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ESPN Cuts Drive Discussion On Social Media, Become Trending Twitter Topic

The layoffs at ESPN are dominating the conversation on Twitter today to the point that "ESPN" became the No. 1 trending topic on the social media site. Author James Andrew Miller has a thread on his timeline on the implications of the layoffs, both in a broader sense and for the individuals involved. He wrote, "Hearing now from several @espn employees who, despite advanced word, are 'in shock' and 'frozen.' This is an awful day for all in Bristol. ... Today is about individual lives. Families. Parents of children. Professional dreams. Uncertainty." On the big-picture aspect, he tweeted, "Larger context: @espn ain't going anywhere; still brings in ton of cash for @dis. ... For most of @espn history, growth was engine. More was better than less. Sooner better than later. That's all far from guaranteed now.  ... We are watching @espn transform its distribution model, deal w/high cost of rights deals like @NBA & create new type of employee. ... Driving force behind today's decision is different approach to @SportsCenter with increased emphasis on digital presence." He added ESPN's cuts "speak directly to significant changes in what they do and how they do it." Miller also looked at ESPN President John Skipper's role, writing, "In many ways, John Skipper has had toughest @espn presidency since Chet Simmons back in early '80's. @espn is no longer invincible. ... These layoffs were not mandated by @Disney but are best example yet that Skipper, despite strong content roots, is aware of biz imperatives."

MAJOR PLAYERS: Veteran NFL reporter Ed Werder was one of the first big names to make public he was let go. The MMQB's Peter King tweeted, "One of the greats in our business. A sad day, adding to many sad days of good people laid off." NFL Network's Rich Eisen‏: "One of the best in the business. Loved working with you at ESPN, Ed." Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin‏: "A sad day for quality sports journalism. Always respected his work and integrity." Fox Sports' Tim Brando: "Hang in there Ed! Your excellence and professionalism is a matter of record. I know this won't define you because your passion is too great." Other big names include hockey reporters Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun, prompting NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin to tweet, "ESPN has decimated its hockey coverage today. Just awful news for everyone involved, especially those who love hockey." Toronto Star's Bruce Arthur: "Housecleaning almost complete. ESPN has just about abandoned hockey." The Globe & Mail's David Shoalts: "If hockey fans were wondering what World Wide Leader thinks of hockey there is no doubt now. Gut the department just in time for Round 2." Also on the list is college basketball reporter Dana O'Neill. SI's Richard Deitsch: "The @ESPNDanaOneil is the personification of a quality sports journalist. If I had hiring power, I'd make an offer today."

THE MOOD IN BRISTOL
: ESPN's Jemele Hill‏ tweeted, "It is difficult day at ESPN. So I'm seriously not here for the nonsense." Blogger Chris Sheridan: "Glad that I worked there (ESPN) when it was a happy place." SI's Deitsch: "'Cold as ice,' said one ESPN staffer who just received a layoff call from management."

SYMPATHY FROM WITHOUT: NBA.com's David Aldridge: "Been there. Truly feel for all my friends today at ESPN--in particular @Edwerderespn." SiriusXM's Barrett Sallee: "Hate it for some of the folks at ESPN. But being laid off presents more opportunities (I know from relatively recent experience)." Fieldhouse Media's Kevin DeShazo: "Brutal to see names coming through of ESPN folks being let go. It leaves families hurting & dreams paused. Hoping they get good news soon." FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal: "The tweets from ESPNers who were laid off are crushing - and a painful reminder of how difficult and humbling this business is. Best to all." The Athletic's James Mirtle: "This ESPN news is awful. What's happening to the sportswriting business is, too. Best of luck to those let go."

PLAYING POLITICS
: Some commentators attributed the cuts, and ESPN's declining subscribers, to an on-air political bias. Fox Sports' Jason Whitlock: "When you pursue a political agenda rather than a business agenda and people lose their jobs, remember: No One Is To Blame." Colorado-based KDCO-AM's Benjamin Allbright: "It's weird to me that people talking about ESPN 'went political' can never cite specific instances of that. ... Empty programming, ludicrous cost are what killed ESPN. Not a politcal bent." Chicago Sun-Times' Mark Lazerus: "If you think people are being laid off at ESPN because they're too 'liberal,' and you're dancing on graves, you're a real schmuck." Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman‏: "If you are one of the dirtbags reveling in ESPN's layoffs, go to hell in a hand basket you pathetic piece of garbage." Daily Hampshire Gazette's Matt Vautour: "To the nitwits cheering, ESPN is not laying off the people you hate. It's dumping the people who make the web site worth visiting." Pac-12 Networks' Kerith Burke: "Thinking about ESPN and the sports landscape at large. And noticing who's celebrating layoffs, and why."

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