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ESPN Denies Paul Finebaum Ban as He Returns to ‘First Take’ After Brief Absence

The company says the gap was scheduling rather than punishment during his consideration of a Senate run in Alabama.

Overview

  • OutKick founder Clay Travis reported that Disney/ESPN pulled Paul Finebaum from flagship shows after his interview discussing a possible Republican Senate bid.
  • ESPN communications executive Bill Hofheimer publicly called the report "TOTALLY FALSE," and the network said Finebaum was already booked for First Take and SportsCenter.
  • Finebaum missed some usual appearances on SportsCenter, First Take and Get Up late last week, while continuing his SEC Network and radio programs.
  • He reappeared on ESPN’s morning lineup Tuesday, with on-air colleagues acknowledging his brief absence.
  • The episode has renewed scrutiny of ESPN’s policies on political activity by on-air talent, including comparisons to Stephen A. Smith’s public political musings.