After nearly 40 years of dedicated service, ESPN executive Norby Williamson will be leaving the sports network, as announced in a memo to staff from ESPN president of content Burke Magnus. Magnus praised Williamson for his significant contributions across various roles within Content, including his impact on SportsCenter, breaking news coverage, event and studio productions, and storytelling across ESPN platforms. The network will now begin a search for a new senior content executive, but no reason was provided for Williamson’s departure.
Earlier this year, host Pat McAfee publicly attacked Williamson, calling him a “rat” and accusing him of sabotaging McAfee’s show by leaking false information to the media. McAfee, who hosts his show on ESPN and YouTube, faced no discipline for his remarks and later doubled down on his criticism of Williamson. The public nature of the attack on a senior network executive shocked many observers, and McAfee continued to stand by his comments.
The controversy surrounding Williamson escalated when McAfee allowed New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a paid contributor on the program, to suggest on air that ABC late night star Jimmy Kimmel could be linked to Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in jail while awaiting federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. Kimmel strongly denied the allegation and indicated he might sue Rodgers for the false claim. The comments generated significant backlash and negative attention for the show.
In his note to staff following the news of his departure, Williamson reflected on his time at ESPN, where he had started in the company’s mailroom in 1985. He acknowledged the hard work, creativity, and commitment of ESPN employees in contributing to the success of the network and expressed gratitude for being a part of leaving the company in a better place than when he first joined. Williamson’s tenure and contributions to ESPN were recognized and celebrated in his farewell message to colleagues.
ESPN president Burke Magnus did not provide specifics on why Norby Williamson was leaving the company after nearly 40 years of service. Williamson’s departure was met with mixed reactions, as he had made significant contributions to the network in various roles. The public feud between Williamson and host Pat McAfee brought negative attention to ESPN, with McAfee accusing Williamson of sabotage and facing no consequences for his comments. The controversy surrounding Williamson’s departure and the allegations made against him added to the drama unfolding at the sports network.
As ESPN searches for a new senior content executive to fill the vacancy left by Williamson, the aftermath of the public feud and comments made by McAfee continues to linger. The network remains focused on delivering high-quality sports content to its audience while navigating internal challenges and maintaining its reputation in the industry. The departure of a long-time executive like Norby Williamson marks a significant moment in ESPN’s history, prompting reflection on the network’s past successes and future direction under new leadership.
