Analyst Sean Salisbury Parts Ways with ESPN

Sean Salisbury has left his job as an ESPN personality and been replaced by Cris Carter. There has been speculation as to whether this was mutual between the two parties. Salisbury worked for ESPN for 12 years before asking for a seven figure salary. ESPN responded harshly with a no and fired him. However, Salisbury claims that he "knew this was coming."

Salisbury felt that it was extremely unfair to be paid less for being an analyst because in his mind he was not an NFL superstar like some of his colleagues. He also told the LA Times, "Analysts who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch a football."

Salisbury's complaint is a legitimate one. Why is it fair that because one man set records in the NFL he should be paid a higher salary as an analyst? Some of the best instructors and coaches are not the most talented athletes. The same goes for the opposite: just because one player is a star at his sport does not mean he can explain how to perform to that level. Perhaps he just has great instincts or phenomenal natural talent.

The ability of a man in his playing days should not have any effect on future jobs that he tries to obtain. The people that work the hardest and perform the best in their particular job deserve to be rewarded. It was probably very insulting for Salisbury to hear he was replaced by Carter. Not to disrespect Carter, as he is an outstanding analyst too, but it is clear that he had a much more successful career in the NFL. Possibly ESPN feels that viewers can connect more with superstars as compared to a Sean Salisbury type. However, from Salsibury's perspective, he did everything he was asked and still did not receive what he deserved. Policies need to be instituted so that future analysts are not forced out of their jobs because a better athlete is ready to steal it.

There are many viewers that loved Salisbury's fiery personality. He was very opinionated while with ESPN as a personality. Some of his most heated arguments came when he was put on SportsCenter with John Clayton.

On a final note, Salisbury claims to already have at least two offers: one with FSN and a non-sports role with CBS.