It appears Pat McAfee has won his battle with an ESPN executive who was accused of trying to sabotage McAfee's popular sports talk program.
Per the New York Post, Norby Williamson, who's worked at the network for nearly 40 years, is out. His dismissal is reportedly related to the McAfee show.
Back in January, McAfee accused ESPN executives of trying to take down his show, citing Williamson as the main culprit.
*BOMBSHELL*
Pat McAfee accuses ESPN executives of purposely sabotaging his show and leaking false information to the media.
McAfee specifically names ESPN leader Norby Williamson as the person leading the sabotage efforts.
Horrible look for ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rGcOSNcHRW
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) January 5, 2024
"Almost 40 years ago in 1985, I was so very fortunate to be offered an opportunity at ESPN," Williamson said in a memo to ESPN staff, via the Post.
"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's contract runs through 2027, the Post reported. He was a big player in the development of SportsCenter, back when the program was in its heydey.
It appears he was against ESPN acquiring the Pat McAfee Show from the start.
"ESPN invested an incredible amount of resources and money into acquiring The Pat McAfee Show, and Williamson reportedly wasn't a fan of bringing a YouTube star into a traditional TV setting," wrote David Hookstead of Outkick.
"A civil war started, and it was clear from the early stages of the conflict that McAfee felt he held all the cards. Many doubted that was the case."
Williamson, 60, was replaced by Burke Magnus as ESPN president about a year ago. Magnus sent a memo to staffers announcing the move.
The Athletic has obtained Burke Magnus' memo announcing the move. pic.twitter.com/zSmILBDw6o
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) April 5, 2024
"McAfee hinted that Williamson had leaked negative ratings info and accused him of trying to sabotage the show," the Post reported.
"One source insisted that Williamson's exit was not at McAfee's behest and would have inevitably happened as a result of his having different content visions than Magnus."
