ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ Bids Farewell with Nostalgia and Controversy
ESPN’s long-running debate show, "Around the Horn," is nearing its end, with its final episode scheduled for May 23rd. The network’s decision to cancel the show, which has been a fixture of sports television for over two decades, was announced in March, prompting a wave of reactions from fans and former personalities. In the lead-up to the finale, "Around the Horn" has been revisiting its past, inviting back familiar faces and revisiting memorable moments.
One recent episode saw the return of Jemele Hill, a former ESPN anchor who departed the network in 2018. Hill, known for her outspoken views, had co-anchored "SportsCenter" and contributed to various ESPN platforms. Her exit from the network was largely attributed to controversial social media posts she made during Donald Trump’s presidency, which drew criticism and sparked debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and free speech.
During her appearance on "Around the Horn," Hill engaged in lighthearted banter with host Tony Reali and the other panelists. A segment of the show featured reactions to some of Hill’s old takes, eliciting laughter from the former ESPN personality. "I got a little bit nervous when I saw you were pulling up our tweets. Dude, I just came back, man!" she joked, showcasing a willingness to poke fun at herself and her past pronouncements.
The episode also featured the return of Kate Fagan, another former ESPN personality who left the network in 2018. Fagan, a writer and commentator known for her insightful perspectives on sports and culture, used her platform to advocate for transgender youth in sports. Her passionate plea resonated with many viewers and sparked further discussion about the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in competitive sports.
"I know it’s my last time on [the show], and I want to say something worthy of that platform, and that’s trans kids deserve to play sports," Fagan stated. She eloquently highlighted the positive aspects of sports participation, emphasizing the sense of belonging, community, and joy that it can provide. "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."
Fagan continued, "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." Her message underscored the importance of inclusivity and fairness in sports, arguing that transgender children should have the same opportunities as their cisgender peers to experience the benefits of athletic participation.
It is imperative to note that there is currently no blanket federal law that prohibits transgender children from participating in sports. While former President Trump did sign an executive order in February addressing the issue, it specifically focused on prohibiting biological males who identify as girls or women from competing against biological females. This executive order does not encompass all transgender youth, and the issue remains a complex and evolving one with varying policies at the state and local levels.
The cancellation of "Around the Horn" has stirred various opinions and speculations. Jay Mariotti, a former panelist who was a regular on the show until his arrest for domestic violence in 2010, offered his perspective in an interview. Mariotti attributed the show’s demise to what he perceived as a shift towards "wokeness." This viewpoint aligns with a broader narrative that suggests some sports media outlets have become overly politically correct, potentially alienating certain segments of their audience.
However, this claim is contentious and lacks conclusive evidence. It’s important to note that there are various factors that could contribute to a show’s cancellation, including declining ratings, evolving programming strategies, and budgetary considerations. Attributing the cancellation solely to "wokeness" is a simplistic and potentially misleading explanation.
With just eleven episodes remaining, "Around the Horn" is preparing to sign off after more than two decades on the air. The show has provided a platform for lively debates, insightful commentary, and memorable moments. The return of former personalities like Jemele Hill and Kate Fagan has added a nostalgic element to the final weeks, allowing viewers to reflect on the show’s legacy and the contributions of its various panelists.
The cancellation of "Around the Horn" marks the end of an era for ESPN and sports television in general. The show’s unique format, which encouraged spirited debate and quick-witted commentary, helped to shape the landscape of sports media. While the reasons for its cancellation remain a subject of debate, the show’s impact on the industry is undeniable. As the final episodes air, viewers will undoubtedly be tuning in to bid farewell to a program that has provided them with entertainment, information, and plenty of food for thought for over two decades. The final show will be a moment of reflection on the show’s contributions and its impact on the world of sports media. It will also be a moment to consider the evolving landscape of sports journalism and the role of debate and commentary in shaping public opinion.
