Daily News 19

Tag: ESPN

  • Pat McAfee Delivers Cheeky Response to Viral Smoking Claims During ESPN Show

    Pat McAfee Delivers Cheeky Response to Viral Smoking Claims During ESPN Show

    Key Highlights

    • ESPN host Pat McAfee sparked viral speculation after a live broadcast clip showed him using an unidentified device, prompting viewers to question whether he was smoking marijuana on air.
    • McAfee responded to the speculation with a cryptic social media post stating, “A little sage never hurt nobody,” while also referencing the Buffalo Bills’ victory over the Detroit Lions.
    • The incident highlights the ongoing tension between McAfee’s unconventional, conversational broadcasting style and traditional network expectations, with ESPN yet to issue a public comment.

    Viral Clip Ignites Speculation During Live Broadcast

    ESPN personality Pat McAfee found himself at the center of social media scrutiny Thursday after a clip from his eponymous show circulated widely, leading viewers to speculate that the former NFL punter had been smoking marijuana during the live broadcast. The video, which quickly gained traction across platforms, does not definitively establish what McAfee was using, and no confirmation has been provided that the substance was cannabis. However, the ambiguity did little to dampen the reaction, particularly given McAfee’s history of speaking openly about his marijuana use.

    Past Admissions Fuel Current Debate

    Speculation was fueled by McAfee’s own previous comments. During an earlier appearance on the “All the Smoke” podcast, McAfee stated directly: “I smoke a lot of weed. I do. I think that’s a massive piece of it for me.” That admission provided viewers with context for the latest conjecture, though it does not confirm what occurred during Thursday’s show. This is not the first time McAfee’s on-air habits have drawn attention; in 2025, he was seen using a pen during a live broadcast and later described it as “CBD and Vitamins.” That precedent added another layer to the ongoing discussion.

    McAfee Counters With Characteristic Ambiguity

    Rather than offering a detailed explanation or denial, McAfee addressed the swirling rumors in the loose, joking tone central to his public persona. Taking to social media, he wrote: “A little sage never hurt nobody.” He followed that remark with a pivot to the night’s football action, adding: “Also This Buffalo Bills team came out on fire in their new home.. just smokin’ the Lions in all phases,” referencing Buffalo’s 41-31 victory over Detroit. The response suggested McAfee was content to let the debate continue without providing a definitive answer, a strategy consistent with his previous handling of similar moments.

    Unconventional Style Creates Polarizing Figure

    Since transitioning from his Indianapolis Colts career into broadcasting, McAfee has become one of ESPN’s most recognizable football personalities. He built his audience by rejecting the polished style associated with traditional studio shows in favor of a more conversational, unpredictable approach. That formula has made him hugely popular with supporters, while simultaneously making him a frequent target of criticism. Following Thursday’s clip, some viewers objected to the imagery and questioned whether smoking anything on-air was appropriate for a major network platform. Others dismissed the controversy as overblown and entirely consistent with the atmosphere McAfee has cultivated around his program. As of publication, ESPN has not publicly commented on the viral moment.

    Why This Matters

    The incident underscores the broader friction within sports media between evolving talent-driven formats and legacy network standards. McAfee’s success at ESPN represents a significant bet by the network on personality-first programming that blurs the line between traditional journalism and entertainment. However, moments like this test the boundaries of that partnership. With cannabis legalization expanding across the United States and societal stigmas shifting, the reaction also reflects a cultural debate about professionalism and authenticity on live television. The lack of an immediate statement from ESPN suggests the network is weighing how to address the situation without alienating McAfee’s substantial audience or compromising its own brand standards.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Was Pat McAfee confirmed to be smoking marijuana on air?
    No. The viral clip does not clearly establish what McAfee was using, and there has been no confirmation from McAfee or ESPN that the substance was cannabis.
    How did Pat McAfee respond to the speculation?
    McAfee posted on social media, stating, “A little sage never hurt nobody,” and added a comment about the Buffalo Bills’ win over the Detroit Lions, but did not provide a definitive explanation.
    Has ESPN commented on the incident?
    As of the time of reporting, ESPN has not publicly commented on Thursday’s viral moment.
  • Arch Manning Responds to Backlash Over Laughing at AI-Generated Reporter Video

    Arch Manning Responds to Backlash Over Laughing at AI-Generated Reporter Video

    Arch Manning Issues Public Apology to ESPN Reporter Holly Rowe Over AI Video Incident

    Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has taken public accountability after laughing at an AI-generated video depicting ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. The college football star offered a direct apology to Rowe during an on-air exchange with the veteran journalist.

