ESPN informed Bart Scott that his contract would not be renewed moments before he was scheduled to host his radio show. The network made the decision regarding the former NFL linebacker just as he was preparing to go on air.

Scott discussed the notification during an appearance on "The Joint Venture Show" with Craig Carton and Lil Wayne. He described receiving a call from executives while he was en route to the studio for his program on ESPN New York, which broadcasts on 1050 kHz in New York City. Chris Carlin handled solo duties on the radio show on the day Scott was informed of his non-renewal.

"I was going into my radio show, and they called me, like, 'Hey, just to let you know, wish we could do it in person.' Like, no, you don't, motherfucker. 'Oh, I wish I could do it in person!' Nah. So, it's like, 'We're not gonna renew you.' My contract is expiring in September. So, I found out that way, Scott said."

Scott stated that his goal following the announcement is to ensure the network regrets the decision. It's my job to make them regret it, he said. Despite the abrupt nature of the news, Scott acknowledged the realities of the industry and expressed appreciation for the platform ESPN provided him.

You understand the balance, and I don't know what they had to do when they had to trim the fat. I had never been there, where my contract was expiring, because usually when it's a year, I get renewed. But it's what it is, man. One thing that is constant is change, and I've been fired before. I understand the process, and I hold no ill will. I don't even know who made the call. I wasn't a first-round draft pick; I'm not a Hall of Famer. I think I was a pretty good player, but I just appreciate them giving me the platform, and I'm not gonna hold any ill will toward them, Scott said.

Scott suggested that demographic considerations may have influenced past opportunities at the network. He believed he was denied the chance to work with Shannon Sharpe because they share similar characteristics. I thought I was going to be able to work with Shannon [Sharpe]. But, sometimes, in this business — at least back then — they want shows to look a certain way, he said.

He elaborated on the perceived redundancy in their styles. Yeah, you can't have too many of us. Me and Shannon are similar. We represent a certain type of demographic. We're both funny, loud, loquacious, all that type of stuff, and I never got the opportunity," he said."

The 45-year-old now intends to explore coaching roles after his career in sports media. Scott has expressed interest in becoming a linebacker coach with the New York Jets or the Baltimore Ravens. He played for both franchises during his 11-year NFL career. His agent is Harold Lewis. Scott joined CBS Sports' NFL Today studio crew as an analyst after retiring from the NFL before joining ESPN.

ESPN has cut several high-profile personalities as it integrates NFL Network assets, including Ryan Clark, Damien Woody, Cam Newton, Karl Ravech, and Tom Pelissero. Ryan Clark was informed by ESPN that he would no longer be employed while hosting "NFL Live" on July 20.

Why It Matters

The events described span 24 years, from 2002 to 2026. Bart Scott was directly affected by ESPN's decision not to renew his contract, as reported in a news story published by awfulannouncing.com. The official record of this event states that Bart Scott was informed by ESPN that his contract would not be renewed on July 26, 2026, as reported by essentiallysports.com.

NFL Network is an American sports-oriented cable and satellite television network. The Baltimore Ravens is a National Football League franchise in Baltimore, Maryland. Scott began working for ESPN in 2017 in a limited capacity on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN 98.7. He became a full-time personality across ESPN platforms in 2020. Scott most recently co-hosted Bart & Carlin on ESPN New York and appeared on ESPN's Get Up! And First Take.

Timeline

Bart Scott entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. Bart Scott began working for ESPN in 2017 in a limited capacity on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN 98.7. Bart Scott became a full-time personality across ESPN platforms in 2020. Ryan Clark was informed by ESPN that he would no longer be employed while hosting "NFL Live" on July 20. The official record of this event states that Bart Scott was informed by ESPN that his contract would not be renewed on July 26, 2026, as reported by essentiallysports.com.

What's New

Bart Scott played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2002 to 2008. Bart Scott played for the New York Jets from 2009 to 2012. Bart Scott most recently co-hosted Bart & Carlin on ESPN New York.

Ryan Clark was informed by ESPN that he would no longer be employed while hosting "NFL Live" on July 20. Chris Carlin handled solo duties on the radio show on the day Bart Scott was informed of his non-renewal. Bart Scott entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. Bart Scott began working for ESPN in 2017 in a limited capacity on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN 98.7. Bart Scott became a full-time personality across ESPN platforms in 2020.