Dave Portnoy and girlfriend.MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 19: Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy and his girlfriend Silvana Mojica look on in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena on May 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A longtime ESPN employee is reportedly set to leave the Worldwide Leader In Sports for Barstool Sports amid the former’s downsizing drive.

ESPN has taken on a cost-cutting initiative, laying off several members of staff this year. It’s reported that around 7,000 people will lose their jobs by the time it’s over. The company is now set to scrap the popular morning show featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman, with lots of on-air changes still to take place.

Given the development, some senior talent are jumping ship. Front Office Sports is reporting that Josh Drew is one such staffer, with the ESPN veteran set to join Barstool Sports.

Dave Portnoy is reportedly hiring Drew, who has been a producer at ESPN, as its Senior Talent Producer. He is expected to start on July 10.

Barstool Sports has made a huge splash in the sports media arena and continues to grow rapidly. It appears they’re keen on taking full advantage of ESPN’s downsizing campaign and who could blame them? Bringing in experienced senior personnel from one of the biggest media companies in the world will only serve to help them grow their reach even further.

While ESPN has been a great source of talent, Barstool is attracting staff from other top networks as well.

VIDEO: WNBA Star Kelsey Plum Breaks Her Silence On Her Divorce From Darren Waller

Photo of Kelsey Plum speaking and photo of Darren Waller smilingKelsey Plum and Darren Waller (Photos via @PalomaFOX5News/Twitter & Getty Images)
Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum has broken her silence after filing for divorce from NFL tight end Darren Waller.

Plum and Waller tied the knot just over a year ago, exchanging their vows on March 4, 2023, but their union is already over, with the WNBA guard taking to social media late last month to share a heartbreaking message in which she hinted she was done with the New York Giants TE.

“I’m devastated,” she wrote. “I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go. God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends, One day I’ll share my story, today is not that day. Thank you for the grace to process my pain, to forgive and move forward. Today and everyday I will continue to choose joy. Much love KP.”

Plum spoke to FOX reporter Paloma Villicana this week and discussed her personal life after being asked how she’s become a stronger athlete. She admitted that the offseason has been difficult for her, but it also strengthened her faith.

“The offseason has been tough for me,” Plum said. “I think everyone knows – it’s pretty public. For me, I’m super grateful. I think my faith has grown tremendously. Not just that, but I know who I am. You kind of get refined by fire.”