Washington Post CEO Will Lewis encountered widespread criticism after being seen on the red carpet at the NFL Honors event in San Francisco, just days after the company announced significant layoffs, including drastic cuts to its sports department. The controversy unfolds amid growing tension over the direction of the news outlet and its priorities during a time of staff reductions.
Recent Changes to The Washington Post’s Sports Coverage
In a move that surprised many, The Washington Post revealed plans to downsize its sports coverage, a department that has been a staple of the publication. The changes were confirmed in an internal video call led by executive editor Matt Murray, informing staff that the current sports department would be closed in its existing format. Several sports reporters will be reassigned to the features team to continue coverage, but the overall sports reporting will be scaled back. This comes as The Post, acquired by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2013 for $250 million, reassesses its focus ahead of the Super Bowl LX, which has dominated football headlines with discussions about ICE’s attendance at the season finale, Bad Bunny’s halftime show, and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s MVP award.
CEO’s Absence from Layoff Announcement Sparks Discontent
Will Lewis was notably absent from the layoff briefing call, a detail that has fueled frustration among employees. His presence at the NFL Honors event, which took place shortly before the Super Bowl, deepened the ire of staff and observers. Nicki Jhabvala, a former Washington Post reporter now with The Athletic, publicly expressed her disappointment on the social media platform X:
“Will Lewis was too busy to join the call to tell his staff he’s destroying the @washingtonpost sports department yesterday … but he did have time to walk the red carpet at NFL Honors here in San Francisco today. Amazing.” ?Nicki Jhabvala, Former Washington Post Reporter
Jhabvala’s post quickly gained traction, crystallizing broader concerns about Lewis’s priorities during a critical moment for the newsroom.
Continued Attendance at High-Profile Football Events Draws Scrutiny
Since stepping into his role as publisher and CEO in November 2023, Will Lewis has attended the last two Super Bowls. This pattern has been criticized by Dylan Byers of Puck, who pointed out on social media:
“Will Lewis has gone to Super Bowl every year since joining Washington Post … which is not a great excuse for missing a Zoom call.” ?Dylan Byers, Puck Reporter
Compounding the situation, executive editor Matt Murray reportedly only discovered Lewis’s attendance at the event through the social media post by Jhabvala, rather than being informed directly by the CEO himself.
“NEW: I’m told by Washington Post source that executive editor Matt Murray did not know Will Lewis was at the Super Bowl and learned from this photo…” ?Dylan Byers, Puck Reporter
Public Reaction Highlights Staff and Reader Frustrations
Social media reactions underscored the mounting dissatisfaction with Lewis’s actions following the layoffs. Comments included:
“Just perfect, perhaps Will can file some pieces for the paper since they’ve gutted the Sports dept.” ?Social Media User
“Coward.” ?Social Media User
“Gross. Maybe he’s going to cover the Super Bowl for The Post.” ?Social Media User
These responses reflect a broader sentiment of discontent among both staff and the public concerning The Post’s leadership and editorial changes.
Additional Reductions Announced in Foreign Affairs Coverage
Alongside the overhaul of its sports reporting, The Washington Post also confirmed it would reduce its foreign affairs coverage. This development marks another significant shift in the publication’s editorial focus amid ongoing restructuring.
Implications for The Washington Post’s Future Coverage and Staff Morale
The backlash against Will Lewis following his appearance at the NFL Honors event amid layoffs raises critical questions about leadership priorities at The Washington Post. The decision to cut key journalism departments while the CEO maintains a public sports presence has intensified tensions within the newsroom. Moving forward, how the publisher addresses these concerns could significantly impact staff morale and the paper’s reputation, especially as it navigates a changing media landscape and prepares for upcoming major sporting events tied to its editorial coverage.
Will Lewis was too busy to join the call to tell his staff he’s destroying the @washingtonpost sports department yesterday … but he did have time to walk the red carpet at NFL Honors here in San Francisco today. Amazing. pic.twitter.com/mnCXa8IQqC
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 6, 2026
