Marcus Spears spoke candidly Monday about the current state of affairs at ESPN, which began its first round of layoffs this week.
In a post shared on Twitter, Spears — who recently agreed to a four-year, multi-million dollar deal with the network — expressed gratitude for his “blessing,” but made it clear “it’s not lost on [him]” how devastating this time is for some of his ESPN colleagues.
“In the middle of my blessing at @espn I’m grateful but also I know some of my colleagues will be laid off today and the upcoming days. It’s not lost on me that they will be impacted in a very tough way. I hope it’s short before you all bounce back even better,” Spears wrote before signing off with his nickname, “Swagu.”
Spears, a former NFL defensive, is a prominent fixture on “NFL Live,” “First Take,” and “Get Up.”
He also has a podcast with former NBA star-turned-media personality Kendrick Perkins.
ESPN’s layoffs are part of a cost-cutting plan spearheaded by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who said earlier this year the company is looking to slash 7,000 jobs.
Sources have told The Post’s Andrew Marchand this week’s dismissals will not include “talent” or on-air personalities.
Further, the network is looking to tighten its belt for those in the near or at-seven-figures ballpark.
Mike Soltys, the vice president of communications who has been with the network since 1979, was part of Monday’s layoffs.
“My final statement as ESPN Spokesperson: 43 Amazing Years,” Soltys tweeted. “Wow. We wish him well.”
Stephen A. Smith, late-night “SportsCenter” host Scott Van Pelt, and the “Monday Night Football” booth of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are regarded as “talent” that’s untouchable, Marchand reported in March.