ESPN announced a slew of contract extensions on Monday. In other news, ESPN is set to promote Maria Taylor to Samantha Ponder‘s vacated positions, and ESPN’s Shelley Smith is recovering from a medical scare.
Dust Still Settling From Layoffs, ESPN Announces Yet More Extensions
- ESPN has reached contract extensions with SportsCenter anchors Kenny Mayne, John Anderson, Steve Levy, Hannah Storm, Sage Steele and John Buccigross, it was announced Monday, the latest and most extensive round of renewals the company has announced since its massive talent layoffs last month. The network has announced 16 extensions since the layoffs began on April 26. Buccigross, it should be noted, was the subject of an erroneous Hollywood Reporter story that put him among those laid off. (ESPN Media Zone 5.15)
Taylor to Get Ponder Gigs
- ESPN broadcaster Maria Taylor will replace Samantha Ponder on ESPN’s lead college football broadcast team and on College Gameday, according to The Big Lead. Taylor currently serves as host of ESPN’s women’s college basketball coverage and the college football pregame show SEC Nation on the SEC Network. (The Big Lead 5.15)
Smith Undergoing Tests After Scare
- Veteran ESPN reporter Shelley Smith is undergoing tests but otherwise “good” after collapsing in the Golden State Warriors locker room yesterday following Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Smith was treated by the Warriors medical staff and taken to a local hospital. (ESPN.com 5.15)
