Around the Horn’s Impending End Sparks Controversy and Recriminations
ESPN’s long-running debate show, Around The Horn (ATH), is set to conclude its two-decade-plus run in May, igniting a flurry of opinions and sparking a bitter exchange between former panelists regarding the show’s decline and eventual cancellation. The news, met with nostalgia by some and indifference by others, has quickly devolved into a debate over the show’s alleged political leanings and the purported influence of "wokeness."
The controversy stems from comments made by Jay Mariotti, a prominent and often polarizing figure who was a regular on Around The Horn until his arrest for domestic violence in 2010. Mariotti, in an interview with Front Office Sports, attributed the show’s demise to a shift in its editorial direction, claiming that ESPN executives, particularly former ESPN President John Skipper, intentionally sought to include anti-Trump voices on the program.
"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 asserted, implying a deliberate political agenda behind the selection of panelists. He specifically named Jemele Hill and Michael Smith as examples, suggesting that their presence on the show contributed to a decline in viewership. "The show lost some audience," he stated.
Mariotti doubled down on his accusations in a Substack post titled "Around the Horn ended a long time ago – when I left the show," further solidifying his stance that the show’s quality and appeal diminished due to a combination of political correctness and unprofessional behavior, alleging that some panelists were "woke" while others were "on dope."
These assertions quickly drew the ire of Jemele Hill, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to vehemently refute Mariotti’s claims and defend her own integrity, as well as that of her friend and former colleague, Michael Smith.
"I don’t really appreciate Jay bringing my name into this or my friend Michael Smith," Hill wrote. "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."
Hill’s response highlights the chronological flaw in Mariotti’s argument. Her involvement with Around The Horn predates Trump’s political prominence, rendering the notion that she was specifically chosen as an "anti-Trump" voice illogical.
Furthermore, Hill emphasized the foundational principles of Around The Horn, praising its commitment to diversity and its role in launching and nurturing numerous careers. "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."
Hill’s defense underscores the show’s legacy as a platform for diverse perspectives within the sports world, a factor that contributed significantly to its longevity and widespread appeal. The show’s format, characterized by its rapid-fire debates and witty banter, created an environment where panelists could express their opinions freely and engage in spirited discussions on a range of sports-related topics.
The accusations leveled by Mariotti, therefore, strike at the heart of the show’s purported ethos. While he argues that the show’s political leanings alienated viewers, others contend that Around The Horn‘s strength lay in its ability to foster engaging and diverse dialogues, regardless of the political affiliations of its participants.
The cancellation of Around The Horn raises broader questions about the evolving landscape of sports media and the role of political discourse within it. In an increasingly polarized society, sports have become increasingly intertwined with political and social issues. Whether this trend is viewed as a positive development or a detrimental one remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Jemele Hill, for example, has become a prominent voice on social justice issues, often using her platform to address topics such as racial inequality and police brutality. While her outspokenness has earned her both praise and criticism, it has also solidified her position as a leading figure in the sports media landscape.
Michael Smith, similarly, has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sports industry. Together, Hill and Smith co-hosted their own SportsCenter program, further amplifying their voices and expanding their reach.
The impending conclusion of Around The Horn marks the end of an era for ESPN and the sports television industry as a whole. While the reasons for its cancellation remain a subject of debate, the show’s legacy as a platform for diverse voices and engaging discussions is undeniable. As the final episode approaches, the controversy surrounding its demise serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between sports, politics, and the media. The final episode of Around The Horn is slated to air on May 23rd.