    Incident Sparks Conversation About AI Media Ethics

    The situation unfolded when Manning was shown an artificial intelligence-created video featuring Rowe. His visible reaction — laughter at the AI depiction — drew immediate attention across sports media and social platforms, prompting the quarterback to address the matter directly.

    Manning Demonstrates Accountability in On-Air Exchange

    During a subsequent interaction with Rowe, Manning acknowledged the incident and expressed regret for his response to the AI-generated content. The apology represents a notable moment of accountability from one of college football’s most high-profile players, particularly given the growing prevalence of AI-generated media in sports coverage.

    Rowe, a respected veteran broadcaster with decades of experience covering major sporting events for ESPN, accepted the apology during their televised conversation.

    Broader Implications for Athlete-Media Relations

    This incident highlights the evolving challenges at the intersection of sports media, artificial intelligence, and athlete conduct. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated and widespread, public figures — including student-athletes — face new scrutiny regarding their engagement with synthetic media depictions of journalists and other professionals.

    The Manning-Rowe exchange serves as a case study in how traditional media relationships are being tested by emerging technologies, and how accountability plays out in real time across broadcast platforms.

  • Steve Sarkisian Abruptly Walks Away From ESPN Interview After Texas Stuns Ohio State

    Steve Sarkisian Abruptly Walks Away From ESPN Interview After Texas Stuns Ohio State

    Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was visibly elated after his team’s stunning comeback victory over No. 1 Ohio State, but his brief interaction with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe quickly became a talking point of its own.

    Sarkisian Walks Away from Postgame Interview

    Moments after the Longhorns erased a 23-3 deficit with 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points to secure a 24-23 win, Rowe approached Sarkisian on the field for a standard postgame interview. The coach offered only a few words before abruptly walking away to join the on-field celebration, leaving Rowe standing alone as he disappeared into the scrum of players and staff.

    Social Media Reacts to Awkward Exchange

    The exchange immediately drew attention online, with viewers noting Rowe’s surprised reaction. The moment sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with many questioning the coach’s decision to bypass the network interview amid the jubilation.

    Historic Comeback Fuels Emotion

    Texas’ rally from a 20-point hole marked one of the most dramatic victories of the college football season. While Sarkisian’s excitement was understandable given the magnitude of the upset, the optics of the interrupted interview dominated postgame discourse alongside the team’s historic performance.

  • Stephen F. Austin vs Abilene Christian: Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch NCAA College Football

    Stephen F. Austin vs Abilene Christian: Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch NCAA College Football

    Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Visit Abilene Christian Wildcats in Key Early-Season FCS Showdown

    The undefeated Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks travel to Abilene on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a high-stakes FCS matchup against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Both programs met in last year’s playoffs, adding extra narrative weight to this early-season contest.

    Lumberjacks Carry Championship Momentum Into 2026

    Stephen F. Austin enters the game with a 2-0 record after decisive victories over McNeese State (38-27) and East Texas A&M (44-7). Head coach Colby Carthel has guided the program to immediate success following a 2025 campaign that culminated in a Southland Conference championship. The Lumberjacks have won seven of their last ten meetings with Abilene Christian, including a thrilling 41-34 victory in the second round of the 2025 FCS playoffs that ended the Wildcats’ season.

    Wildcats Seek First Win Before Home Crowd

    Abilene Christian (0-2) is searching for its first victory after a difficult opening slate. The Wildcats fell 21-14 at Lamar before dropping a 33-10 decision at No. 13 Texas Tech. Saturday marks ACU’s first home game of the season, a venue where they have historically fared well against SFA, holding an 8-4 record in the series at home. The matchup offers Abilene Christian a prime opportunity to respond to its early adversity while exacting a measure of revenge for last year’s playoff exit.

    How to Watch Stephen F. Austin vs. Abilene Christian

    Fans can stream the game live via ESPN+ with an ESPN Unlimited subscription. The service provides access to college football action throughout the season across ESPN’s family of networks, including ESPN+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, SEC Network+, ACC Network Extra, ESPN3, and ESPNEWS. Regional restrictions may apply.

    This rivalry clash delivers playoff-caliber intensity in Week 3 and is a must-watch for FCS football followers.

