Sportscaster Mark Jones announced on April 10 that he is leaving ESPN after 36 years following an April 12 NBA game
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“It’s been a memorable journey these decades with the ABC/ESPN family, but I have decided that it’s time to move on,” he wrote in his announcement on Instagram
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ESPN said in a statement to PEOPLE they’re “grateful for Mark's countless contributions and we wish him continued success"
Mark Jones is leavingESPNafter 36 years.
On Friday, April 10, the sportscaster, 64, announced that he would be working his last event for ESPN on Sunday, April 12, when the Orlando Magic take on the Boston Celtics at Boston’s TD Garden.
“It’s been a memorable journey these decades with the ABC/ESPN family, but I have decided that it’s time to move on,” Jones wrote onInstagramalongside several throwback photos from his time working at ESPN.
He added, “From the day Dennis Swanson hired me in 1990 and working with the best producer in the business Kim Belton, until today I will forever be grateful for the many friends and colleagues along the way.”
“As I move on to my next chapter I believe my best work is yet to come,” he continued. “I’ll be out there cookin’ hotter than fish grease!”
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After joining ESPN in 1990, Jones has worked a variety of assignments for the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” — including serving as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s NBA, college finals and UFL coverage.
“Mark has made an enduring impact at ESPN since 1990, serving as a signature voice primarily within our NBA and college football coverage and across nearly all of our platforms,” ESPN wrote in a statement to PEOPLE. “We’re grateful for Mark's countless contributions and we wish him continued success."
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In addition to hosting the network’sSportsCentercoverage of the NBA Finals earlier in his career and calling play-by-play for the 2011 NBA Finals, the Toronto native has also hosted ESPN’s coverage of all NBA All-Star events, the NBA Draft Lottery and has contributed to the network’s NBA Draft coverage, perESPN.
Before joining ESPN and ABC Sports, Jones worked from 1986 to 1990 as the sports desk anchor for The Sports Network and the host of a Toronto Blue Jays magazine show in Canada.
Read the original article onPeople