The College Football Playoff may have delivered lackluster on-field drama, but behind the scenes, tensions at ESPN stole the spotlight.
A heated exchange among network personalities unfolded after comments made during the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game, adding a layer of controversy to the sports network’s coverage.
Ohio State dominated Tennessee with a decisive 42-17 victory on Saturday night, but the post-game discussion shifted focus to Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and his future with the program.
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During the fourth quarter, ESPN commentators Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler discussed the scrutiny surrounding Day, particularly after Ohio State’s loss to Michigan.
“Now Kirk,” Fowler began, “How much of this softens the blow of that Michigan loss? More work to do, right? For folks to forgive and forget that one.”
Herbstreit addressed the criticisms from Ohio State fans, referring to what he called the “lunatic fringe” of the fanbase.
The conversation then turned to ESPN colleagues, specifically the show First Take, and its treatment of Day.
Fowler added, “That’s the thing. When you hear pundits on this network and other places talk about that with certainty, it’s nonsense, frankly. The public doesn’t pull the trigger and get rid of the coach. The administrators do — and they’re behind him.”
Herbstreit followed up with direct criticism of First Take: “First Take tried to fire him. They thought he was done. So I’ll be excited to see what they talk about on Monday after this performance. They had him out. They’re trying to find replacements. But here he is. He’s still got his hat on. He’s still coaching.”
In defense of Ryan Day, Kirk Herbstreit took aim at:
– The “lunatic fringe” at Ohio State. “The lunatic fringe at Ohio State is as powerful as anywhere in the country.”
– First Take: “They thought he was done. So I’ll be excited to see what they talk about on Monday.” pic.twitter.com/0Ovs0MBMOd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 22, 2024
These remarks didn’t sit well with First Take co-host Shannon Sharpe, who responded on Monday’s edition of the show with a fiery rebuttal aimed at Herbstreit and Fowler.
“If we’re going to be on the same team, if we’re gonna work for the same network, don’t do that,” Sharpe said on-air.
“Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you, if you ever mention any platform that I’m on again talking about, ‘I wonder what they’re going to say as negativity,’ I promise you, ESPN ain’t got enough bosses to keep me off y’all for what I’m going to say … don’t play with me.”
Shannon Sharpe on Kirk Herbstreit’s criticism of First Take: “If we’re going to be on the same team, if we’re gonna work for the same network, don’t do that. Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you, if you ever mention any platform that I’m on again talking about ‘I wonder what they’re… pic.twitter.com/4IPLUU5rYy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 23, 2024
The comments revealed underlying friction within the network as differing perspectives on Day’s job security spilled into public view.
Day has faced increased scrutiny after consecutive losses to Michigan, a pivotal rivalry for Ohio State.
However, his strong performance in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals has helped quiet some of the speculation.
This isn’t the first time ESPN personalities have clashed, but Sharpe’s pointed remarks underscore the challenges of managing high-profile talent with differing opinions.
For now, the focus remains on Ohio State’s next steps and whether Day can capitalize on this momentum to solidify his position as head coach.
The Buckeyes’ playoff journey continues, but the drama off the field at ESPN shows no signs of cooling down.
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