  • Ted Cruz Jeered During ‘College GameDay’ Appearance in Texas

    Ted Cruz Jeered During ‘College GameDay’ Appearance in Texas

    Senator Ted Cruz faced a hostile reception during a recent appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in his home state of Texas, where a crowd of college students loudly mocked the Republican lawmaker.

    Cruz Booed at Texas College GameDay Appearance

    The incident occurred when the Texas senator joined the popular college football pregame show for a segment. Instead of a warm home-state welcome, Cruz was met with a chorus of boos and jeers from the student audience in attendance.

    Video footage from the broadcast shows the crowd reacting negatively as Cruz appeared on screen and addressed the camera. The students’ response appeared spontaneous and overwhelming, drowning out the senator’s remarks with sustained heckling.

    Social Media Reaction Amplifies Moment

    Clips of the awkward encounter quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing millions of views and widespread commentary. Critics highlighted the visual of a sitting senator being openly rejected by young voters in his own state, while supporters dismissed the crowd as unrepresentative of the broader Texas electorate.

    The “College GameDay” appearance was intended as a friendly platform for Cruz to connect with voters ahead of the election cycle. Instead, the segment became a viral moment underscoring the senator’s polarized standing among younger demographics.

    Political Implications for Cruz

    Political analysts note that while the incident alone is unlikely to threaten Cruz’s Senate seat in a reliably Republican state, it provides opposition researchers and Democratic challengers with ready-made footage for future campaigns. The optics of a home-state politician being booed by college students on national television represent a rare public display of vulnerability.

    Cruz’s office has not issued a formal statement addressing the reception. The senator has previously weathered similar public confrontations, typically framing them as evidence of liberal intolerance rather than genuine political weakness.

  • Malika Andrews: Husband, Ethnicity, Family & ESPN US Open Studio Host Profile

    Malika Andrews: Husband, Ethnicity, Family & ESPN US Open Studio Host Profile

    2026 US Open Women’s Final: Sabalenka vs. Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium

    The 2026 US Open concludes today with the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka enters the match targeting a historic third consecutive US Open title and her fifth Grand Slam championship overall. Rybakina, meanwhile, pursues her third major title and faces a formidable challenge against the tournament’s dominant force.

    Head-to-Head History and Grand Slam Finals Split

    The rivals have contested numerous matches on tour, with Sabalenka holding a narrow 10–7 advantage in their all-time head-to-head record. Their Grand Slam final encounters are evenly divided: Sabalenka captured the 2023 Australian Open title, while Rybakina prevailed in their 2026 Australian Open rematch.

    Malika Andrews Leads ESPN’s US Open Coverage

    Familiar ESPN personality Malika Andrews is among the network’s lead voices for the championship broadcast. The Emmy Award-winning sports journalist has built her reputation covering basketball, hosting flagship programs including NBA Today, NBA Countdown, and WNBA Countdown.

    From Print Journalism to Broadcasting History

    Andrews began her career as a print reporter for The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune before joining ESPN in 2018. She made broadcasting history in 2022 as the first woman to host the live NBA Draft telecast. Her portfolio has since expanded to include lead roles on ESPN’s tennis coverage, anchoring live broadcasts from both the US Open and Australian Open.

    Personal Life and Family Background

    Andrews is married to Dave McMenamin, a senior NBA reporter for ESPN who previously covered LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers before following James to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. The couple announced their engagement in late 2022, maintained a private relationship, and married on August 24, 2024, at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, California, near the Golden Gate Bridge.

    The 31-year-old journalist comes from an interracial, interfaith family and identifies as Jewish. She is the daughter of Mike Andrews, a personal trainer, and grew up in Oakland, California. Her younger sister, Kendra Andrews, also covers the NBA for ESPN.

    This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on September 12, 2026, in the Tennis section.

  • Skip Bayless Returns to First Take with Stephen A. Smith

    Skip Bayless Returns to First Take with Stephen A. Smith

    Skip Bayless Returns to ESPN for Recurring First Take Appearances with Stephen A. Smith

    Skip Bayless is officially returning to ESPN. The veteran sports commentator will join Stephen A. Smith for recurring appearances on First Take beginning this month, marking a notable reunion a decade after Bayless left the network.

    Announcement Made on SiriusXM Radio

    Smith revealed the news Friday afternoon during his SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio show, with Bayless appearing as a guest. The duo outlined a two-pronged schedule: Bayless will join Smith every Friday on the radio program, and on the last Friday of each month on First Take.

