ESPN axe beloved anchor Stan Verrett after 25 years
ESPN is parting ways with 'SportsCenter' anchor Stan Verrett after 25 years with the network.
Verrett, 59, has been with ESPN since 2000 and became the network's 1am ET 'SportsCenter' anchor in 2009 as he moved to the company's Los Angeles studio.
However, with ESPN calling time on its LA 'SportsCenter' production, Verrett will be leaving the network this summer, according to Front Office Sports.
Verrett will reportedly anchor 'SportsCenter' in the next couple of months, but ESPN will not renew his contract, FOS said.
A statement from ESPN EVP and executive editor of sports news and entertainment Dave Roberts provided to FOS said: 'We're grateful for Stan's many contributions and all he has brought to SportsCenter over the years. We thank him and wish him continued success.'
On Monday night (technically early Tuesday morning on the East coast), 'SportsCenter' held its final show from LA, with Verrett hosting alongside fellow ESPN veteran Linda Cohn.
From the West Coast to fans everywhere.
Tonight's final LA edition of @SportsCenter closed with @stanverrett and @lindacohn — and a special visit from Neil Everett. pic.twitter.com/kbg86ZOS1j
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) May 20, 2025
Their former colleague Neil Everett, who left the network in 2023, also made an appearance on the program.
ESPN announced in March that the LA edition of the show would be relocating to Bristol, Connecticut.
Reacting to the news of his ouster, Verrett wrote on X: 'My life is in Los Angeles is now.
'Nothing but gratitude for 25 years of living a dream at ESPN. I'm not retiring. Really excited about the future and some incredible opportunities. Stay tuned.'
That message received tons of well-wishes and Verrett subsequently added: 'I am overwhelmed by all of your comments. It's really touching. Working in a studio doesn't allow for interaction with viewers. But I'm flattered to know so many of you tuned in and enjoyed my work. That's why I did it. Sincerely, thank you all.
'Our business has changed greatly since I got in. It's time that I changed along with it. Fortunately, there are some tremendous opportunities to do that, while remaining in my adopted hometown, Los Angeles, which I love.'
Verrett is the latest high-profile exit in recent years from ESPN, which has had to make some cost-cutting moves amid financial issues.
Star basketball reporter and analyst Zach Lowe was let go ahead of the NBA season last year, while Sam Ponder and Robert Griffin III were also laid off in August.
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