Former ESPN broadcaster Suzy Kolber has spoken publicly for the first time about being let go by the network in June 2023, describing an emotional reaction to how her exit was handled. Kolber, who fronted "Monday Night Countdown" for 27 years, was among 20 on-air staff cut that summer, alongside figures such as Steve Young, Max Kellerman and Jalen Rose, as ESPN sought to reduce its talent wage bill.

Speaking on the "Sports Media with Richard Deitsch" podcast, Kolber, now 62, recounted being warned vaguely by ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro that her name was on a list for possible redundancy, and breaking down in tears at home with her daughter. She said she "lost it" when an executive later told her she must avoid disparaging the company or risk losing the final year of her contract, having already accepted a 39% pay cut. Kolber, an ESPN pioneer who launched ESPN2 and covered the X Games, said she was hurt by the lack of acknowledgement after nearly three decades of service; she was subsequently replaced on "Countdown" by Scott Van Pelt and has since launched a new interview series.