It's not exactly LeBron James bidding Cleveland adieu, but Deadline.com's report that Melina Kanakaredes is leaving 'CSI: NY' after six seasons is another surprising bit of casting turmoil for CBS this summer.

"I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on 'CSI: NY,' and I will treasure them forever," Kanakaredes said via a statement.

EW.com reports that the actress may have been asked to take a pay cut, and when she refused, her role was axed altogether.

CBS' official comment: "We hoped Melina would return to 'CSI: NY' for another season, but we respect her decision to move on. Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. She will forever remain a friend to the network and studio, and we wish her the very best."

And another surprise, this time a good one: Emmy-winner Sela Ward, has signed on to replace Kanakaredes. For more on Ward's involvement with the show, check out our report here. There's no word yet on whether or not Kanakaredes will return for an episode to wrap up her character's storyline when 'CSI: NY' returns in its new Friday, 9PM ET timeslot.


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As for the outgoing actress, Kanakaredes, a Daytime Emmy nominee for the now-defunct soap 'Guiding Light,' has played tough, loyal Det. Stella Bonasera since 'CSI: NY' debuted in 2004. The 'CSI: NY' role followed her five seasons as the star of another hit drama, NBC's 'Providence,' as well as stints on 'NYPD Blue' and 'The Practice.'

On the big screen, her most recent role was in the Feb. 2010 adaptation of the novel 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.'

Meanwhile, Kanakaredes' departure marks the latest in a string of high-profile personnel changes for CBS' crime dramas, which have been racking up a body count off-screen that threatens to rival their on-screen casualties. Since the TV season ended in May, 'CSI: Miami' fired Eddie Cibrian after his one season as Jesse Cardoza, A.J. Cook will return for just one episode in the fall to wrap up her storyline on 'Criminal Minds,' and Liz Vassey was also released from her role on the original 'CSI.'