Rumour - Now Confirmed - Jeff Marek Leaving Sportsnet

[activeStick]

Jeff Marek is a huge talent and if true, yet another big loss for SN hockey broadcasts.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1816478548078862721

https://twitter.com/user/status/1816499144095158771

[cam_calderon]

Just get some kid out of SAIT. Marek is nothing special.

[Toonage]

What does "unconfirmed draft reasons" mean?

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by cam_calderon

Just get some kid out of SAIT. Marek is nothing special.

Marek is far and away the best personality at Sportsnet right now.

If he is truly leaving, I don't think there is anyone at Sportsnet that I actually *like* now.

[transplant99]

Yeah he is one of the real solid broadcasters left, even if he drives me nuts when opining about things no one cares about.

Does great interviews, knows all the movers and shakers in the game, and is a perfect yin to Friedmans yang.

Really unfortunate if true.

[Paulie Walnuts]

When is the media rights up for Rogers?

I guess the NHL wanted the security but 12 year deals should never be done again. The whole thing went down the toilet after a few seasons.

[cam_calderon]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Yeah he is one of the real solid broadcasters left, even if he drives me nuts when opining about things no one cares about.

Tried listening to a couple 32 Thoughts episodes and it was just this for a good portion of the show.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Toonage

What does "unconfirmed draft reasons" mean?

Something happened at the draft. The 32 thoughts podcast went silent after the draft. Not even an episode about free agency on July 1 or after.

[Torture]

Originally Posted by Toonage

What does "unconfirmed draft reasons" mean?

It means nothing, but also anything, at the same time.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Something happened at the draft. The 32 thoughts podcast went silent after the draft. Not even an episode about free agency on July 1 or after.

There was also a weird only Elliott version of it. That was the last one.

[Erick Estrada]

Maybe he could no longer stomach pumping the Oilers tires? Seriously though who is jonah? Marek seems intertwined in RSN's hockey coverage so big news if true. I kind of grew to like his radio show.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Maybe he could no longer stomach pumping the Oilers tires? Seriously though who is jonah? Marek seems intertwined in RSN's hockey coverage so big news if true. I kind of grew to like his radio show.

Local Toronto blogger/insider/Leaf guy IIRC.

[bluejays]

I have a long history with getting annoyed at Marek, because to me he was super hokey, and his life revolved around hockey, and nonsense I didn’t care to hear in silly banter with Friedman. But truly I hope it’s for a better opportunity vs a dispute.

Truth be told though, the timing of it is suspect. Guessing there was a dispute and rights to the podcast ownership are in question. Just my guess.

[Erick Estrada]

I hope all is well for him and this is just a professional parting of the ways and not an incident thing.

[activeStick]

I really liked Marek as a host but I do acknowledge he probably wasn't everyone's cup of tea. I appreciated how he was a hockey Wiki and seemingly had stories for everyone in Canadian hockey, amateur or pro.

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Something happened at the draft. The 32 thoughts podcast went silent after the draft. Not even an episode about free agency on July 1 or after.

This struck me as odd as well. If I’m not mistaken, they would typically do a season wrap up episode, usually two hours or so and basically say they were going offline but would provide emergency pod’s when something big hit.

I was always a bit Luke warm on Marek. He has exceptional knowledge and is certainly talented as a host but his quirky-ness was tough to listen to in most instances. I would listen to every podcast but shut it down once we got to the Montana’s thought line. Couldn’t care less what shoulder pads Glen Anderson wore in 1983.

I also know the Barn Burner guys aren’t fans of Marek either. In the morning show days, they would sometimes mention Marrk would big time them and not partake in the show when invited.

[SuperMatt18]

Hmm that "unconfirmed draft reasons" thing sounds a bit suspicious

[howard_the_duck]

Met him at an industry event about 6 years ago. Awesome guy and had some just good honest hockey chats with him. Was his job but you could just tell he was a hockey nut.

My fav personality at SN and it’s not close. Big loss if true.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Hmm that "unconfirmed draft reasons" thing sounds a bit suspicious

The date of this really tells me it’s a contract situation. Elliott mentioned once that they have to negotiate their contracts (vs being full timers). If it was a contract expiry and he demanded more money, especially this being start of summer, it aligns to a contract situation.

Sportsnet has a bunch of amateur people but I do like Kypreos and team, Botterill, Hrudy and Bieksa. But something about so many of the personalities seem forced. I just want normal people talking to me. Not guys who are overly passionate. It’s not authentic.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by bluejays

The date of this really tells me it’s a contract situation. Elliott mentioned once that they have to negotiate their contracts (vs being full timers). If it was a contract expiry and he demanded more money, especially this being start of summer, it aligns to a contract situation.

if that were the case, Jonah would just say so. He wouldn't use unconfirmed draft reasons. He would just say the contract wasn't renewed.