Copyright Staten Island Advance
ESPN reporter Jenna Laine, who covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is unfortunately being forced to step away from her role for a period of time due to a health issue. Laine announced Sunday night that she is having back surgery on Monday and is unsure when she will be able to resume her coverage of the NFL. “I wanted to wait until after the game so I could give it my full attention, but I’m having back surgery tomorrow,“ Laine posted on X. ”I did everything I could to buy time until after the season but I’ve exhausted all other options, and the longer I wait, the more I run the risk of permanent nerve damage." Laine covered Tampa Bay’s loss to the Patriots on Sunday. She plans to resume her coverage at some point but is unsure when that will take place. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but a big thank you to those who got word already and have sent well wishes. THANK YOU!” she continued. “I’m immensely grateful to you, to my family, my colleagues at ESPN, the Bucs and to my fellow reporters on the beat here in Tampa. I’ll be back.” Jenna Laine has been at ESPN since 2016. In addition to providing daily coverage of the Buccaneers, she also appears on ESPN radio and ESPN TV programs. Prior to joining the World Wide Leaders in Sports, Laine hosted a sports talk show in Tampa. She has also worked as a sideline reporter for USF and written stories for USA Today.
