After Paul Finebaum controversially claimed in last week’s interview with Outlook that he had an interest in running for the Senate, rumors about ESPN banning him emerged. This sparked a range of reactions from fans and even prompted a minor political debate.
However, it seems that this report is not true, and Paul Finebaum remains part of ESPN shows.
ESPN executive clarifies that Paul Finebaum has not been banned despite rumors
Rumors emerged on Monday that ESPN had banned Paul Finebaum from its shows. They followed the controversial interview where Finebaum addressed the possibility of running for a Senate seat. While the possibility surprised many, few expected ESPN to take action. Rumors soon circulated about tension between Finebaum and ESPN. Outkick’s Clay Travis reported that ESPN had frozen Finebaum out of the network.
In a X (formerly known as Twitter) post, Travis wrote, “Per sources: Disney/ESPN has removed @finebaum from appearing on @ESPN since his @outkick interview expressing interest in running as a Republican for senate in Alabama. ESPN has canceled all network appearances on all shows, including some that have occurred for a decade plus.”
Since Travis’s report, other outlets have refuted the claim that Paul Finebaum was canceled by ESPN. More importantly, ESPN vice president of communications Bill Hofheimer reshared the tweet and wrote, “This is not true at all. The below is TOTALLY FALSE,” confirming that Paul Finebaum remains with ESPN.
Sports Business Journal also confirmed that Finebaum will appear on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday morning.
The past week’s interview drew significant attention because Finebaum openly supported Trump and expressed interest in politics. Although he has not appeared on any ESPN program since, his return does not seem far off.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on ComingSoon.
