June 20, 2018
@MollySullivanTV/Twitter
Molly Sullivan had covered the Philadelphia 76ers for the past six season for NBC Sports Philadelphia. She announced on Twitter on Tuesday that her contract was not being renewed by the network.
Sixers sideline reporter Molly Sullivan is the latest casualty at NBC Sports Philadelphia, the recently rebranded network formerly known as Comcast SportsNet.
Sullivan, who had been working Sixers games for the past six years — and finally got to cover a competitive team last year — said in a tweet that her contract was not being renewed by the network.
She said the network was moving in a new direction that doesn't include her.
After six years as the sideline reporter for the @sixers, I have been informed that @NBCSPhilly is moving in a ‘new direction’ that does not include me...heartbreaking. I plan to write more. (Soon). Until then, thank you all for the memories.
— Molly Sullivan (@MollySullivanTV) June 19, 2018
"We thank Molly for her work as our Sixers sideline reporter, and wish her the best in her next chapter," said Maureen Quilter, spokeswoman for NBC Sports Philadelphia. Quilter said the network would not provide additional comment.
Many of Sullivan's fans are bummed. She was praised on Twitter by fellow Sixers reporters and analysts, as well as the Philly fans who watched her interview players, coaches and celebrities at games for the past six years.
Not only is Molly great at what she does, she was kind, welcoming, and receptive to myself and other non-traditional media I know long before we deserved real credibility on this beat. Disappointed in this news to say the least. https://t.co/N1I2y3i608
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) June 19, 2018
From the moment I got on the beat, Molly was always really great to me. So bummed to hear this. https://t.co/XVD7GE2Hcc
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) June 20, 2018
.@MollySullivanTV was one of the first persons I met on the #Sixers beat. She has always been a professional, a great reporter and an even better friend on the beat. My favorite UNC Tar Heel will definitely be missed.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 20, 2018
Molly Sullivan had to deal with garbage for years and then when they are about to ascend NBC did her dirty. Not cool.
— G.R.U.G. (@jgviaswp) June 19, 2018
I don’t want to live in a world where Molly Sullivan doesn’t report sixers games
— Brañdoń Wêāver (@IBWEAVEicanfly) June 20, 2018
Molly Sullivan is awesome at her job. What a shitty move by Comcast
— Burner SZN (@MJK_NY31) June 20, 2018
This Really Bummed Me Out. Molly Sullivan Is Great At What She Does. She Knows The Game And The Sixers As Well As Anyone. Deserves A Call From ESPN And TNT Honestly. https://t.co/QhnUGATobb
— Mark Robertson (@On_The_Mark_) June 20, 2018
Disappointing. To be here during all the losing, Molly Sullivan deserved to stay and see this team reach the top. https://t.co/cv47Qyv7sA
— Neville (@Neville215) June 20, 2018
Molly Sullivan is the best in the business. Total professional and articulated NBS Sports Philly is making a major mistake. Thanks for your professionalism, Molly. We’ll miss your reports. https://t.co/5PnZFasxlO
— Séamus Doyle (@saintseamus) June 20, 2018
NBC Sports Philadelphia has been cleaning house, so to speak, for the better part of two years as the network tries to find its identity in a rapidly changing sports media landscape. The most recent reporters and hosts to be shown the door include Marshall Harris, Dei Lynam and Tim Panaccio.
Others like John Gonzalez, Sarah Baicker and Jillian Mele, have bounced on their own accord to pursue other opportunities.
It's not clear who will be taking over sideline duties for Sixers games, although if the network decides to go in house, Sixers reporter Jessica Camerato seems like the most obvious option.
