NY Times Sports Editor Joe Sexton Leaving to Join ProPublica (Updated)

Joe Sexton is the latest editor to leave the New York Times as the paper's buyout deadline looms

New York Times sports editor Joe Sexton is leaving the paper to become a senior editor at  ProPublica, he announced the day of the deadline to accept a buyout.

The New York TimesSexton, who recently spearheaded the Times' ambitious multimedia ebook about skiers trapped in an avalanche, announced his depature Wednesday in a brief farewell email to his colleagues.

"Truth is there is not space enough to contain my regard for you," he wrote in the memo, obtained by Romenesko. "I’ve received a great offer; I leave you and the NYT burdened only by a great debt — of thanks and wonder."

Also read: NY Times Classical Music Critic James Oestreich Decides to Leave (Updated)

Sexton's announcement came a day before the Times' deadline for voluntary buyouts. Last month, executive editor Jill Abramson called on up to 30 senior staffers and editors to accept buyouts — or face layoffs.

Later on Thursday morning, assistant managing editor Jim Roberts announced his departure from the Times on Twitter.

"I've been so privileged to work with true giants of journalism – fearless correspondents, wise analysts & masters of visual expression," Roberts, a 26-year Times veteran, tweeted, adding that it was a "long awesome trip" and "another will follow."

He starts at the investigative news site next month.

“Joe Sexton is one of the finest editors in the business,” editor-in-chief Stephen Engelberg said in a statement. “His steady hand and inspirational leadership have been behind some of the biggest stories in New York and the world of sports in the past decade."

Sexton, 53, joined the Times in 1987 as a sports writer. He has won three Pulitzer Prizes at the paper — for breaking news, feature writing and investigative reporting.

Sexton did not immediately reply to requests from TheWrap for comment.

Updated at 10:47 a.m. PT to include Jim Roberts' departure.

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