Sports

Jamele Hill is Leaving SportsCenter – Update!

ESPN announced this morning and SportsCenter hose Jamele Hill will be leaving the show and moving on to ESPN property The Undefeated.

Under the ESPN umbrella, The Undefeated focuses on the intertwining of sports, culture and race. Hill’s departure date is allegedly Friday, Feb. 2, sources told the Hollywood Reporter.

Hill, 42, was named the evening anchor on “SC6” this past February, along with former “His & Hers” podcast co-host, Michael Smith. The show was an attempt to broaden ESPN’s audience and get away from the traditional highlight show, but has not been a ratings breakout. Smith will reportedly host the show solo for the time being.

There is an old adage that says, the heart wants what it wants,” Hill said in a statement. “I started at ESPN 11 years ago as a columnist and while I have worn many hats in the time since, my true love always has been writing, reporting and commentary.

She said that “deep down” she knew her role at SportsCenter wasn’t her “calling.”

Hill will write columns, interview big-name athletes and host events and initiatives for The Undefeated. She’ll also do longform pieces for ESPN and provide commentary on various ESPN TV shows, radio programs and podcasts.

Hill’s exit from “SportsCenter,” on the eve of her one-year anniversary is another shakeup the already rocky network has experienced over the last 12 months.Following president John Skipper’s abrupt exit in December, Hill took to Twitter, championing her former boss.

“John Skipper is one of the finest people I’ve ever worked for,” Hill stated. “He’s been incredibly supportive throughout my career at ESPN. This isn’t company-speak. I seriously cannot express how much respect I have for him.”

As for Hill’s future, she will reportedly write for ESPN’s sister vertical and host town halls. She is one year into her four-year contract.

 

 

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