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Why is Mark Jackson leaving ESPN? NBA announcer 'shocked and dismayed' by network's surprise decision

Mark Jackson, known for his iconic catchphrase 'Mama, there goes that man!', was informed his 'services were no longer needed at ESPN'

BY ANNA MATHEW

PUBLISHED AUG 1, 2023

Mark Jackson is the latest among the several talents ESPN has laid off recently (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ESPN's NBA broadcasts bid farewell to cherished announcer Mark Jackson, whose iconic tagline "Mama, there goes that man!" will no longer grace the airwaves. Following Jeff Van Gundy's recent departure, Jackson now finds himself in the company of several on-air talents recently laid off by ESPN, leaving fans surprised and saddened by the sudden changes.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Jackson noted, “This morning, unexpectedly, I was informed that my services were no longer needed at ESPN. Although shocked and dismayed with the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be a part of the organization for the past 15+ years."

pic.twitter.com/fnhpKAt05K
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) August 1, 2023

NBA icon and broadcasting legend

Jackson, a former NBA player for seven teams, coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014. He has been a prominent figure in NBA games for ESPN since 2006. He returned to the network after his coaching stint with the Warriors ended, leaving an indelible mark on the broadcasting world.

Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions during the game with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 6, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. — Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions during the game with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 6, 2012 in Los Angeles, California
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Confirming his departure with Peter Vecsey, Jackson's exited with two years remaining on his contract, which ESPN will have to honor. In a strategic move, the network is set to bring in former 76ers coach Doc Rivers and NBA broadcast veteran Doris Burke to join play-by-play announcer Mike Breen as his on-air partners.

Mark Jackson #13, Point Guard for the Los Angeles Clippers prepares to make a free throw during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on 28th November 1992 at the McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, United States. The Clippers won the game 121 - 119. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images) — Mark Jackson prepares to make a free throw for the Clippers during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against Denver Nuggets on November 28, 1992 in Denver, Colorado
(Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images)

'It’s been an honor!'

In the face of this unexpected development, Jackson paid a classy tribute to his colleagues Breen and Van Gundy, describing them as legends and brothers. He also praised sideline reporter Lisa Salters as a "GOAT" and a sister to him, acknowledging her commendable work.

Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions in the game with the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. — Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions in the game with the Los Angeles Clippers on April 21, 2014 (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

“It’s been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy… Lisa Salters is a GOAT and like a sister to me and I’m proud of the work she continues to do,” he wrote. Though he didn't name them, he also wished good things for his replacements. “I wish greater measures of success to the new ESPN team. May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life.”