ESPN Dumping Jessica Mendoza Over Alex Rodriguez?
Is ESPN dumping Jessica Mendoza over Alex Rodriguez?
It has become abundantly clear that the worldwide leader in sports wants to build its baseball offering around Rodriguez.
Much like Tony Romo in football broadcasting, Rodriguez brings a magnetic charisma and impressive knowledge base whenever ESPN features him.
As such, it should come as no surprise that management wants to surround him with the best talent possible.
It appears Mendoza no longer falls into that category.
NEWS: ESPN is working toward removing Jessica Mendoza from Sunday Night Baseball. https://t.co/eUkzYmPT2O
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) January 27, 2020
According to New York Post sports media insider Andrew Marchand, ESPN is getting ready to boot Mendoza off Sunday Night Baseball.
Marchand also noted that play-by-play man Matt Vasgersian may also not be brought back.
At this point, the only lock for next season is Rodriguez.
Mendoza has not been informed of any changes yet.
Last year, she reportedly signed what has been described as a “multi-million dollar deal.”
Karl Ravech and Jon Sciambi have been floated as potential replacements for Vasgersian, but nothing has been decided up to this point.
Mendoza came under fire a few weeks ago after bashing Houston Astros cheating whistleblower Mike Fiers, while working with the New York Mets – a team impacted by Fiers’ revelations.
It is unclear if that has had any impact on her status with ESPN.
“ESPN executives insist they still have big plans for Mendoza, who just last year signed a multi-year, multi-million deal,” the column noted.
“ESPN is reimagining its baseball coverage and Mendoza is expected to be an integral part, in studio or on possibly on weekday games.
“She may want to expand her reach in other avenues, as well.”
A final decision on ESPN’s baseball broadcasting lineup should come at some point in the next few weeks.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
