ESPN Acknowledges Error in Failing to Air National Anthem at Sugar Bowl

Network executives attribute the omission to human error and scheduling issues following a terrorist attack in New Orleans.

ESPN Vice President Burke Magnus called the decision not to air the national anthem and moment of silence at the Sugar Bowl an 'enormous mistake.'
The omission occurred on January 2, a day after a terrorist attack in New Orleans killed 14 people and injured over two dozen more.
Magnus clarified that the decision was unintentional, citing timing and logistical disruptions as contributing factors during the broadcast.
The network faced significant backlash from viewers, with some accusing ESPN of deliberately avoiding the anthem, a claim Magnus rejected as 'misplaced.'
Since the incident, ESPN has aired the national anthem at subsequent College Football Playoff games and committed to maintaining this practice moving forward.