Donnovan Bennett Out At Sportsnet

Donnovan Bennett has shared news that he's no longer at Sportsnet. Here's his post on the app formerly known as Twitter.

Jam done.

After a combined 17 years at The Score and Sportsnet, my chapter at Rogers Sports and Media has come to a close.

Although there’s still much I’m hoping to accomplish, I’m filled with gratitude for the stories I’ve been able to tell. The producers that aired them, the editors who improved them, and of course the athletes, coaches, executives and administrators who trusted me enough to let me have a hand in telling theirs.

I’m invigorated to be a free agent for the first time in my career and to be able to explore new opportunities, one of which is right around the corner. I can’t wait to share more soon but I’m most excited to get lost in the creative process and the work, as the journey is more rewarding than the destination.

In considering my journey, I’ll be honest and say that my path in the industry so far has been defined by the “arrival fallacy.” As a former athlete and forever competitive person, I’ve always been chasing the next milestone. In media it’s been: an on-air role, full-time employment, more money, landing bigger interviews, growing audience numbers, and of course, recognition. The feeling of accomplishment was satisfying but fleeting, since any sense of achievement immediately transitioned into a passion for the next thing I was destined to chase. As I reflect on what’s been the most meaningful, it’s the skills developed out of necessity when nobody was checking for me, the connections made with those looking to build community, the topics I’ve been fortunate enough to be educated on and help others learn about, and the self confidence that comes after attacking hurdles with blinders on, even in moments of self doubt.

It’s with that energy and clarity I move forward, and hope to help others do the same… because hopefully, my true legacy at @Sportsnet will be the “Recognize Game” BIPOC mentorship program I started in 2020. The program has already created a pipeline of talented new members in the industry that I can’t wait to watch flourish.

I’m incredibly proud of all we did and the accolades we’ve received, including two @AmnestyInternational media awards, a Lester B. Pearson award, Ted @Rogers award, Black Excellence award, @RTDNA_Canada Canada award and the Canadian Podcast award for best sports podcast.

But as @shaiglalex famously said “there are more things on my list I want to check off.”

Thanks for consuming and caring all these years. I’ve been blessed greater than I deserve.

Donnovan Bennett has been my guest on Toronto Mike'd three times. Here's his initial #deepdive, our episode with Garvia Bailey about being Black in Toronto, and his visit to the TMDS studio to kick out the jams.

Here's wishing a good guy and great broadcaster well.