Dispute Arises Among Former ESPN Colleagues Following Cancellation of ‘Around The Horn’

Dispute Arises Among Former ESPN Colleagues Following Cancellation of ‘Around The Horn’

ESPN has decided to conclude its long-running sports debate show “Around The Horn” after nearly 23 years on air, with the final episode set to air on May 23. The show’s cancellation has sparked a heated debate among former colleagues, with differing opinions on the reasons behind its end.

Jay Mariotti, a former panelist who left the show following a domestic violence arrest in 2010, recently commented that the cancellation stems from the show becoming too politically correct, which some label as “woke.” In an interview with Front Office Sports, he expressed his belief that decisions made by former ESPN executive John Skipper influenced the show’s direction.

“I think what John Skipper wanted from some of the shows was he started to install people on the shows who became anti-Trump,” Mariotti claimed. This statement illustrates his view that shifts in the show’s lineup led to a decrease in viewership.

Furthermore, Mariotti specifically mentioned ESPN hosts Jemele Hill and Michael Smith, attributing part of the show’s decline in popularity to a loss of traditional audience appeal. This characterization of the changes on “Around The Horn” has drawn criticism.

Reactions from Former Colleagues

Jemele Hill responded to Mariotti’s comments, making it clear that she found his remarks questionable and unfounded. In a post on her Substack, Hill stated, “I don’t really appreciate Jay bringing my name into this or my friend Michael Smith. For one, I don’t even know Jay like that. And secondly, I started doing ATH in 2007 or 2008. Donald Trump obviously wasn’t in office then, so to suggest that ESPN started putting anti-Trump folks on the show on purpose is just a dumb statement.”

This response underscores her frustration with how Mariotti portrayed the situation. She went on to celebrate the legacy of “Around The Horn,” saying, “The beauty of ATH is that it was a mechanism to get a variety of voices on air. It has launched and furthered so many careers, including mine. Having a run of over 20 years in sports television is a testament to what an institution this show became.”

The Legacy of ‘Around The Horn’

First airing in 2003, “Around The Horn” transformed the sports debate genre by featuring a diverse range of commentators discussing the day’s headlines. The show consistently aimed to showcase a variety of perspectives, contributing to its broad appeal. The format allowed for lively discussions while maintaining a focus on sports, which resonated with viewers.

Hill and Smith co-hosted their own segment on SportsCenter and shared their experiences in broadcasting, striving to continue the legacy that “Around The Horn” established. Hill left ESPN ahead of the turn of the decade and later joined The Atlantic. Her career trajectory and contributions to sports journalism highlight the influence that the show had on individuals who participated in it.

As the news of the cancellation spreads, many fans and former colleagues reflect on how significant “Around The Horn” was in the evolution of sports commentary. The show helped pave the way for future discussions surrounding sports and politics, fostering a platform where differing viewpoints could be exchanged.

Understanding Current Perspectives

While many former ESPN staff members continue to support the show, some have expressed disappointment over its shift towards more contemporary topics. As political discourse increasingly intertwines with sports coverage, the debate over how to balance such discussions remains pertinent.

Listeners and viewers have always appreciated shows that encourage a wide variety of perspectives. However, changing audience preferences can also lead to the challenge of retaining traditional fans while attracting a new demographic. The cancellation of “Around The Horn” can thus be seen as a reflection of these evolving dynamics.

Looking at the future, it remains to be seen how ESPN will adapt its programming strategy after the end of this iconic series. The landscape of sports media continues to evolve rapidly, with new formats and platforms emerging to replace traditional broadcast methods.

Final Thoughts

The end of “Around The Horn” not only marks the conclusion of a beloved show but also ignites discussions about the evolution of sports journalism. Differing opinions among former colleagues, especially from figures like Mariotti and Hill, reflect broader debates within the media landscape concerning political correctness and audience engagement.

Fans of the show will undoubtedly miss its unique approach to sports commentary. As “Around The Horn” departs, it leaves behind a legacy that has impacted countless careers and changed the way sports discussions occur on television.

As discussions about the show’s cancellation continue, a range of perspectives will emerge, reaffirming the significance of representing diverse voices in sports media.