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ESPN is saying goodbye to one of its most unique personalities.
Dan Le Batard, who hosted an eponymously-named show for several years on ESPN Radio as well as “Highly Questionable” on ESPN, is set to leave the network, it was announced on Thursday.
A former writer for The Miami Herald, Le Batard built a devoted following, mainly centered on his digital work including a podcast. His radio show, co-hosted with Jon “Stugotz” Weiner, has been a mainstay on South Florida airwaves since its debut in 2004. ESPN Radio picked the show up for national broadcast in 2013, with some local elements remaining, while a TV simulcast began on ESPNU and shifted to ESPNews before finding a home on the subscription-based ESPN+.
“It was mutually agreed that it was best for both sides to move on to new opportunities and we worked together closely to make that possible,” Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president, said in a statement. “We thank Dan for his many years and contributions to ESPN and wish him all the best going forward.”
Le Batard was known for challenging sports radio norms during his tenure, often weaving politics and non-sports topics into his daily programming. He sometimes ran afoul of network executives, sometimes leading to brief suspensions. Recent cuts to ESPN’s staff included his long-time producer, Chris Cote, who was later re-hired by Le Batard.
His show, “Highly Questionable”, will continue with guest hosts.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.