"Probably an exhausting role": NBA fans weigh in on Adrian Wojnarowski reportedly leaving $20 million on the table to retire
Adrian Wojnarowski saved his biggest and perhaps most surprising “Woj Bomb” for Wednesday. The longtime sports journalist announced his retirement on X, formerly Twitter, with news that promptly sent shockwaves to basketball circles. Most were waiting for his next surprise as NBA teams start training camp in a few weeks before the jaw-dropping story came out.
“The Athletic” reported that Wojnarowski’s contract with ESPN starting in 2022 was $7.5 million annually for five years. He left roughly $20 million to become the general manager of St. Bonaventure University in New York, his alma mater.
Fans on X reacted to the amount of money Adrian Wojnarowski could have earned had he let his contract play out:
“Probably an exhausting role, I’m sure him and his family are well off. Best of luck to him and the next phase of his career.”
One fan predicted the sportscaster’s future:
“He’s not retiring. He’s just on a detour and trying another project. He’ll be back.”
@GangCeltics tried to guess who would benefit from that money on the table:
“Shams [Charania] about to pick that up”
Another fan concluded why Adrian Wojnarowski was willing to give up the $20 million:
“I'm sure Woj made millions already.”
Adam Schefter, one of Wojnarowski’s colleagues at ESPN probably described best the veteran journalist’s reason for leaving:
"He wanted his life back. He didn't want to have to work on holidays. He didn't want to be away from more family gatherings. ... That was a life he chose not to do any longer because it takes over your life. ... You have to live the job and he was done living the job."
From one of the most publicized and lucrative jobs, St. Bonaventure's athletic director Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski's work "entry-level" in an interview with Samantha Croston. Beretta added that the famous sportswriter is doing it to "make a difference in people's lives."
Adrian Wojnarowski and Isaac Okoro will be linked forever
Before the “Woj Bomb” about himself came out, Adrian Wojnarowski’s final breaking news involved Isaac Okoro. The former ESPN reporter tweeted:
“Okoro agrees to a 3-year, $38 million deal with the Cavs”
Only “Woj” knew that would be his last surprise before staggering the sports world with his retirement. In just a few words, the legendary reporter and the Cleveland Cavaliers' small forward will be linked forever.
Isaac Okoro even responded to Adrian Wojnarowski’s post:
“Last Woj Bomb”
ESPN is reportedly still looking for Wojnarowski’s replacement. When NBA fans think of the next “Woj Bomb,” which will never happen, Isaac Okoro’s name will inevitably come up.