ESPN Cuts 20 On-Air Stars

• ESPN is laying off some of its biggest stars, including NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, former ESPN Radio hosts Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, 27-year ESPN pro Suzy Kolber, and Jalen Rose, in a purge that is expected to result in around 20 on-air personalities being let go Friday as the network hopes to save tens of millions of dollars, according to The New York Post, which quoted an internal staff memo.

Just last week ESPN had pulled the plug on its Keyshawn, JWill & Max morning radio show that featured Johnson, Jay Williams and Kellerman.

And there’s more — The Post says NFL Countdown analyst Matt Hasselbeck is also out, along with NFL draft expert Todd McShay, college basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis, SportsCenter anchor Ashley Brewer, College GameDay analyst David Pollack, radio host Jason Fitz, host Jordan Cornette and baseball writer Joon Lee.

For her part, Kolber (pictured) shared the news of her departure on social media, saying, “Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking, but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38-year career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step — a project that gives back.”