With the final Around the Horn set to air tomorrow, many are still debating what the reasoning could be as to why the show is being cancelled by ESPN in the first place. While some former panelists on the program believe the show was too “woke” for the network, many others are still left in the dark, including host Tony Reali.
Reali made an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Thursday and said he’s still waiting on a reason from ESPN as to why the show is being cancelled after nearly 5,000 episodes.
“Do I need one? I’ve gone through moments where, like, do I need one? Do I not need one?” questioned Reali. “I have to now (live with it) because of the absence of any explanation and any communication. They’ve got their hands full.”
In the days leading up to the finale, the Around the Horn host has been making a number of appearances on many different outlets across the country, reflecting on the 23-year run of the program featuring a long list of contemporaries as panelists. Furthermore, as to what will replace the show, ESPN has not yet stated what the network’s exact plans are. However, Reali shared what he would conceptualize for the time slot involving his former program Pardon the Interruption.
“I thought I could change their mind for many months, and maybe there was a plan. I would have to believe and hope there was a plan,” said Reali. “If I was in the business of running things, I would be paying the highest rated show all the money in the world and asking them to work as long as I possibly could. I don’t think it would be the best PTI if PTI expanded from 30 minutes to an hour. I sure as heck would want the highest rated show and my friends to be making so much more money to do more work.”
Additionally, Reali told The Dan Patrick Show his contract will be ending in August and he is looking forward to talking with everyone and anyone who will be willing to listen on ideas for his next step.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
