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Stephen A. Smith Backtracks Commentary Regarding Lane Johnson and Mental Health on First Take

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Backtracks Commentary Regarding Lane Johnson and Mental Health on First Take

Stephen A. Smith questioned Lane Johnson’s decision to step away from the Philadelphia Eagles and retire on First Take. Later, however, he clarified his criticism targeted the franchise, not Johnson’s mental health.

What We Know: Johnson is stepping away from the Eagles four games into the 2026 season. Notably, he cited his mental health as part of the reason. Johnson missed time at the start of training camp and said his mother had been dealing with some health issues when he returned to the team. Wednesday, Smith initially attempted to tie the decision to Philadelphia’s struggles, but mocked Johnson’s use of mental health as part of his reasoning why he was retiring. However, colleague Kimberly Martin raised concerns that Smith was making light of the situation prompting Smith to backtrack and clarify his comments minutes later.

What They Said: (All quotes via First Take):

Stephen A. Smith on Lane Johnson referencing mental health as part of the reason why he’s stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “Nine starters you finish the game without. Now the brother sat up there, one of the all-time greats on the offensive line. And what did he do? You know what? I’m gonna call the quits. Now he calls it quits. Not fourth season, not off season. Oh no! After being subjected to this, he said life is a little bit too short. I need to focus. What did he say? His mental health. Am I making it up?”

Stephen A. Smith believes if the Philadelphia Eagles were winning, Lane Johnson wouldn’t be stepping away for mental health reasons: “Four games in to the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever sits back and says, “I need to focus on my mental health and as an offensive tackle.” There’s no way [if] you’re undefeated [or] winning football games. Everybody’s got Super Bowl in their sights. You [don’t] walk away. [But] you walk away because it’s a very, very, very bad situation, and it doesn’t look to be getting any better. This brother said, “Hey, my life matters. It’s time. I’m gonna call it quits. My mental health, my mental.” Lord. That’s trouble for the Philadelphia Eagles, and everybody in the city of brotherly love knows it.”

FOLLOWING KIMBERLY MARTIN CHECKING STEPHEN A. SMITH ON HIS COMMENTARY REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH

Stephen A. Smith clarifies he’s not making light of mental health issues in regards to Lane Johnson stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “Let me get a bit serious for a second. Kimberly [Martin] brought up what I brought about making light of the situation. I appreciate the lookout. Thank you very much. Let me be very clear, and specific about what I’m saying. I would never make light of mental health issues. I’m making light of the Philadelphia Eagles trashy situation right now.”

Stephen A. Smith backtracks his comments regarding Lane Johnson referencing mental health for stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “He’s [Lane Johnson] considered one of the elite, one of the top three in the National Football League. Regardless of how many times he’s contemplated retirement, he made a decision to come back this season. Usually, NFL players, when they make a decision to come back, they married to it for that year. Then [in] off season they revisit it, but they married to it that year. To be in week four, approaching week five, and you’re ready to what? If you choose to walk away, that’s about the Eagles. That is what I am talking about, not him and his mental health.”

What Remains Unclear: Still, it remains unclear whether Johnson will respond to Smith’s remarks. It also remains unclear whether an apology will be coming from Smith for his performative style regarding conversation about Johnson’s mental health.

What It Means: Moreover, the moment shows how quickly hot-take commentary can collide with sensitive topics. Still, Smith reframed his remarks around the Eagles’ dysfunction rather than Johnson himself. But you can’t erase live television. As a result, the conversation now shifts toward Philadelphia’s direction as Smith could apologize in the coming days. Moreover, it adds another viral First Take moment for ESPN’s most visible voice.

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Fox News Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Garrett Searight
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Fox News Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Fox News is celebrating 30 years on the air Wednesday, marking three decades since the network first signed on. The network debuted on October 7th, 1996, and has since expanded into a major multi-platform media operation.

What We Know: Fox News marked the anniversary one day early when Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott rang the Nasdaq Closing Bell Tuesday. Scott was joined at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York by longtime Fox News employees, executives, and original on-air talent, including Lauren Green, Trace Gallagher, Steve Doocy, and Brit Hume. The ceremony recognized the network’s growth from a single linear television channel into a broader media operation spanning digital, streaming, audio, books, and other platforms.

What They Said: “It’s a tremendous honor to be here at NASDAQ as we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 30 years of FOX News Channel … Three decades ago, FOX Corporation Chairman Emeritus, Rupert Murdoch, launched FOX News with an ambitious idea: to give audiences another voice in the national conversation, and to build a news organization that provided balance to all Americans.

