Dan Le Batard is exiting ESPN in January

The Big Lead

The longtime host of ESPN Radio's The Dan Le Batard Show will depart along with his dad Papi (Gonzalo Le Batard) on Jan. 4, while his afternoon show Highly Questionable will continue without him. “It was mutually agreed that it was best for both sides to move on to new opportunities and we worked together closely to make that possible,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president and executive editor. “We thank Dan for his many years and contributions to ESPN and wish him all the best going forward.” Le Batard said in his own statement: “Gracias to ESPN for unleashing Papi and Stugotz upon an unsuspecting America, and for lending its substantive credibility to our careening clown car. Can’t believe Stugotz finally achieved his dream of becoming a high-priced free agent.” The New York Post reported last month that Le Batard and ESPN were headed toward a breakup after ESPN "blindsided" him by including one of his producers, Chris Cote, as part of its layoffs. Le Batard later announced he'd rehire Cote as a personal assistant.