Top Executive Rob King Out at ESPN

Rob King, one of the most powerful executives at ESPN for the last decade, is leaving the company.

The New York Post, which first reported his departure, said ESPN fired King after he was accused of harassment. 

“The harassment allegations were due to social media posts, which were brought to the attention of ESPN’s Human Resources,” wrote the Post. 

King, ESPN’s executive editor at large, special projects, confirmed his departure on Twitter. But he made it sound like his decision.

“After nearly 20 years with ESPN, I have decided the time is right for me to leave the company,” wrote King. “ I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, and wish the company continued success.”

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King was long one of the most prominent power players at ESPN’s Bristol headquarters for many years, running critical editorial operations like “SportsCenter,” ESPN.com., ESPN Films, and the 30 for 30 documentary series.

But King’s star dimmed internally after the failure of “SC6” with co-anchors Jemele Hill and Michael Smith in 2018. Both Hill and Smith eventually left ESPN. 

In 2020, King was shifted sideways into an “at-large” role. He also oversaw the ESPY Awards. The former newspaper editor joined ESPN in 2004 before rising rapidly.

King’s departure comes as ESPN braces for another painful round of layoffs in the coming weeks. 

The cutbacks are part of Disney chief executive officer Bob Iger’s strategy to slash 7,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in cost savings worldwide

ESPN declined to comment Tuesday night.