The one element I always reminded my talent about when going outside the walls of our building was to understand who you represent. When you work for a company—any company—you represent that company as a public figure no matter where you go. Until you are no longer with that company, understand that every word you say about your company has both benefit and consequence. As amazing as Paul Finebaum is, unfortunately, he forgot that in an interview with OutKick.
When you work for any company, there are rules to how you represent the company you work for. We’ve seen it time and again. Employee reveals inner workings of company, and employee is disciplined. This is why we have “whistleblowers” in Congress, and “sources” with media companies. Often times when employees speak out, employers are in the right to act accordingly.
As amazing as Paul Finebaum is, unfortunately, he forgot that during an interview with OutKick.
When Clay Travis tweeted that Finebaum had been removed from appearing on ESPN since the OutKick interview, factually he was correct. Finebaum is a regular on First Take, Get Up, and SportsCenter—all programs that air on ESPN’s main network.
Would you trust a “source” after the subject of the reporting was just interviewed by the person reporting it? It’s pretty clear who the source more than likely was. Since the reporting was also confirmed by local sources with ties to Finebaum and national ones as well, it was more than likely based in fact.
However, the spin cycle that followed was utterly disgusting.
The Meat Is in the Details
While many were spinning this as a political matter in which Finebaum expressed his support for President Donald Trump while contemplating his thoughts on running for office, the real matter is in the details away from the headlines.
Finebaum revealed in the interview that ESPN “frowns upon” its talent discussing politics and tells them “not to discuss” who they voted for in elections. Was that what led to possible discipline for Finebaum? Not likely, especially since Stephen A. Smith has not been shy about doing either.
Finebaum then revealed that ESPN nixed an interview opportunity with President Donald Trump on his radio program in 2019. He said he was “devastated” and was told he was not allowed to mix politics with sports.
Following a reference to Andy Katz visiting the White House during Barack Obama’s term to witness the commander in chief fill out an NCAA basketball bracket or two, Finebaum called that moment a turning point for him.
“It was a turning point for me. It wasn’t about politics at all, it was just about the idea of going to the White House to interview the President of the United States,” Finebaum told OutKick. “It wasn’t about politics, it was about a football game—the biggest game of the year in college football. I never knew exactly where the kill button came from. It didn’t happen.”
Do you see why ESPN may be a little upset with that answer? Travis wasn’t done pressing his friend.
Finebaum was then asked by Travis about the “culture of ESPN” and for his reaction. Travis referenced an incident where ESPN missed the national anthem following the rescheduled game between Notre Dame and Georgia after a terrible attack in New Orleans, Louisiana. The SEC Network, which is owned by ESPN, did not miss the anthem.
To his credit, Finebaum laughed at the question and asked Travis if he knew that Finebaum was still employed by “this company.”
“I don’t know what happened there. I respect Burke Magnus greatly, and he said it was a mistake,” said Finebaum. “I do believe Burke Magnus, but that doesn’t mean someone else didn’t make the decision underneath him.”
Finebaum wrapped up his thoughts with Travis by saying that at some point he would feel very comfortable expounding on his opinion. He then joked that he was trying to get to his show in the morning.
After watching that exchange, that’s where Finebaum forgot the golden rule.
The Error Finebaum Made
When you work for a company as a public figure, you will always represent that company.
Also, when you are employed by a company and reveal “in-house” discussions in a public forum, that’s not a good thing for your company.
When you say that decision was a “turning point” for you and that you were “devastated” by the ruling, that’s not a good thing for your company.
When you joke about how uncomfortable you are answering questions about your company, then proceed to answer questions about your company—see what I just stated.
Public figures are always liable for the words they say.
That’s where Finebaum made his error, and ESPN had every right to remove him from certain programming. This isn’t about political opinions or a potential campaign. It’s about an employee revealing internal company matters that the employer didn’t want public.
It’s happened before Paul Finebaum, and it will happen after Paul Finebaum—at every network, and in every industry.
Despite the headlines, Finebaum still hosted his radio show all week and traveled to Gainesville for a packed live show before one of the biggest SEC games of the weekend. ESPN paid the freight, staffed the production, and aired the content. Missing guest spots on First Take or Get Up isn’t a suspension—it’s a slap on the wrist, if that.
Paul Finebaum’s removal from ESPN programming had nothing to do with politics. It was a reminder of something much simpler: words have consequences.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
Hey, if Finebaum wants to clarify his comments, I’m all ears.