With his decision to leave the network, Neil Everett, 61, a popular SportsCenter anchor is reportedly separating from ESPN after 23 years. Why is Neil Everett leaving ESPN? Fans were taken aback by this news. In his humorous and catchphrases style, Everett told Front Office Sports- “Bartender… last call”.
Everett joined ESPN in July 2000 after a 15-year-long broadcasting stint in Hawaii. Since 2009, he was working with co-host Stan Verett in SportsCenter. With ESPN, he interviewed in 1999 but did not get the job at that time. For two years, he also served with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers working in both pre and post-game shows.
Everett’s signature call “Bartender, Jack” for home runs was fans’ favorite. “ESPN changed my life, but now it’s time for me to change my life. Time to write a new chapter.” Everett told FOS in a statement.
Everett’s parting ways statement comes amid ESPN’s parent company Disney’s spending cuts and layoffs. The parent company Disney, plans to cut 7,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in spending globally. If the news is to be believed, ESPN signed a lucrative deal with Pat MacAfee.
Here’s everything you need to know about Neil Everett’s decision to leave ESPN and what’s his next adventure.
Why did Neil Everett leave ESPN?
For the exit of Everett from ESPN, there could be two possible reasons reported by FOS coming from individuals close to the situation.
According to sources, Everett said that he wants to involve and spend time more with family. He said that he feels missing out on a lot of important things as he has two young children. He stated that he wanted to be more involved in their lives and desired to be a better role model for his children.
One source close to Everett told FOS about Everett turning down a new contract due to a reduced salary from the one that he signed in July 2021. It is the same as the one Kenny Mayne turned down in the same year before exiting the company.
Neil Everett’s Last Show
On ESPN, Neil Everett’s last show was on 23rd June 2023 co-anchored with Stan Verrett of SportsCenter.
Video: ESPN’s Neil Everett says goodbye after 23 years on SportsCenter.pic.twitter.com/l3DFCjUUWhhttps://t.co/v2JmVwweyr
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 24, 2023
Everett remembered his time at ESPN in his last show. He thanked all his colleagues, his fans, viewers, and his family for their immense love and support shown towards the broadcaster. Everett said that he was looking for a new chapter in his life and career.
“I’m going to miss SportsCenter but I’m thrilled to start a new chapter and looking forward to new challenges”. Everett said this in the last show.
Neil Everett will be missed by his fans and his last show at ESPN was an emotional farewell to a beloved figure in the sports media. The exact reasons behind Everett’s exit will only be known to him but his fans are waiting eagerly for his next move and they are excited to witness his continued success in the sports broadcasting world.
