ESPN has seen its share of turnover over the years — whether it be mass layoffs or personal moves — and today’s ESPN looks far different than the ESPN of even five years ago.
That continued to be true on Monday.
In a tweet, longtime SportsCenter anchor and personality Kenny Mayne announced that he would be leaving ESPN because of what he called a “salary cap casualty.”
Mayne had been with ESPN for 27 years and was known to bring a unique comic relief to both the traditional SportsCenter presentation and his own personality-focused segments. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reported that ESPN did make an offer to renew Mayne’s contract, but it was at a pay cut.
I am leaving ESPN.
Salary cap casualty.
Thanks for the opportunity Vince Doria & Al Jaffe & for taking my solicitations
Herman/Stinton/Lynch.I will miss the people.
I will miss the vending machine set up over by the old Van Pelt joint.
We had everything.IntoTheGreatWideOpen#
— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) May 10, 2021
ESPN did make Kenny Mayne an offer, according to a source. It was a pay cut.
This is a trend in many of its negotiations as it tries to "market corrects" what it views as exorbitant salaries.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) May 10, 2021
With the announcement, sports fans offered well wishes to Mayne as ESPN’s talent took another hit.
We overuse the phrase “unique talent.” It actually applies to Kenny. Kind. Thoughtful. Absolutely Hilarious. He left his mark on everything he touched. Great dude. Appreciate the friendship. RPM2Night alums forever. Bring him Big tray of the finest meats & cheeses! https://t.co/fN2vwajfnS
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) May 10, 2021
Kenny Mayne and Marshawn Lynch gave us one of the greatest videos in ESPN history. pic.twitter.com/bvb9BJr570
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 10, 2021
Legendary human. Tv, where he's truly iconic, is a small part of why. I'm thankful we worked together, more grateful to call him my friend. #Pascal #NameACoach #GeorgeClinton #Michuda https://t.co/8iHRFiY1bU
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) May 10, 2021
One of the best to ever do it. Hilarious and always kind
Love @Kenny_Mayne https://t.co/3T8FPimJEJ
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 10, 2021
Honestly cannot remember a world without @Kenny_Mayne on Sportscenter. https://t.co/ODLPuiip6N
— Kavitha A. Davidson (@kavithadavidson) May 10, 2021
Yes I understand
That every life must end,
As we sit alone
I know someday we must go.
Oh, I'm a lucky man
To count on both hands
The ones I love.
Some folks just have one
Yeah, others they got noneStay with me
Let's just breathe. https://t.co/R7FqoxgKpJ— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) May 10, 2021
Kenny’s sense of humor, timing and interviewing skills will be missed. Kenny’s talents are unique in a time when too few are. https://t.co/eEzR4DDMwq
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) May 10, 2021
Disappointing news. Big fan of the former UNLV QB. Talented and very funny guy. Competitors should be jumping at the chance to hire @Kenny_Mayne https://t.co/OotEu82wVJ
— Dave Cokin (@davecokin) May 10, 2021
The last remaining likable @ESPN employee is now gone 🤦♂️ https://t.co/Gag62Ke2Iw
— Joe Hanley (@ProcessThisFG) May 10, 2021
You are such a legend @Kenny_Mayne. Sure whatever chapter is next, you will be just as successful!!! https://t.co/NAn7CTKBWw
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 10, 2021
Roughly 25% of my childhood memories involve Ken Griffey Jr. highlights, Kenny Mayne making me laugh on SportsCenter, or Kenny Mayne making me laugh while doing Ken Griffey Jr. highlights. The best. https://t.co/Tvi1D0DUrs
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) May 10, 2021
Dumb move by ESPN. Besides being a unique talent he was with his weight in gold with the advertisers at the annual upfront. https://t.co/TAlwiq43Cw
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) May 10, 2021
One of the most important voices the company ever had.
Absolute legend.
I appreciate you, brother. https://t.co/bJokGkEnBq— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) May 10, 2021
