ESPN personality Paul Finebaum is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Alabama, and Finebaum announced his timetable to make a final decision.
During an appearance on The Clay & Buck Show on Premiere Radio Networks, Finebaum, 70, said his timetable is closely tied to his contractual obligations with ESPN.
“I feel like I have to get to the end of the [college football] season before making a decision. If it costs me getting in, then I will find something else to let my mind wander on,” he said.
He added that the choice is deeply personal, noting his gratitude to ESPN president Burke Magnus for allowing him the space to weigh his next steps.
“It’s not easy. That’s my decision, nobody else’s,” said Finebaum. “I do want to thank Burke Magnus at ESPN for allowing me this time. He’s the top person in my world. A lot of people would have said, Listen, you have to, you’re out. You’re not going to be able to talk about this at this situation.”
Finebaum, widely known as the “Voice of the SEC,” has been with ESPN since 2013 after making his mark on Alabama radio and local newspapers, including the Birmingham Post-Herald and Mobile Press-Register. His eponymous four-hour radio show airs five days a week and is simulcast on the SEC Network.
He is also a frequent guest on ESPN’s studio shows, including Get Up, First Take, SportsCenter, and College Football Live.
Finebaum’s interest in politics was sparked by the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, which he reflected on during an interview with Clay Travis earlier this year. Though he did not know Kirk personally, Finebaum described the event as “numb” and “empty” but also an “awakening,” prompting him to reconsider life priorities and explore a potential second act in public service.
Former Auburn football coach turned U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has announced a run for governor, potentially opening a Senate seat. Finebaum is reportedly close with retired Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who considered a Senate run before joining TNT Sports as a studio analyst.
Finebaum told OutKick’s Clay Travis that Pearl’s candidacy would have likely deterred him from entering the race. ESPN has not commented on Finebaum’s political considerations.
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