Around the Horn Bids Farewell After Two Decades, Panelists Reflect
ESPN’s "Around the Horn," a staple of sports television for over two decades, is set to conclude its run later this month, marking the end of an era for sports debate and witty banter. As the show approaches its final episodes, panelists are making their last appearances, offering reflections on their time with the program and utilizing the platform one last time to address issues they deem important.
One such panelist is Kate Fagan, a longtime writer and reporter who also boasts a collegiate basketball career at Colorado. Fagan made her final appearance on "Around the Horn" this past Thursday, concluding a run that began when she was first hired by ESPN in 2012. While she departed the network in 2018, Fagan continued to contribute to the show, becoming a familiar face and a respected voice in the realm of sports commentary.
In a fitting farewell, Fagan was declared the winner of Thursday’s episode, triumphing over Jemele Hill, who herself made a return to the show after leaving ESPN in 2018. As the episode’s victor, Fagan was granted the opportunity to deliver a short monologue, a tradition that allows panelists to express their thoughts and perspectives on a topic of their choosing.
Fagan seized this opportunity to make a powerful statement in support of transgender athletes. Recognizing the significance of her final appearance, she stated, "I know it’s my last time on it, and I want to say something worthy of that platform, and that’s trans kids deserve to play sports." Her impassioned plea resonated with many, as she emphasized the profound impact that sports can have on young people, regardless of their gender identity.
Drawing upon the universal experiences of athletes, Fagan continued, "Think about what you remember from your time playing sports. Ninety-nine percent of it is finding that jersey for the first time, your favorite number, community, joy, those high-fives. It’s that moment when you have a great play with a teammate. It’s the feeling of belonging. And it does not know gender. Trans kids deserve the same as everyone else does. Sports is joy. Sports is humanity. And the more people who have that, the better."
Fagan’s message highlighted the importance of inclusion and the transformative power of sports in fostering a sense of belonging and community. Her words challenged the notion that gender should be a barrier to participation and underscored the fundamental right of all children to experience the joys and benefits of athletic competition.
The timing of Fagan’s statement is particularly relevant in light of ongoing debates and legislative actions surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in sports. While there is no overarching law that prohibits transgender children from participating in sports, various states have enacted policies that restrict or ban transgender athletes from competing in accordance with their gender identity.
Furthermore, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February that prohibits biological males identifying as girls or women from competing against biological females. These measures have sparked considerable controversy, with advocates for transgender rights arguing that such policies are discriminatory and harmful, while proponents maintain that they are necessary to ensure fair competition for female athletes.
The cancellation of "Around the Horn" was announced by ESPN in March, signaling the end of a long-running and influential program. Shortly after the announcement, Jay Mariotti, a former panelist who was a regular on the show until a domestic violence arrest in 2010, offered his perspective on the cancellation, claiming that the show had become too "woke."
In an interview with Front Office Sports, Mariotti asserted, "I think what John Skipper wanted from some of the shows was he started to install people on the shows who became anti-Trump." He further elaborated on his views in a recent post on his Substack, stating that "Around the Horn ended a long time ago — when I left the show," and reiterating his belief that some of the panelists went "woke" while others were "on dope."
Mariotti’s comments reflect a broader debate about the role of politics and social commentary in sports media. Some argue that sports should remain a purely entertaining and escapist realm, while others believe that sports figures and media outlets have a responsibility to address social issues and advocate for positive change.
Whatever the reasons for the show’s cancellation, "Around the Horn" leaves behind a legacy of engaging sports debates, memorable personalities, and thought-provoking discussions. With only 11 episodes remaining, viewers are sure to tune in to witness the final arguments, witty banter, and poignant reflections as the show bids farewell after over 20 years on the air.
The show’s departure also prompts reflection on the evolution of sports media and the changing landscape of sports commentary. As new platforms and formats emerge, it remains to be seen what the future holds for sports debate and analysis. However, the impact of "Around the Horn" on the genre is undeniable, and its influence will likely be felt for years to come.
