ESPN journalist and personality Jemele Hill is reportedly leaving ESPN at the beginning of September, according to media reporter James Miller.
The network bought out her reported $2.5 million per year contract, ending the longstanding relationship between Hill and the network. Although at times their connection appeared to be rocky due to differing views, Miller tweeted that the departure is said to be “amicable.”
jamesmiller on Twitter
Coming 9/1 an amicable departure / buyout for @jemelehill from @espn Been a long time coming #JemeleHill #ESPN
The writing on the wall may have been written nearly one year ago. Sept. 11, 2017, was the day Hill tweeted her justified take on Donald Trump by calling him a white supremacist. Although the then-network president, John Skipper didn’t fire her for breaking the company’s social media rules, even after the White House wanted him to, it was clear that ESPN was no longer a home for her.
Over time, Hill has utilized her platform not only to speak on sports but to also discuss politics and social issues that affect the black community. ESPN was never going to allow her to freely continue this since they’ve worked so hard to avoid being labeled a “liberal network.”
Richard Deitsch on Twitter
As first reported by @JimMiller, @jemelehill is leaving ESPN. She approached management. Hill and @KelleyLCarter have a production company — Lodge Freeway Media — so that will be part of her post-ESPN world. She leaves ESPN in September after wrapping up some stuff.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Hill gets involved more with politics or finds a home that will appreciate the opinions that she has in this climate. Either way, whoever gets her is going to have one special powerhouse on their team.
