Former Bucs and Gibbs High quarterback Shaun King has been let go from his broadcasting job at ESPN. In a statement, ESPN said, “We have decided to go in a different direction. We thank Shaun for his contributions and wish him the best.”
King played for the Bucs from 1999 to 2004 and, as a starter, led the Bucs to two postseason appearances, including NFC Championship Game in the 1999 season. After bouncing around the NFL, the arena league and the CFL, King took a job with ESPN in 2007 as a pro and college football analyst.
King was outspoken, opinionated and honest and that, you would think, would go a long way in making a good television analyst. However, ESPN apparently wasn't pleased with his performance.
Tom Jones doesn't sing "It's Not Unusual'' or shake his hips (well, unless you're willing to pay cash), but he does have plenty to say about sports. If it's funny, crazy, weird, irreverent or worth arguing, Tom has his opinions. So pull up a chair and get his two cents -- and give him your two cents, as well.
E-mail Tom Jones:
You have to toe the "company line" to keep your job nowadays. Your opinion is noted but it counts for nothing, so you can't say it! No rights for the individual. What a shame! Good luck to you Shaun.
Posted by: J | October 30, 2009 at 03:50 PM
only saw 1 game Shaun did and he did a great job. I wonder who's toes he stepped on? ESPN has the market when it comes to lousy play by play announcers.
Posted by: TriplePlay | October 30, 2009 at 07:19 PM
please tell me difler is next!!!
Posted by: Chris | October 30, 2009 at 07:22 PM
dilfer*
Posted by: Chris | October 30, 2009 at 07:22 PM
when is joe waller gonna chime in on this topic?
Posted by: SaintBobbyBowden | October 30, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Well to be honest I think they lost a hell of an employee....
Posted by: gotti | October 31, 2009 at 12:44 AM
How can King be let go while Dilfer remains? Reveals a lot about ESPN, no?
Posted by: mockdraught | November 01, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I just saw Shaun do a college game a few weeks ago and thought he did a solid job. He always seemed like a nice, genuine guy too. I wonder what happened.
Posted by: Greg | November 01, 2009 at 02:45 PM
That's bizarre. I thought Shaun King was doing a tremendous job. He was thoughtful and not quick to jump on bandwagons. Maybe in this age of politically correct "yes men," that didn't fly. I thought he never really got a chance as a qb, and now this. Still, though, I have to believe there's something out there for Shaun King. His style as a broadcaster reminded me of Greg Anthony--another independent thinker who I believe does a great job. Same with Kirk Herbstreit. I don't get it. Sometimes ESPN's a little wormy. Maybe he didn't use the phrase "dialed up" enough. Crazy. Hang in there, Shaun! You're the real deal, Buddy! True fans like me enjoy hearing an honest, unbiased, thoughtful opinion every now and then!
Posted by: The Truth | November 03, 2009 at 01:13 PM