Adrian Wojnarowski’s surprise departure from ESPN marks the end of an era and his colleagues at the world market leader are expressing their hearts in the form of condolences on social media.
“First Take” host Stephen A. Smith, who worked with Wojnarowski on “NBA Countdown,” said he was “devastated,” while “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg said no one could ever replace the NBA insider.
The honors came shortly after Wojnarowski, 55, announced Wednesday that he was leaving ESPN after seven years as the company’s top NBA newsbreaker to take a job as general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure, his alma mater in western New York state.
“Devastated! What a loss for us here at ESPN,” Smith wrote on X. “The absolute best in the business, my man @wojespn. I’ll miss you buddy!”
To X, Greenberg wrote: “No one has ever done a job in this industry better or could ever do it better than our dear friend. Congratulations on one of the best runs ever and best wishes for the best of luck in this exciting new chapter.”
“SportsCenter” host Elle Duncan raved on Wednesday that she is now a fan of the Bonnies.
“Just so we’re clear: Woj was an EXCELLENT insider. The BEST,” said Duncan of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” in a post on X. “But I love the friend who sent baby gifts, who got DU stuff for my parents because he knew they were going there, and who ALWAYS sent a supportive message EXACTLY when you needed it.”
“He is the most thoughtful person and friend and I am honored to know him. GO BONNIES @wojespn… you are my teammate for life!”
In his social media announcement on Wednesday, Wojnarowski said he had decided to “change his life” and leave ESPN, where he had worked since 2017.
He added “-30-” to his caption, which ESPN NFL analyst Kimberley A. Martin explained in a tribute to him on X.
“-30- is the end of our written stories,” Martin wrote. “An incredible run. A career as a journalist with a place in the Hall of Fame.”
“I will selfishly miss him, but congrats to @wojespn for finishing *his* story the way he wanted.”
In his latest “Woj Bomb” – a term coined to describe his breaking news – Wojnarowski said it was time to return to his own team.
“The craft has changed my life, but I have decided to step away from ESPN and the news industry,” Wojnarowski said. “I understand the commitment my role requires, and it is an investment I am no longer forced to make. Time is finite, and I want to spend it in a way that is more meaningful to me personally.”
“…After all these years of covering everyone’s teams, I’m back to my own.”
The St. Bonaventure track and field team confirmed the news and welcomed Wojnarowski back after he graduated from the Jandoli School of Communication in 1991.
According to Front Office Sports, ESPN may be targeting NBA insiders Shams Charania and Chris Haynes as possible successors to Wojnarowski.
The NBA sent Wojnarowski good wishes for a “well-deserved next chapter,” including a smile on the veteran journalist’s face.
“He has been a staple of our league for decades and we wish him well in his new endeavor. Sources familiar with the situation say his future is bright,” the league said.
