ESPN's Around the Horn Ends Amid 'Woke' Debate and Legacy of Diverse Voices

After nearly two decades of spirited debates and sharp takes, ESPN's Around the Horn will air its final episode this Friday, leaving fans and panelists questioning the network's decision. The show, a cornerstone of sports talk television, has been a platform for diverse voices, but some speculate its cancellation stems from fears of being labeled 'woke.'

Former panelist Jay Mariotti, who left the show in 2010, claimed in a recent interview that the program veered too far into progressive territory, alienating viewers. He pointed to panelists like Jemele Hill, who was fired in 2018 after controversial posts about then-President Donald Trump, as part of the show's shift. Mariotti even suggested on his Substack that the program 'ended' when he departed, accusing some contributors of being 'on dope' while others went 'woke.'

However, Sarah Spain, a regular on the show, pushed back against this narrative. In an interview with The Washington Post, she questioned whether ESPN axed the program to avoid the 'woke' label. 'The format showcased new talent and diverse voices,' Spain said. 'Canceling it feels like a step back from highlighting progressive voices and people of color. Are they that scared of a word?'

Longtime host Tony Reali offered a different perspective on The Dan Patrick Show. He dismissed the 'woke' theory, emphasizing the show's 23-year run and its tackling of complex topics. 'We covered 50,000 topics,' Reali said. 'Maybe a few raised eyebrows, but I don’t regret the conversations. That’s what made the show real.'

In one of the final episodes, Kate Fagan, a former ESPN contributor, used her victory monologue to advocate for trans kids in sports. 'Sports is about joy, community, and belonging,' she said. 'Trans kids deserve that, just like everyone else.' Her words sparked renewed debate about the show's direction and its legacy.

As Around the Horn signs off, it leaves behind a legacy of bold discussions and a format that gave rising reporters a stage. Whether its end was due to shifting viewer tastes or network caution, the void it leaves in sports media will be hard to fill.