30 years later, his vision has grown from one linear network to a multi-platform powerhouse in digital, streaming, audio, books and beyond. Made possible by the leadership of FOX Corp. Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch.

Collectively, all the platforms that make up FOX News Media have an extraordinary reach of over 200 million people a month and enduring connection with our audience. Milestones like this are about recognizing the people behind our success: the journalists, producers, technicians, correspondents, executives, and countless colleagues who show up every day with inspiring skill, energy, determination, and a genuine commitment to their craft. And they are about the viewers who have welcomed FOX News Channel into their homes, their workplaces, and their daily lives as we meet them wherever they are.

So today, as we celebrate 30 years of stories reported and analyzed, and history witnessed at each turn, we also look ahead because the next chapter of media is being shaped right now by new technology, new platforms, and new ways of connecting with audiences. On behalf of everyone at FOX News Media, thank you to all our viewers and to all our colleagues who made all this possible. And now, with great pride and gratitude, we celebrate 30 years of FOX News Channel.” -Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott

What Remains Unclear: Fox News enters its fourth decade with continued questions surrounding how the network will balance its established television operation with newer digital and streaming products. Scott has emphasized the importance of expanding across platforms as audience habits continue to change.

What It Means: The anniversary underscores how significantly Fox News has expanded since its 1996 launch. Today, Fox News Media says its platforms reach more than 200 million people each month, highlighting the scale of the operation built around the original network.

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ESPN VP of Events Clint Overby Reportedly Accepting Voluntary Early Retirement In February

John Mamola
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ESPN VP of Events Clint Overby Reportedly Accepting Voluntary Early Retirement In February

ESPN Events vice president Clint Overby is leaving the company after 25 years, according to On3’s Brett McMurphy. He will accept a separation/retirement package and departs February 28.

What We Know: Overby joined ESPN in June 2001 as manager of the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program. He then rose to director of events in 2003 and senior director in 2006. ESPN elevated him to vice president of ESPN Events in 2016. Today, that division runs 35 annual college events, including 17 bowl games, drawing more than 800,000 fans combined.

What’s At Stake: Meanwhile, Disney is introducing a Voluntary Early Retirement Offer (VERO), a time-limited, company-sponsored program for executives. The company says VERO “will give eligible executives the opportunity to retire now with an enhanced retirement package that recognizes their service and contributions.” According to Deadline, executives must hit 65 points by adding their age and years at Disney. They also need to be at least 50 with 10 or more years at the company.

What Remains Unclear: However, it remains unclear whether Overby’s package came through the VERO program. While On3 is reporting a separation, it’s unclear if it ties the two directly. Additionally, the release does not name a successor to lead ESPN Events.

What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN loses a 25-year veteran who shaped its college events business. Furthermore, his exit comes amid ongoing Disney layoffs, including 1,000 roles cut in April and another round in July. In early August, CEO Josh D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston told investors more cuts are coming. As a result, other ESPN executives could follow, though employees on contract do not qualify for VERO.

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ESPN Announces Super Bowl LXI To Stream On Disney+

John Mamola
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ESPN Announces Super Bowl LXI To Stream On Disney+

Disney+ will livestream Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. As a result, fans gain another way to watch ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl production.

What We Know: ESPN and ABC will carry the game, marking ESPN’s first Super Bowl presentation. Meanwhile, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will call the action. Additionally, all U.S. Disney+ subscribers can stream the English broadcast and ESPN Deportes’ Spanish-language telecast. Internationally, Disney+ streams the game in 55-plus markets, and ESPN networks reach 130-plus countries. In addition, two Monday Night Football games will also stream on Disney+. The first is the Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles on October 26, with a second game to be announced.

What’s At Stake: With this being the network’s first Super Bowl broadcast, the ability to make the game available to every sector of the ESPN family of networks is vital. With the added reach on ABC, ESPN, ESPN App, and now Disney+, the game should achieve a record amount of viewership based on so many points of entry to consume.

What Remains Unclear: However, Disney+ has not yet named the second Monday Night Football game it will stream. It also remains unclear whether ESPN will also add additional altcasts to the Super Bowl presentation much like the network’s approach to the College Football Playoff national championship game.

What It Means: Ultimately, Disney is using every platform to maximize ESPN’s Super Bowl debut. Advertisers have already responded, as ABC and ESPN sold out all commercial inventory by August. That marked the earliest Super Bowl sellout by any network. In total, 58 brands across 34 categories bought in, including nine first-time advertisers.

