Adrian Wojnarowski’s stunning ESPN departure marks the end of an era, and his colleagues at the Worldwide Leader are pouring their hearts out with tributes on social media.
Stephen A. Smith, who hosts “First Take” and worked with Wojnarowski on “NBA Countdown,” said he’s “devastated,” while “Get Up” host Mike Greenberg declared no one could ever replace the NBA insider.
The tributes came shortly after Wojnarowski, 55, announced Wednesday he was leaving ESPN after seven years as the company’s top NBA news-breaker for a job as the general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure, his alma mater in western New York.
“Devastated! What a loss for us here at ESPN,” Smith wrote on X. “The absolute best in the business, my man @wojespn. I’m gonna miss you, Buddy!”
Taking to X, Greenberg wrote, “No one ever has or ever could do a job in this industry better than our dear friend. Congratulations on one of the great runs of all time, and very best wishes for good luck in this exciting new chapter.”
“SportsCenter” anchor Elle Duncan gushed Wednesday she’s a fan of the Bonnies now.
“Just so we’re clear. Woj was an EXCELLENT insider. The BEST,” ESPN “SportsCenter” Duncan said in a post on X. “But I love the friend who sent baby gifts, who snagged DU gear for my parents b/c he knew they went there and who would ALWAYS send a note of support at EXACTLY the time u needed it.
“He is the most thoughtful man and friend and I’m honored to know him. GO BONNIES @wojespn .. ur my teammate for life!”
In his social media announcement Wednesday, Wojnarowski shared he decided to “make a life change” and leave ESPN, where he had worked since 2017.
He included “-30-” in his caption, which ESPN NFL analyst Kimberley A. Martin explained in a tribute to him on X.
“-30- is how we end our written stories,” Martin wrote. “Helluva run. Hall of Fame journalism career.
“Selfishly, I’ll miss his but congrats to @wojespn for ending *his* story on his terms.”
In his final “Woj Bomb” — a term created to describe his breaking news stories — Wojnarowski said it was time to go back to a team of his own.
“The craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” Wojnarowski said. “I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.
“… After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.”
St. Bonaventure athletics confirmed the news and welcomed Wojnarowski back after he was a 1991 graduate from the Jandoli School of Communication.
ESPN could target NBA insiders Shams Charania and Chris Haynes as possible replacements for Wojnarowski, according to Front Office Sports.
The NBA sent well wishes to Wojnarowski on a “well-earned next chapter,” including a smiling photo of the veteran journalist.
“He’s been an integral part of our league for decades and we wish him all the best in his new venture. Sources close to the situation say that his future is bright,” the league said.