ESPN's Norby Williamson out after nearly 40 years, months after Pat McAfee called out top exec for 'sabotage'

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ESPN has split with longtime executive Norby Williamson after nearly four decades with the network, a move that comes just months after popular sports analyst Pat McAfee called him out on air and accused him of "attempting to sabotage our program."

The New York Post first reported news of Williamson’s departure from the network on Friday. 

Norby Williamson during the 26th Annual Sports Emmy Awards - Press Room at Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. (Jemal Countess/WireImage)

Sources told the Post that Williamson – the executive senior vice president of studio and event production – was at odds with Burke Magnus, who was promoted to president of content in March 2023.  

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In an email sent to employees obtained by Fox News Digital, Magnus confirmed the split. 

"Norby Williamson will be leaving the company today after nearly 40 years of dedicated service," the note read. 

"During Norby’s career, he made significant contributions across many important roles within Content. Through his steadfast commitment and attention to detail, Norby has had a lasting impact on the sports fans’ experience. His wide-ranging influence includes SportsCenter, breaking news coverage, immense creativity within event and studio productions and diverse storytelling across various ESPN platforms."

Norby Williamson leads a staff meeting in the executive conference room of ESPN headquarters on Nov. 15, 2018. (Yana Paskova/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

A statement from Williamson was also sent to employees. 

"Almost 40 years ago in 1985, I was so very fortunate to be