2012 ArticlesBy Ben Koo on

The two identical tweets from ESPN PR shortly after the SI article seems to confirm that Andrews is leaving ESPN with confirmation of her destination unknown. Clearly, Richard Deitsch’s SI report implies Fox will be her landing place. 

The Big Lead was skeptical about the late breaking news of Fox’s interest thinking it was to get some late leverage in discussions.

Clearly it looks as if ESPN called the bluff as they’ve now bowed out of the Erin Andrews sweepstakes. It is an uncharacteristicly swift reaction from ESPN, who may have taken the planting of the SI Andrews story as being the last straw. If you recall, CBS and Fox had a week of negotiations find their way to the press in regards to Gus Johnson which also led to Johnson defecting to Fox.

In cases like Andrews and Johnson, you have to think the leaking of the negotiations is most likely an attempt to get their current employer to come up to match another offer on the table.

ESPN didn’t want to play ball and didn’t like the usage of SI as a negotiating ploy. They’ve officially walked away as both ESPN employees met in the Bristol emergency bunker, turned their dual “let’s break big news with a synced verbatim tweet” and hit the button.

Still yet to be hashed out questions (assuming EA is indeed headed to Fox) include – will Andrews still primarily work with college sports and join the Gus Johnson and Charles Davis crew? Also, will she have an expanded role with Fox outside of sports? Another big question is who will replace Erin Andrews at ESPN? This is a big story in the media world and its implications are only beginning. Perhaps Fox will be launching their own pre game show?

Some more insight from Jim Miller:

About Ben Koo

Owner and editor of @AwfulAnnouncing. Recovering Silicon Valley startup guy. Fan of Buckeyes, A's, dogs, naps, tacos. and the old AOL dialup sounds

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