Report: Michael Smith is Out as ‘SportsCenter’ Host

His last day will be Friday after 13 months on the job.

Michael Smith Reaches Buyout With ESPN
Michael Smith and Jemele Hill host a show before the 2017 NBA Finals. (Jesse Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty)

On the heels of his former co-host Jemele Hill’s departure from the show, Michael Smith is also out as host of “SportsCenter” on ESPN.

The move is effective immediately, as Smith’s last day hosting the show will be Friday, Sports Illustrated was first to report.

The departure of both Smith and Hill means the “SC6” edition of the popular highlights show – which was intended to be a mix of both sports and culture – which ESPN launched last February could be done after approximately 13 months.

It’s also possible ESPN will elect to keep the intended format of the show and simply install new hosts. Sage Steele and John Anderson, both of whom currently anchor different “SportsCenter” editions, are in the running as potential replacements, according to The New York Post.

Hill still works for ESPN as a writer for The Undefeated and, since he still has multiple years left on his contract with the company, it’s anticipated Smith will be reassigned to a new role as well.

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