    “Let me alert the public to what’s going on,” Smith began. “On Fridays, yours truly and the one and only Skip Bayless will be joining me on this show. So, let’s get that out the way. That’s every Friday, the beatdown is coming, my condolences to you. But the other part that everybody needs to know, starting next week, the last Friday of every single month, Skip Bayless will join yours truly on First Take. You are back, my brother.”

    Building on a Successful Reunion

    The agreement follows a one-day reunion on First Take earlier this year. That appearance evidently resonated with Bayless, who described it as the “most fun” he had experienced in a long time and expressed enthusiasm about making the partnership regular.

    “I am personally highly entertained by getting to sit across from you,” Bayless told Smith. “You are a one and an only, and I do believe what you and I had, and will have, is a one and an only.”

    Strategic Fit for ESPN and Bayless

    The move mirrors the trajectory of Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, whose guest spots on First Take evolved into a weekly role. Mutual interest in extending last May’s reunion was clear, and the dynamic became even more logical after Smith lost co-panelists Cam Newton and Ryan Clark to summer layoffs. The final hurdle—structuring a contract agreeable to Bayless and ESPN—has now been cleared.

    Bayless, once the central figure of First Take, will now occupy a reduced role and salary on the program he helped establish. However, the arrangement offers significant promotional value. Bayless recently relaunched his digital show Gridiron with Aqib Talib following a split with Underdog, and the ESPN platform provides a powerful vehicle to drive attention to that venture.

    Calculated Exposure to Sustain Interest

    The May reunion revisited familiar debates surrounding Tim Tebow, the Dallas Cowboys, and LeBron James. While daily appearances might dilute the novelty, the limited cadence—once a week on radio and once a month on television—is calibrated to generate viral moments and headlines without overexposing the pair’s signature confrontational style.

  • Kirk Herbstreit Recounts ‘Emotional’ Meeting With Lee Corso

    Kirk Herbstreit Recounts ‘Emotional’ Meeting With Lee Corso

    Kirk Herbstreit shared a heartfelt reunion with his longtime College GameDay partner Lee Corso ahead of the 2025 college football season, offering a glimpse into their enduring friendship and Corso’s life after retirement.

    A Surprise Meeting in Orlando

    Herbstreit, 57, revealed the encounter during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Tuesday, September 8, facilitated through College GameDay’s partnership with CELSIUS. The meeting took place two to three weeks prior in Orlando, where Herbstreit was making an appearance.

    “I was doing an appearance down in Orlando maybe two or three weeks ago and he used to do this appearance for 25 years,” Herbstreit said. “It’s down right in his neck of the woods. He found out I was going to be down there and he asked if we could connect.”

    Corso, 91, retired from ESPN’s College GameDay in August 2025 after appearing on all 38 seasons of the show. Herbstreit joined the broadcast in 1996, and the two shared decades of on-air chemistry.

    Corso Insists on Driving Through a Thunderstorm

    Herbstreit described the reunion as “a very typical Lee Corso story.” Rather than meeting at the event venue, Corso insisted on driving to the airport to greet his former colleague.

    “I said, ‘How far is the airport?,’ He said ‘I don’t know, 30 minutes or so,’” Herbstreit explained. “I said, ‘You’re not driving.’ He said, ‘I am driving.’ You’re not going to win that battle. He drives over in the middle of a thunderstorm, because in Orlando those pop up at any moment. He’s 91 years old.”

    By the time Herbstreit landed, Corso was waiting. “We hugged, embraced. He was emotional because we haven’t seen each other in a while. When he cried, it made me cry. Because he’s my guy. We were able to hang out for probably 20 or 30 minutes and just kind of get caught up.”

    Sharp Mind Despite Physical Challenges

    Herbstreit noted that while Corso faces physical ailments, his cognitive abilities remain remarkable.

    “He’s got a lot of physical ailments that he’s been dealing with, but his mind is incredible.”

    “We’d all be lucky to have such cognitive thinking at 91,” Herbstreit marveled. “His eyes are sharp. He’s dialed in. He’s just going through some stuff that makes it tough on him.”

    Corso’s passion for the game hasn’t faded. “But he knows about teams. He knows about players. He’s got opinions. I just sat there and listened and loved hearing him talk about that. He’s great. I told him that everybody loves him, everybody misses him. He feels that love, so it’s always good to see him.”

