WTVT has released a statement on the departure of sports anchor and reporter Chris Field Saturday.
By the wording of the Tampa FOX owned station’s news director John Hoffman’s statement, it appears the decision to leave wasn’t Field’s.
“I want to thank Chris for her many years of service and dedication to the FOX 13 news team,” said Hoffman. “Her professionalism, creativity and passion will certainly be missed by our viewers. This decision was based on a restructuring of the sports department. We wish her well in all her future endeavors.”
“I’m grateful for all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with over the past 17 years at FOX 13 and in the community,” Field said in a prepared statement. “I’ve established relationships and friendships to last a lifetime. I appreciate the incredible sports events I’ve had the privilege to cover, and the inspirational stories I’ve had the honor to tell. I’m proud of our award-winning sports team at FOX 13 and wish my colleagues all the best. I have built my career and home here in Tampa Bay. I appreciate all the support as my family and I move into the next chapters of life in this wonderful community.”
According to her bio, Fields started at WTVT the same day the MLB Devil Rays were formed in the expansion draft, November 17, 1997.