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.