Emmanuel Acho says he wasn’t blindsided by FS1’s decision to cancel The Facility earlier this year. During an appearance on Cam Newton’s 4th and 1 podcast, the former NFL linebacker and FOX Sports analyst admitted he could see the writing on the wall.
“There came a point in time where I’m like, ‘Hey, we launched a new show at a new time slot with a new cast and a new name,’” Acho said. “Mind you, our time slot’s going up against First Take….. It’s the ’98 Bulls versus an expansion team.”
Acho’s program The Facility was among three programs cut by the network in July. Since being cut, Acho has developed his new YouTube based program along with LeSean McCoy called SPEAKEASY: Sophisticated Sports Talk, a new digital-first series that promises to bring live reactions, cultural commentary, and fan interaction into one space.
During the interview with Newton, Acho understood that the network didn’t give enough time for The Facility to grow while at FS1 despite being aired against First Take.
“What you think was going to happen if you only have 9, 10, 11 months? Yeah, I wouldn’t take down Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. … So, did I see it coming? Absolutely. I knew it was a possibility because the show was not doing good enough,” said Acho. “Do I believe we could have had more time? Do I believe we could have turned the corner? Do I believe it was a concept that was cool? Yes. Yes. Yes. But it wasn’t good enough. Period.”
The FS1 program, which paired Acho with a fresh lineup of personalities, struggled to find traction in a crowded daytime sports debate space. When the network pulled the plug, Acho chose honesty over bravado in his public response.
“When you’re not good enough in football, you get cut. When you’re not good enough on TV, you get cancelled,” he said. “I actually don’t know what my future plan is, but I know that I trust God. … Rather than soaking and rather than wallowing, I said, you know what, Acho, it’s time to get to work. Like you need to stop working for the man and you need to become the man now.”
Acho, who has already collected two Emmy Awards — one as a producer and one as an on-air talent — said he leaned on his creative background to begin building independently after the cancellation. However, that pivot came with its own set of challenges.
“There were several moments where I woke up, I was like, I am scared,” Acho admitted. “What if this don’t work? What if people don’t watch? Yeah, man. I’m hemorrhaging a lot of money. How am I going to sign all these people to make sure that I got the studio in place? … Scary is the pervasive emotion right now. But I am not letting that fear hinder me. Instead, I’m saying, you know what, fear is an okay and an appropriate emotion. Just don’t let fear dictate the trajectory of your life.”
While the end of The Facility left Acho without a clear next step, he emphasized the value of persistence in the face of uncertainty. “When your back is against the wall, you have no other option but to fight,” he said.
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