Scott learns ESPN won't renew contract moments before going on air

Bart Scott, the former New York Jets linebacker turned ESPN analyst, revealed he learned the network would not renew his contract through a phone call moments before he was set to go on the air last month. The abrupt dismissal, which occurred on July 26, came as part of a series of high-profile cuts at the network and was described by Scott during an appearance on The Joint Venture Show.

Scott said he was heading into the studio for his ESPN New York radio show when he received the unexpected call. "Hey, uh, just to let you know, wish we could do it in person," he recounted being told. He did not mince words about his reaction to that sentiment. The network then delivered the news that his contract, set to expire in September, would not be extended. "It's part of the business," Scott said. He did not appear on his scheduled radio show that day, with co-host Chris Carlin proceeding with the program solo.

The manner of Scott's exit invites comparison to other recent departures at ESPN, most notably that of analyst Ryan Clark. Clark was informed during a taping of NFL Live on July 20 that his time with the network was over, leading to an on-air awkwardness that drew significant...