Former Notre Dame star, College GameDay basketball analyst included in ESPN layoffs, per report
Former Notre Dame star LaPhonso Ellis’ time at ESPN has reportedly come to an end. According to Front Office Sports, Ellis is on the list of 20 on-air personalities being let go by the network in the latest round of layoffs.
Ellis, 53, is in the Notre Dame Ring of Honor for his standout career with the Fighting Irish from 1998-92. He was the No. 5 overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in 1992 and played in the NBA until 2003.
In 2009, Ellis joined ESPN as a college basketball analyst after previously serving as a Notre Dame radio analyst. Ellis joined the College GameDay crew in the 2019-20 basketball season.
ESPN PR released a statement on the layoffs Friday:
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun. This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.”
We’ll see what’s next for Ellis.
NEWS: LaPhonso Ellis has been laid off by ESPN, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
He’s been a college basketball analyst with the network for 14 years.https://t.co/gbbri0YTF1 pic.twitter.com/AhCKU3Ec7z
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 30, 2023