This is developing this evening. First, The Big Lead and SportsbyBrooks both learned that long-time ESPN’er Dana Jacobsen is leaving the network. Dana first joined ESPNews in 2002 then in 2005 became a co-host of ESPN2’s morning show, called Cold Pizza produced in New York, then First Take produced out of Bristol, CT.
At the end of last year, Dana announced that she was leaving First Take to pursue different opportunities at ESPN which included co-anchoring SportsCenter and subbing on the daily edition of Outside the Lines.
Breaking News:I’m leaving @ESPN_FirstTake! Last day, Friday.Ready 2 get back 2 intvws/breakin news.SportsCenter/other shows here I come! : )
— Dana Jacobson (@djacobsonespn) December 26, 2011
But today, it was learned that Jacobsen has left ESPN and it’s speculated that she could be joining NFL Network as a host.
ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys put out this 23 word tweet confirming that Dana has left the Alleged Worldwide Leader.
ESPN offered Dana Jacobson an extension and she decided to pursue new opportunities. Thanks for 10 years and we wish her the best.
— Mike Soltys (@espnmikes) March 28, 2012
Jacobsen becomes the first of this year’s free agent crop to leave ESPN. The network still has to sign Scott Van Pelt, Erin Andrews and Michelle Beadle.
Some thoughts on this will come later tonight.
