Greg and Gilly, the question is not whether he will miss a paycheck. It is relevant because his name, Robert Lee, is similar to the General who led the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. His home state was Virginia.
In light of the Alt-Right riot in Virginia, ESPN believes it might be inflammatory to have him broadcasting commentary for a football game. Of course, he said it was all right with him to be moved from his regular assignment--he wants to keep his job. The subtext was probably that, if he did not accept the change he would be looking for other employment.
If ESPN had not made an issue of it, it is quite likely nothing would have happened. Now, he's become a victim of excessive political correctness.