    College GameDay’s New Partnership with CELSIUS

    This season, College GameDay launched a season-long sponsorship with energy drink brand CELSIUS. The partnership includes the CELSIUS Energy Stage, CELSIUS Fan Cam, and a traveling CELSIUS Combine experience.

    Herbstreit, who admitted he never cared for coffee, became a fan of the product in recent years.

    “I’ve never been a big coffee drinker and really never an energy drinker until maybe about two or three years ago,” Herbstreit said. “With all the travel I do, I don’t like the taste of coffee. But I do love the taste of CELSIUS. My favorite is the grape.”

    He expressed optimism about the collaboration’s future.

    “They’re traveling every week with us, so I think the whole thing is really cool. Hopefully they’re just scratching the surface of where this partnership can go.”

    College GameDay airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN.

  • Dianna Russini’s Sports Media Comeback Detailed After Mike Vrabel Scandal

    Dianna Russini’s Sports Media Comeback Detailed After Mike Vrabel Scandal

    NFL Insider Dianna Russini Declines High-Profile Tell-All Interview Opportunities

    ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini has reportedly turned down multiple lucrative tell-all interview offers from major television networks, popular podcasts, and reality television productions, according to a source who spoke with Page Six.

    Media Interest in Russini’s Career and Insights

    The reported interest from across the media landscape highlights Russini’s prominent position in sports journalism. As one of the NFL’s most connected reporters, her behind-the-scenes knowledge of league operations, team dynamics, and player relationships would command significant audience attention.

    Focus Remains on Reporting

    By declining these opportunities, Russini appears to be prioritizing her role as a working journalist over celebrity exposure. The decision aligns with her established reputation for breaking major NFL stories and providing insider analysis across ESPN platforms, including “NFL Live,” “SportsCenter,” and “Get Up.”

    Russini joined ESPN in 2023 after several years at The Athletic, where she covered the NFL with a focus on the Washington Commanders and league-wide transactions. Her reporting has consistently driven news cycles around coaching changes, quarterback decisions, and front-office movements.

  • ESPN’s Chris Fowler Accused of Showing ‘Bias’ During U.S. Open

    ESPN’s Chris Fowler Accused of Showing ‘Bias’ During U.S. Open

    Tennis Fans Accuse ESPN’s Chris Fowler of Bias During Gauff vs. Jovic U.S. Open Match

    Controversy erupted on social media during Monday night’s Round of 16 match at the 2026 U.S. Open, as viewers accused ESPN lead play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler of displaying overt favoritism toward Coco Gauff during her victory over fellow American Iva Jovic.

    Fan Backlash Over Commentary Tone

    Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals with the win, continuing her pursuit of a second Grand Slam title. However, the broadcast drew sharp criticism from tennis fans who felt Fowler’s commentary crossed the line from enthusiastic support into unprofessional bias.

    One widely shared post, viewed more than 20,000 times, stated: “Chris Fowler is not only openly rooting for Coco Gauff but gets giddy when Iva Jovic makes unforced errors. Iva Jovic is an 18 year old American for crying out loud!!!!”

    Broader Criticism of ESPN’s Coverage

    The criticism extended beyond Fowler to the entire ESPN production team. Another fan wrote: “The whole ESPN broadcast is the Coco show It ís so biased Pegula the#3 ranked player in the world and who has won the most matches and is the highest ranked American hardly gets any exposure The US Open broadcast is the Coco Gauff show. It’s sickening,”

    A third viewer added: “The whole ESPN crew is insufferable. Kalinskaya plays a great passing shot and the commentary sounded like the #21 player was less skilled than her #26 ranked opponent,”

    Concerns about objectivity were summed up by a comment stating: “The announcers have lost all objectivity when covering American female tennis players,”

    Defense and Counterarguments

    Not all feedback was negative. One fan offered a sympathetic perspective: “Well, he wants her to win because we all want her to win. Cause we wanted her to move up the rankings, and we want her to be number one eventually,”

    Another viewer raised a structural concern about broadcast assignments: “All commentators glaze Coco. When Americians are playing they should not have American commentators,”

    Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Information

    The 2026 U.S. Open continues with quarterfinal matches scheduled for Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9. All matches will air on ESPN.

    This story was originally published by The Spun on September 8, 2026, in the Sports Media section.