Suzy Kolber spent nearly three decades working with ESPN. Naturally, many fans of the network were upset to see her go a few years back. Recently, Kolber herself opened up about her departure during a recent interview. She also teased big news for fans.
Suzy Kolber Was One Of The Original Anchors Of ESPN2
Kolber is a sports journalist who started her career with CBS Sports in 1986. She moved to ESPN in 1993. She was notably one of the original anchors of ESPN2 and soon became known to audiences as the host of “NFL Live.”
For a brief period, Kolber also worked with Fox Sports, returning to ESPN in 1999. However, she was ultimately laid off by the network in 2023.
Recently, Kolber appeared on “Sports Media with Richard Deitsch.” During the moment, she looked back on her exit from ESPN. As she explained, she received the news from ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro that her name was on a whiteboard. This was a warning of things to come.
Kolber explained, “He said, ‘Suzy there’s a whiteboard and your name’s on it. I don’t really know for sure right now but your name is on it.’ I remember that day sitting next to my daughter in the kitchen. For years I’ve said ‘You never know.’ And I sat down next to her and I cried. And I said, ‘I think this is really happening.’”
Kolber Also Teased What She Has Planned Next: A New Show
As Kolber continued, she claimed that ESPN executive Norby Williamson warned her about her fate and told her not to say anything negative about the company. Reportedly, she would risk losing the last year of her contract. Kolber noted, “I have never said one negative thing about this company. Do you think I’m going to start now?”
Kolber also expressed that she was upset because the network wasn’t saying anything about all of her accomplishments with the network. She noted, “I just thought after 27 years… I was the first person hired for the launch of ESPN 2. I was the first person assigned to the X Games.”
Kolber continued, “I went and shot the marketing tape for it. ‘Monday Night Football’s’ move to ESPN, I was part of some pretty big franchises. You’re not going to say a word? Not thanks for 27 years, just acknowledge it? I didn’t understand that.”
However, through it all, Kolber also kept her eyes towards the future. During the conversation, she shared that she plans on launching a show for the Scripps Sports Network. Reportedly, it is set to debut on September 15. On social media, she also shared a promo for the series, sharing the title, The Originals.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.