Nick Friedell, a longtime journalist, is currently excelling as a senior writer at The Athletic, covering the Golden State Warriors and providing in-depth analysis of the NBA.
The Athletic senior writer has once again grabbed people’s attention with recent rumors claiming that he has been fired from his position.
Despite questions circulating online about whether he was “fired” from The Athletic, Friedell’s career span tells a different story.
He was never terminated for performance issues or misconduct.
Prior to this, Nick Friedell sparked rumors about being fired from ESPN, which were completely untrue.
His departure from ESPN in June 2023 was part of a large-scale, company-wide layoff aimed at reducing costs and streamlining operations, a move driven by financial decisions from ESPN and its parent company, Disney.
The rumors that Friedell had been fired largely stemmed from his absence from ESPN broadcasts and a particularly publicized clash with then-Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving in 2022.
The exchange, which went viral on social media, drew attention from fans and critics alike, leading some to speculate that Friedell’s reporting style or on-air commentary may have contributed to his exit.
However, insiders confirmed that his departure had nothing to do with his performance or controversies.
Instead, it occurred alongside roughly 20 other high-profile on-air personalities, including Jeff Van Gundy, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, and Steve Young, all of whom were part of ESPN’s effort to cut salaries for public-facing commentators and improve overall efficiency.
During this time, Friedell remained under contract until September 2023, continuing to receive his salary while off the air.
This is a standard practice for laid-off talent, ensuring financial security as they transition to new opportunities. Following the expiration of his ESPN contract, Friedell quickly joined The Athletic in late 2023, where he now covers the Warriors and continues to build his reputation as one of the NBA’s most trusted reporters.
Before his tenure at ESPN, Friedell graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, a program known for producing top-tier journalists.
He began his career in Chicago sports media, gradually making a name for himself as a knowledgeable and reliable voice on basketball reporting. At ESPN, he covered multiple NBA teams, including the Bulls, Warriors, and Nets, and appeared regularly on programs such as NBA Today, Get Up, and SportsCenter, as well as on ESPN 1000 radio.
Despite the high-profile nature of the layoffs and the online speculation, Friedell has not only recovered but thrived.
His move to The Athletic represents a continuation of his career at a national level, allowing him to focus on in-depth coverage, analysis, and storytelling that reaches a dedicated audience of NBA fans.
His reporting remains respected for its insight, accuracy, and clarity, proving that rumors of him being “fired” were unfounded.
The story of Nick Friedell’s career highlights a broader truth about modern sports media: layoffs, even of prominent figures, are often driven by corporate restructuring rather than individual performance.
In Friedell’s case, his transition from ESPN to The Athletic showcases adaptability, professionalism, and the enduring value of expertise in sports journalism.
As he continues to cover the Warriors and the NBA, Friedell’s work reinforces why he remains a trusted and influential voice in the basketball world.
Leave a Comment