Schilling taking leave of absence from ESPN updated 3:19 p.m. (AP) - Curt Schilling is taking a leave of absence from his job as an analyst for ESPN after his video gaming company filed for bankruptcy. ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys says on Twitter that the network and retired pitcher "mutually agreed" to the leave as he works through "his business issues." He says Schilling is expected to return to the air later this season. Schilling's 38 Studios filed for bankruptcy June 7. Federal and state authorities launched probes into the studios, which received a $75 million loan guarantee deal from the state of Rhode Island. The three-time World Series champion with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox was hired by ESPN two years ago.