Just over two years into his second run at ESPN, sportswriter and TV personality Jason Whitlock had the remainder of his contract at ESPN bought out on Sunday. Whitlock and ESPN ended their relationship nearly four months after he was famously removed from his position as the lead man on the new yet-to-be-launched ESPN sister site The Undefeated.
On Tuesday, Whitlock took to Twitter to air some of his grievances with ESPN (including a couple shots at Stephen A. Smith) with more promised to be on the way in the future.
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/651391931960832000
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/651396428695076865
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/651407769640144896
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/651408201519226880
https://twitter.com/WhitlockJason/status/651408723890454528
*backs away slowly*
Whitlock’s rant comes just on the heels of former ESPN personality Bill Simmons going on his new podcast to rip ESPN’s treatment of his site Grantland and to claim that they’re “in the bag for the NFL” as well as Stephen A. Smith’s controversial remarks about First Take on Monday regarding Kevin Durant, so it’s safe to say this has not been the best week for the worldwide leader in sports.
Much has been said about Whitlock’s performance as editor-in-chief of The Undefeated, known widely as ESPN’s “black Grantland,” and since he was let go for good from that job it was only a matter of time before he and ESPN parted ways.
Knowing Whitlock’s outspokenness, it’s not the least bit surprising that he has something to say about his latest run with the company, and it appears Smith’s remarks and ESPN’s lack of punishment for him has sent Whitlock over the edge. Whenever #TheExplanation2.0 comes about in full, you can bet Whitlock will have additional, even more pointed words for his former employer.
