The social media activity of ESPN NFL analyst Marcus Spears has left some fans confused in the wake of the network’s stunning layoffs Friday.
After The Post’s Andrew Marchand reported that ESPN was laying off around 20 on-air personalities, including Stan Van Gundy and Jalen Rose, among other top talents, Spears took to Twitter and shared a sad face.
In a separate tweet, the former NFL player — who currently serves as an analyst on “NFL Live” — wrote, “For my former colleagues family,” along with a folded-hands emoji.
The messages apparently caused some to believe that Spears had been part of ESPN’s latest wave of layoffs.
Spears later clarified that he is still employed at the network.
“Family my apologies my post wasn’t about me,” Spears wrote in a follow-up message. “I see some people I know personally being let go and that was my emotion. I’m still with ESPN.”
Spears also verified his employment status at ESPN in several tweet replies to those who expressed concern.
The television personality noted in a separate post how his tweet with the sad face emoji was in regard to his co-workers, adding, “Hate to see it man.”
ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark, who is part of the “NFL Live” crew, also issued a response to the layoffs.
“Today sucks man,” Clark, a former Super Bowl champion safety, tweeted.
“So many good humans dealing with lay offs at ESPN today. Hope they all land on a cloud.”
ESPN NFL analyst and radio host Keyshawn Johnson, who has appeared on “NFL Live” with Spears, was part of Friday’s layoffs.
Everything to know about ESPN Layoffs
On Friday, ESPN began the latest round of its layoffs, with several big names among the expect 20 on-air personalities being let go.
Network stalwarts Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Matt Hasselbeck, Steve Young and Todd McShay were some of the biggest names let go of by ESPN.
It marked the third round of layoffs by the “Worldwide Leader,” with the previous two focusing on behind-the-scenes workers.
The massive layoffs come as part of mandates from parent company Disney, which announced earlier this year that around 7,000 jobs would be eliminated.
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In addition to Van Gundy, Rose, and Johnson, Max Kellerman and Suzy Kolber have also been let go.
“SportsCenter” anchor Ashley Brewer and NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay are also out at the network.
Friday’s news comes on the heels of Pat McAfee’s $85 million deal to move from FanDuel to ESPN, which Marchand reported in May.
McAfee joined ESPN’s “College Gameday” as a full-time analyst in the 2022 season on a multiyear agreement, the network announced in September.
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