THE ATHLETIC’s Andrew Marchand reported ESPN NFL analyst Damien Woody’s contract “was not renewed” by the network. Woody, who has been at ESPN for 15 years, will “appear on the air for the remainder of the month, including Thursday, by his choice.” He is the latest NFL analyst to be let go following the latest round of cuts last month. Besides former NFL analyst Ryan Clark, former NFLer Bart Scott -- who “had an expiring contract like Woody” -- was among those laid off. Woody made “nearly seven figures” as ESPN kept him four years ago after an “aggressive pursuit” from FS1 to poach him. ESPN informed Woody of the decision “a few weeks ago” and the two sides “discussed his staying, but nothing was worked out.” Woody “will pursue other avenues” (THE ATHLETIC, 8/12).
NO VOICE: In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe noted WIP-FM “won’t have a dedicated sideline reporter during Eagles games for the first time in more than 15 years.” It is assumed that Eliot Shorr-Parks, the station’s Eagles beat reporter since 2018, will “be the broadcast’s go-to voice for updates, but others could jump in as needed.” Former sideline reporter Devan Kaney, who served in the role last season, was laid off by WIP in March as “part of company-wide cutbacks by Audacy” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/11).
TOUGH LUCK: In California, Edward Lewis wrote ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller has been “hit with a misdemeanor for his alleged role in the horrific car crash that resulted in the amputation of his arm” (CALIFORNIA POST, 8/11).