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Hard Rock Bet Becomes Title Sponsor of ‘Wingmen With Matthew and Brady Tkachuk’ Podcast

John Mamola
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Hard Rock Bet Becomes Title Sponsor of ‘Wingmen With Matthew and Brady Tkachuk’ Podcast

Hard Rock Bet is now the presenting sponsor of Wingmen with Matthew & Brady Tkachuk. The deal pairs a South Florida sportsbook with the Panthers’ famous brothers.

What We Know: Hard Rock Digital, based in Hollywood, Florida, made the announcement. Wave Sports & Entertainment produces the weekly show, which streams on YouTube and major podcast platforms. As part of the deal, Hard Rock Bet branding will appear in key art, on-air mentions and social promotion. Additionally, branding will appear on-site at the show’s new studio inside Fort Lauderdale’s Baptist Health Iceplex.

What They Said: Matthew Tkachuk: “Hard Rock is such a big part of South Florida, so we’re really excited to have Hard Rock Bet supporting ‘Wingmen. It feels like a great fit for us and for the show.”

Brady Tkachuk: “Hard Rock Bet understands the fans and the sports culture down here. We’re pumped to have them as part of what we’re building with ‘Wingmen.’”

Lauren Varnas, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Hard Rock Digital: “South Florida is home to Hard Rock Digital, and it’s now home to Matthew and Brady, too. That shared connection gives this partnership a level of authenticity that resonates with local sports fans. “Wingmen also gives us an opportunity to reach a national, hockey-focused audience through one of the sport’s most popular media platforms”

What Remains Unclear: Neither side disclosed financial terms or the length of the agreement. Wingmen in November 2025, becoming the first active NHL players to host their own podcast. Brady then joined Matthew in Florida after a June trade from Ottawa, though the show’s longer-term plans remain unknown.

What It Means: For Hard Rock Bet, the deal extends its existing Florida Panthers partnership into digital audio and video. Moreover, it gives the brand a national hockey audience without leaving its backyard. Moreover, for Wave, a dedicated studio and a presenting sponsor signal real investment in the show. Overall, the deal shows sportsbooks still see value in athlete-hosted podcasts.

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Tyler Foxx Exits as Program Director and Afternoon Host at Hot 96

Garrett Searight
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Tyler Foxx Exits as Program Director and Afternoon Host at Hot 96

Hot 96 Program Director Tyler Foxx has exited the Evansville, Indiana station. Foxx also hosted afternoon drive during his five-year run with the station.

What We Know: Foxx joined Hot 96 in 2021 after spending four years as the afternoon drive host at 98.5 KLUC in Las Vegas. In Evansville, he handled programming duties while also hosting afternoons for the Midwest Communications station. His departure ends a five-year run with the brand. However, the station has not announced who will assume his programming or on-air responsibilities.

What They Said: “Midwest Communications and I have parted ways after 5 years. I will miss my co-workers and forever be grateful for all the good times we had. Thank you for 5 great years. If you hear of any openings, I am all ears.” -Tyler Foxx

What Remains Unclear: Foxx’s next career move remains unclear following his departure from Hot 96. Likewise, Midwest Communications hasn’t announced whether it will name an interim program director or make additional changes to the afternoon lineup. The company also hasn’t indicated whether it plans to combine Foxx’s former duties under one person.

What It Means: Foxx’s exit creates an immediate leadership opening at Hot 96 while also leaving an afternoon vacancy. Meanwhile, his experience in both programming and afternoon drive could make him an attractive candidate for opportunities in other markets.

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Ferrero Brands Reportedly Increasing Ad Spend Into Sports Based on Super Bowl Success

John Mamola
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Ferrero Brands Reportedly Increasing Ad Spend Into Sports Based on Super Bowl Success

Ferrero will advertise Nutella and Kinder Bueno during Super Bowl 2027, the company said Tuesday. In doing so, the Italian confectioner is doubling its Super Bowl investment after a successful debut.

What We Know: Ferrero made its Super Bowl debut earlier this year with an outer space-themed Kinder Bueno ad. According to the brand, that spot drove a 140% year-over-year lift in volume sales. Meanwhile, Disney holds the broadcast and streaming rights for Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Additionally, the company plans to invest $50 million in sports marketing next year.

What They Said: Michael Lindsey, Ferrero North America president and chief business officer: “We’ve invested billions of dollars in our North American growth plans, and last year’s ad debut proved it’s working. Building on the genuine momentum from Kinder Bueno and the success of Nutella Peanut, we’re in a position to double down on our investment to accelerate portfolio awareness and market share in the U.S.”

What Remains Unclear: However, Ferrero has not shared creative details, ad lengths or airtimes for either spot. It also hasn’t said how much of its $50 million sports budget the Super Bowl will absorb.

