Remembering Top ESPN Personalities

Some of your favorite personalities may be looking for a new home.

I’ve watched ESPN pretty much from its inception. I’ve seen lots of anchors and personalities come and go. ESPN is currently letting go of a lot of on-air talent as the parent company, Disney, cuts payroll. Some very recognizable names are included, such as Steven Young, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose and Suzy Kolber. I will miss some of the cuts more than others.

The layoffs got me to thinking about ESPN anchors and personalities of days gone by. I’ve put together a list of my favorites. But a special shoutout to someone not on my list.

Kari Dombrowski, wife of Detroit Tigers GM, Dave Dombroski. Kari Ross, as she was then known, was the networks third female on-air personality. I remember seeing her, and frankly wasn’t blown air by her work. I remember thinking she didn’t seem comfortable.

After reading some stuff about the ESPN workplace, I could see why. Sexism was rampant to a disturbing degree. It seems that during a staff meeting, Ross had the courage to address the situation on behalf of female workers. That seems on of the most noteworthy actions of any ESPN personality. Now, on to the list.

10: Bob Ley: Bob was a solid, no-nonsense guy who did a solid job on Sports Center, and he did some great work on ‘Outside the Lines.” Ley had perhaps the most gravitas of any ESPN personality. Bob was known for his honesty. He might have been even higher on this list if he had seemed like he…