Katie Nolan says ESPN barely resembles the network she once knew. She argues Pat McAfee’s political access marks a dramatic shift in the network’s approach to politics with its talent roster.
What We Know: Nolan aired her critique on her podcast, Casuals with Katie Nolan. This came after McAfee and several Disney, ESPN and ABC executives attended the Patriot Games with Trump and sat together. Prior to the games, McAfee greeted President Donald Trump on the tarmac in Geneva, Ohio. McAfee then sat beside Trump throughout the event, extending a relationship that includes a past Veterans Day interview. Nolan joins former ESPN voices Dan Le Batard and Jemele Hill in pointing to a greater acceptance of political commentary among ESPN talent than when they worked at the network.
What They Said: (All quotes from Casuals with Katie Nolan)
Katie Nolan believes ESPN is a much different place today: “It just is so strange to me. It’s in such stark contrast to when I was at ESPN. You weren’t even supposed to be mentioning politics. When things were getting too left at ESPN, too liberal, it was because people were speaking up for black athletes. We weren’t going to Barack Obama’s birthday party. I don’t think there was as much of a whatever this is.”
Katie Nolan doesn’t understand Pat McAfee’s double standard: “Pat [McAfee] cut his teeth in this industry on like, I don’t get political. I’m here for the sports. I’m your pro guy who doesn’t even wear sleeves. Why would you care what I think about politics? It’s just a weird thing to say. I saw a lot of his fans expressing that’s a weird stance to have taken and then completely pivoted on. Now that you’re hanging out with the president.”
Katie Nolan believes Pat McAfee’s approach is now playing as the establishment: “It’s still reflected in social media replies that Pat’s [McAfee] way is the raging against the machine. That anyone who is more liberal or has liberal views. They are sticking to the machine. That’s the establishment. And I just like, what? Where is this myth coming from? At some point, we do have to update our software and go they’re the controlling party. So, it has shifted, and Pat seems willing to be a part of that. Which is his choice.”
Katie Nolan rejects sports and politics intersecting through Pat McAfee: “A lot of his fans didn’t seem happy with it. But then again, nowadays on the internet, you don’t know what’s a bot and what’s an actual person. But it seems like his fans reject this. As a sports fan, I reject this. I don’t need the intersection of this to be intensified. I would like it to be turned down quite a bit.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not commented on Nolan’s remarks. Also, any further appearances by President Donald Trump on ESPN programming or McAfee’s program remains unknown.
What It Means: Nolan’s critique underscores a cultural pivot inside ESPN’s talent lineup from her day’s with the network. Moreover, the network that once silenced political talk now somewhat tolerates talent showcasing their political leans. For McAfee, straddling sports and politics carries real reputational risk in a very divisive climate. Ultimately, ESPN’s changing habits as noted by Nolan is something to keep a keen eye on moving forward.
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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.