What It Means: Ultimately, Ferrero told ADWEEK the bigger bet reflects a major change in how it positions itself in America. Furthermore, the company has fresh products to promote, including Nutella Peanut. The roasted nut and cocoa spread, which debuted in April, is the brand’s first flavor innovation in 60 years. As a result, Super Bowl LXI gives Ferrero a massive stage to grow its U.S. market share.

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Max Kellerman, LeSean McCoy Depart Inside The Ring After One Season

John Mamola
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Max Kellerman, LeSean McCoy Depart Inside The Ring After One Season

Mario Lopez is the new host of DAZN’s Inside the Ring. Meanwhile, Max Kellerman and LeSean McCoy are out after one season on the program.

What We Know: DAZN announced Tuesday that Mario Lopez will join the boxing show. Additionally, Mike Coppinger confirmed that he will return alongside a rotating panel of analysts. The program will now stream twice a week on DAZN Boxing and Ring Magazine’s YouTube channels. However, Front Office Sports reports that former host Kellerman and analyst McCoy will not return for season two.

What They Said: Mario Lopez (via Instagram): “Excited to officially join Inside The Ring for Season 2! See you inside the ring.”

What Remains Unclear: DAZN did not explain why Kellerman and McCoy are leaving. Neither Kellerman or McCoy have explained their departures.

What It Means: For DAZN, the shakeup suggests a push to consolidate its boxing content. Last week, Total Boxing reported that Saudi Arabian powerbroker Turki Alalshikh agreed to sell a controlling interest in Ring Magazine to DAZN. Meanwhile, Lopez brings real boxing credibility, including guest color commentary and The 3 Knockdown Rule podcast with Steve Kim.

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Mike Gundy Making TNT Sports Debut This Weekend

John Mamola
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Mike Gundy Making TNT Sports Debut This Weekend

Mike Gundy is heading back to television this weekend. The former Oklahoma State coach joins TNT’s studio coverage of Arizona at West Virginia.

What We Know: Gundy coached Oklahoma State for 20 seasons, going 170-90 with 18 straight winning seasons. Additionally, he went 12-6 in bowl games and won the 2011 Big 12 title. Oklahoma State dismissed him on Sept. 23, 2025, and he remains under a buyout. Previously, he worked ESPN’s coach’s broadcast of College Football Playoff championship games. According to Robert Allen of Pokes Report, Gundy turned down weekend studio work at ESPN and a game analyst role at FOX this season. He chose to spend more time at home with family.

What’s At Stake: Gundy has limited experience on network television. If his appearance proves successful, Gundy could be an option with an expanded roster of games coming up for TNT Sports with the College Football Playoff. This year marks TNT Sports’ first CFP Semifinal as part of the agreement between ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery.

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether this is a one-time appearance or the start of a regular role. Gundy has not made any comment about why he’s choosing to appear with TNT Sports over ESPN and FOX. Meanwhile, it’s also uncertain how far his buyout restrictions reach on air.

What It Means: For TNT, Gundy brings 37 years of college coaching experience and deep Big 12 credibility. He joins former NFL stars Champ Bailey and Takeo Spikes, with Jordan Cornette hosting. Ultimately, a strong showing could reopen the TV doors he closed this season.

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Paramount+ and HBO Max Merger Will ‘Take a Period of Time’, David Ellison Says

Garrett Searight
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Paramount+ and HBO Max Merger Will ‘Take a Period of Time’, David Ellison Says

Skydance CEO David Ellison says Paramount+ and HBO Max may operate separately before becoming one streaming service. The company plans to merge the platforms, but Ellison suggested the process could take some time.

What We Know: Skydance plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max as part of its broader streaming strategy. In March, Ellison told investors the company believed putting the platforms together would position it to compete with the leading services. At the time, he said the combined platform would give Skydance access to “a little over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers.” However, Ellison now says viewers shouldn’t expect an immediate combination. Instead, the two services will initially continue operating separately as the company works toward a merger.

What They Said: “It’ll take a period of time to do that. So I think in the immediate you will see them operated separately … Given the way AI technology and other things have progressed, we think we can actually accelerate how quickly we accomplish that goal.” -David Ellison

What Remains Unclear: Skydance hasn’t provided a specific timeline for combining Paramount+ and HBO Max. Additionally, the company hasn’t detailed whether one platform will ultimately absorb the other or whether it will launch a new unified service. Ellison’s comments suggest the company wants to move quickly, but the immediate priority remains operating the platforms separately.

What It Means: The eventual combination would create a significantly larger streaming offering for Skydance. Meanwhile, keeping the services separate gives the company time to determine how best to integrate their technology, content and subscribers.

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