ESPN had a major overhaul recently, laying off a lot of their on-air talent, many of which were highly regarded amongst viewers and fans. Jeff Van Gundy, a former NBA head coach and ESPN broadcast member, was one of the many that ESPN chose to let go earlier this year.
Van Gundy was a part of the NBA’s top broadcasting booth at ESPN for several years, so the decision to part ways with him left many asking questions about why he was let go, with many pointing fingers at NBA commissioner Adam Silver and his potential involvement in the decision.
During his time as an analyst for ESPN, Van Gundy would openly criticize the NBA’s officiating and rules on national television. As the league commissioner, it would be understandable if Silver didn’t want to hear one of ESPN’s top broadcasters condemn how the game is played/officiated. With that in mind, media personalities such as The Ringer’s Bill Simmons have connected these dots and are holding Silver responsible for ESPN moving on from Van Gundy.
Silver appeared on former NBA player and current ESPN analyst JJ Reddick’s podcast series known as The Old Man and the Three to make it clear that the NBA is not involved in such decisions being made. “Despite what was written even about some talent changes at ESPN, the league does not have a say there,” Silver said.
Whether Silver and the NBA played a role in ESPN’s decision to move on from Van Gundy, we may never know.
