thing that is constant is change. I’ve been fired before. I understand the process, and hold no ill will. I don’t even know who made the call. But I did enjoy my time there and enjoyed using the platform keeping myself relevant. I wasn’t a first round draft pick, and I’m not a Hall of Famer. I think I was a pretty good player. But I just appreciate them giving me the platform, and I’m not gonna hold any ill will to them. It’s my job to make them regret it.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t named a replacement co-host for Bart & Carlin. It’s also unclear what Scott will pursue next, though he signaled openness to new opportunities.
What It Means: Scott’s exit more about his current agreement than anything. Thus, his name joins ESPN’s growing list of laid-off on-air talent. For him, though, the moment reads more like a reset than a setback. His measured, no-hard-feelings tone suggests he’s already looking toward what comes next. Even so, the departure highlights that layoffs at ESPN for top talent are becoming more normal than potentially ever before.
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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.