Dan Le Batard has immense respect for SportsCenter host Scott Van Pelt.
SVP joined The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz on Wednesday, and Dan, in his introduction, spoke glowingly of his former ESPN colleague.
“One of the few people anywhere in the industry that when I see his face, I am made happy,” Le Batard said. “He has earned it at ESPN, and he has done it his way in a way that is really cool.”
The midnight edition of SportsCenter has been in a uniquely SVP format since 2015. Van Pelt’s blend of commentary, interviews, highlight presentations and knowledge in Le Batard’s eyes makes the show worth staying up for. Van Pelt is a refreshingly good-natured personality. Dan also said he loves that Scott is able to do the show from Washington, D.C. near his hometown.
“But he has moved his life around so that he can occupy his space in sports where he’s got an hour at the end of your night that still matters,” Le Batard said. “That you know is going to be crafted and well-done by a generally likeable person in a climate that is so polarizing, that none of the people talking about sports on television get to be liked.”
“What a kind introduction by you!” Stugotz chimed in. “Perhaps the kindest introduction I’ve ever heard for you.”
“I really respect this guy’s work, that he’s navigated the labyrinth, and that he’s nice to people,” Le Batard responded. “He is not horrible to coworkers, and he’s not threatened by coworkers in the vanity business.”
Dan asked SVP if his assessment of him in his introduction was accurate, and Van Pelt admitted he was flattered.
“You’re asking me to agree to an incredibly kind thing. I’m horrible at taking compliments,” he said. “I do that self-deprecating thing sincerely. I find it easier to deflect and say thanks, so I’ll just say thanks cause that was very nice.”
