Adrian Wojnarowski retires from ESPN, set to become GM of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure
Adrian Wojnarowski announces his departure from ESPN after seven years with the network to work as a GM for his alma mater.
Adrian Wojnarowski
The basketball world was shocked when news broke about the departure of one of the most popular NBA insiders. Adrian Wojnarowski shockingly announced that he would leave ESPN after spending seven years with the sports company, which has sent shockwaves among fans and colleagues.
However, leaving the news reporting business doesn’t mean he is done with sports entirely. It was later revealed that Adrian Wojnarowski would take his talents and skills to the back office, becoming the general manager of his alma mater, St. Bonaventure basketball program.
This craft transformed my life, but I've decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it's an investment that I'm no longer driven to make... I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers... After all these years reporting on everyone's team, I'm headed back to my own.Adrian Wojnarowski wrote in a statement
His bosses at ESPN were informed on Wednesday morning, and according to a source, they were astonished by his decision. However, they released a statement expressing their appreciation for his time with the company and fully understanding his need for a change.
While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support.ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement
His time with the network began in 2017, following previous roles at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County (New Jersey). As the news broke, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand revealed that Woj would be walking away from $20 million.
Shams Charania among favorites to replace his mentor Adrian Wojnarowski at ESPN
Adrian Wojnarowski’s departure from ESPN doesn’t necessarily spell doom, as the work must go on, and a suitable replacement needs to be found. According to reports, Woj’s protege, Shams Charania is one of the two frontrunners for the vacant role, with the other being Chris Haynes.
Charania is highly regarded in the news media industry and has seen his stock rise from a protege to a rival of Woj. With his contract with his current employers ending soon, it is left to see who ESPN will pick as a replacement.
For Haynes, his past experience working with ESPN in almost the same capacity as the departed Woj kind of gives him an edge. But Charania, popular for his viral screen time, comes with a certain pedigree that ESPN can’t afford to miss.
Ubong Archibong
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