Former NFL player and longtime ESPN analyst Ryan Clark has been laid off by the network after more than a decade, learning of the decision while live on air during an episode of NFL Live.
Clark, 46, appeared on Monday's broadcast but left early after being informed his role had been terminated.
His exit is part of a broader round of layoffs announced on Tuesday, July 21.
Sources told PEOPLE that ESPN management notified Clark mid-broadcast because internal leaks raised concerns he might hear the news through unofficial channels.
"This wasn't supposed to happen this way," an insider said. "Layoffs were supposed to be told to employees impacted today, something was leaked."
The cuts follow months of organisational reviews after ESPN integrated newly acquired NFL media assets.
Staff were informed via a memo from ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, who noted that management had to make difficult decisions about job impacts to best position the company for the future.
"Over the past several months, we've made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN," Pitaro wrote, adding that the strength of the network remains in its people and shared mission.
Other high-profile figures affected include veteran broadcaster Karl Ravech and NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The restructuring impacts both on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staff at ESPN's Bristol, Connecticut headquarters and NFL Network.
Clark later addressed his exit on social media, reflecting on his 11-year tenure while expressing optimism.
"Proof of Life," Clark wrote. "Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work. The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues."
He added that his peace is with God and he will continue building himself up so the world can never strip him of what is real.