Here's something we didn't expect to say this year: Mark Jones is moving on from ESPN.
Since joining ESPN in 1990, Jones has called countless NBA and college football games. He's also hosted "SportsCenter" as well as the NBA's top events. Prior to landing this incredible gig with ESPN, he worked for The Sports Network in Toronto, Canada.
"Jones hosted the network’s SportsCenter coverage of the NBA Finals from 1991-96 and 2007-10 and called play-by-play for the 2011 NBA Finals for ESPN 3D," his bio for ESPN states. "He has also hosted ESPN’s coverage of NBA All-Star events, the NBA Draft Lottery, and has contributed to the network’s NBA Draft coverage. Jones previously hosted ESPN’s NBA Today and on occasion served as an anchor/reporter on SportsCenter."
Unfortunately for ESPN viewers, all good things must come to an end. It has just been revealed that Jones is leaving the network after a 36-year run.
The Athletic's Andrew Marchand just reported that Jones' last broadcast with ESPN will be this Sunday.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Tributes pour in for Mark Jones
Judging by the initial reactions to this news, NBA fans will miss hearing Jones call games for the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
"I always felt he was underrated and undervalued," one fan said. "Big loss for ESPN."
"Man. What a career Mark Jones had," a second fan commented. "Always enjoyed his calls on ESPN. From the NBA to college football and much more. He will be missed!"
"Wow why would this happen right before the playoffs," another fan wrote on social media.
It's unclear if Jones is retiring or pursuing another job. Regardless, he deserves a round of applause for all the work he's done over the years.
