After ESPN Shut Doors on Stephen A. Smith’s Colleagues, NBA Millionaire Breaks Silence Only to Accept Harsh Reality of Lay Off

It’s been just a few weeks, yet the wounds are still fresh. In what was unprecedented, ESPN did its part in Disney’s cost-cutting initiative. 20 high personality on-air commentators were deprived of their roles. Some of the names even left the fans gasping in dismay. Max Kellerman, Jalen Rose, Keyshawn Johnson, and even Jeff Van Gundy couldn’t survive the purge. Now, free to explore their future, the former Indiana Pacers guard didn’t leave the headquarters quietly.

The $60 million worth Rose broke his silence about the layoffs with a seemingly funny tweet. And he did so in his own clever ways.

Former ESPN employee sees the funny side of the layoffs

The ESPN layoffs were cruel. Some long-time, beloved employees had to say goodbye to their workplace. The sports forum also lost some of its most notable personalities. The purge was indeed very unpredictable. It even had Stephen A. Smith, the face of the sports forum doubting his job safety. Most who departed the grounds did so with respect, thanking ESPN.

“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 yr career!” tweeted Susan Kolber, a former NFL personality on the media network.

However, Jalen Rose didn’t take the same approach. Instead, he unapologetically showed ESPN the mirror of truth. At least how he sees the media giants after letting go of some of their biggest catches, including Rose himself.

Watch this story: 38-Year-Old LeBron James’ “The Day I’ll Be Gone” ESPYS Speech Makes the NBA World Go Berserk

The former NBA player tweeted out two images of himself. On one side was the modern Rose. A mature, composed, well-dressed, and insightful version of himself. Someone who has experienced life and is in the stage of being a calculated individual. These traits embody Rose as an analyst on ESPN.

In comparison, the picture on the right was from Rose’s college days in Michigan. He appears to still be a raw talent, grinding his way to earning acknowledgment. As far as appearance, Rose wasn’t as successful or wealthy back then. He didn’t have the fresh haircut, the well-fitted suit, or the wisdom that he has today.

If it wasn’t obvious, the left side, which looks more appealing, denotes Rose before the layoffs. On the other hand, Rose’s college photograph indicates his apparent situation after their cuts. Is this Rose accepting reality? What once was a blossoming career was suddenly cut short due to the budget cuts. Rose was one of the most prominent names on the network. However, his past as an NBA guard couldn’t help him keep a place on ESPN.

READ MORE-“ESPN Lost $5.5 Billion”: Days After Surviving the Massive Layoffs, Stephen A. Smith Reflects on Losing Millionaire NBA Colleagues

Even though the layoffs weren’t a stain on their performance, it has left a deep dent in ESPN. Will they be able to fill it? Only the next phase of their plans shall reveal what the future holds for them.