Another big ESPN exit leaves fans surprised.

ESPN has made another surprising move, cutting ties with longtime personality Clinton Yates after a decade with the network.

The company confirmed the decision Friday in a statement to Awful Announcing. ESPN said Yates’ roles across its national radio network, Los Angeles station KSPN, and Andscape would end. The network kept the message brief. “We thank Clinton for his contributions and wish him continued success,” the statement read.

Yates responded soon after on social media. He kept his tone light despite the news. “that’s showbiz, kiddos. Happy Friday,” he wrote.

The departure adds to a growing list of layoffs at ESPN in recent years. The network has cut several well-known names as it reshapes its lineup across platforms.

Yates built a strong presence during his time at ESPN. He worked across TV, radio, and digital. Fans often saw him on Around the Horn, where he shared sharp takes and a clear voice. He also hosted his own radio show, “Clinton & Friends,” after stepping into a midday slot once held by Mike Greenberg.

Colleagues And Fans React As ESPN Changes Direction

Clinton Yates (Photo Via X)

Many of Yates’ colleagues quickly showed support online. Andscape writer Marc J. Spears called him a “superstar talent” in a post on X. Former ESPN host Katie Nolan offered a different take, writing, “ah, you’re free!”

Fans also shared their frustration. Some said they valued Yates’ perspective and voice. One fan wrote that his commentary felt important and honest, adding, “You speak truth to power and I know that won’t change.”

Yates often leaned into that role on air. He did not shy away from strong opinions. During a debate about Washington sports teams possibly moving to Virginia, he openly criticized owner Ted Leonsis. “It’s despicable,” Yates said on Around the Horn, calling out the impact on fans.

His exit comes during a wider shift at ESPN. The company has parted ways with several high-profile figures, including Zach Lowe, Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy, and Jalen Rose.

At the same time, ESPN continues to bring in new talent. Madelyn Burke will join SportsCenter after years covering the New York Giants. She said, “I’m over the moon to begin this next chapter of my career in my dream job! SportsCenter is a show I grew up watching, a cornerstone of ESPN for decades, and I’m so honored to join such an iconic program.”

For many viewers, Yates’ departure stands out. His voice felt familiar. His exit shows how quickly things can change at ESPN.

Fearne Cotton has broken her silence on split from husband Jesse Wood in her first TV interview since the breakup.

Joining Lorraine Kelly on Monday’s episode of the ITV show, the TV presenter, 43, also gave an health update after having two tumours removed from jaw.

Fearne announced her split from Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood, in December after 10 years of marriage.

She has since made swipes at Jesse and moved on with TV director Elliot Hegarty, with the pair having been seen kissing during a recent night out.

Fearne has had a difficult few months after undergoing surgery to remove two benign tumours from her jawline, just days before her split with Jesse emerged.

She told host Lorraine: ‘It’s all very amicable and kids are doing great. I am in a very good place.’place.’

Fearne Cotton has broken her silence on split from husband Jesse Wood in her first TV interview since the breakup

Fearne announced her split from Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood , in December after 10 years of marriage (both pictured in February 2024)

Discussing her recent surgery, she added: ‘I feel very grateful to have completely recovered.

‘I feel really good. I have a lot of people reaching out who have had the same thing.’

Davina McCall, 56, announced in November she’d been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare type of benign brain tumour, and has supported Fearne.

She continued: ‘Everyone needs a Davina. She’s been amazing, weird that we had the same health thing going on at the same time. She’s so calming and we speak every day. She is just the best

It comes after Fearne has seemingly made another thinly-veiled dig at her ex-husband as she gushed that she is the happiest she’s ever been in a positive update.

Speaking to Scott Mills on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, Fearne gushed that she is ‘really happy’ and is ‘springing out of bed in the morning ready for life’.

Scott, who has known Fearne for 25 years, said he has never seen her ‘more positive or happier’, prompting Fearne to agree and reply: ‘Yeah I feel great!’

She told how her health scare has changed her outlook and said she has been seeking comfort from Davina.

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Joining Lorraine Kelly on Monday’s episode of the ITV show, the TV presenter, 43, also gave an health update after having two tumours removed from jaw