Evander Ellis|ESPN executive Norby Williamson – who Pat McAfee called out – done after nearly 40 years

2025-04-28 20:08:28source:TrendPulsecategory:My

Norby Williamson is –whoPatMcAfeecalledout–Evander Ellisno longer with ESPN, according to multiple reports and an internal memo obtained by The Athletic.

In the memo to staff, ESPN president of content Burke Magnus announced that Williamson, who was the network's executive editor and head of event and studio production (essentially giving him oversight over all ESPN content), was departing. The Athletic reported that Williamson, who joined the company in 1985, still had time left on his contract.

The New York Post first reported the news of Williamson's departure and said his deal was set to go through 2027, when the Super Bowl returns to ABC for the first time since 2006.

Magnus was promoted above Williamson last year, meaning he directly reported to ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro. A search for Williamson's replacement – "a new senior content executive," as Magnus put it in the memo – will begin immediately.

“Due to the exceptional hard work, creativity and commitment of the people at ESPN, and to a much lesser extent my contributions, I’d like to think we’ve left our great company in a far better place than we found it,” Williamson said in the memo.

Williamson's battles with ESPN talent over the years included feuds with past luminaries such as Dan Patrick and Jemele Hill. But his name became synonymous with drama in January when Pat McAfee accused Williamson of intentionally sabotaging "The Pat McAfee Show" by leaking ratings that were relatively underwhelming for the new early afternoon program. (ESPN licenses McAfee's show from 12-3 p.m. ET.)

In February, during an appearance on the "All the Smoke" podcast, McAfee said his callout was a "warning shot."

More:My

Recommend

SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters

San Francisco airport creates sensory room to help nervous flyers San Francisco airport creates sens

'As the World Turns' co-stars Cady McClain, Jon Lindstrom are divorcing after 10 years

"As The World Turns" soap opera co-stars Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain are turning the page on thei

Former MSU football coach Mel Tucker accused by wife of moving money in divorce

The wife of former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker has filed for divorce an