ESPN's Bob Ley extends his leave of absence

The Big Lead

The venerable sports anchor, who joined ESPN three days after its launch in 1979, had originally scheduled his sabbatical from October through March. “Bob Ley has decided to extend his time away from Outside the Lines,” an ESPN spokesperson tells The Big Lead in a statement. “We look forward to Bob’s return when he will add to his unprecedented list of accomplishments built during his nearly 40 years and counting at ESPN. Outside the Lines will continue with hosts Ryan Smith and Jeremy Schaap.”