📡 Sports Business Journal interview with ESPN Pres. James Pitaro: "... the role politics play at ESPN." Spoiler--fans have been saying it all along

[TerryP]

 

[jdpas29]

Nice to hear that an official at ESPN understands this well enough.

Sports. Just Do That.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Why do you want to risk dividing your loyal viewers, to begin with? You'd think they'd remember what Mom told us, never discuss religion and politics in polite company. Thinking you're bulletproof enough to try and change peoples views on social and political issues is a sure sign you've gotten too big for your britches.

 

[Tidestalker]

Yes it's inevitable for sports and politics to intertwine... However, it doesn't need to be the focal point. Feels like ESPN has made it their focal point, and for people that prefer their sports with a little politics as possible it's extremely frustrating.

I can honestly say I went from watching ESPN non-game programming daily to strictly only game-day. Just can't do it... The bottom line alone grosses me out

 

[50+yeartidefan]

There is no interwoven reason to mix sports and politics.....
Period.....

 

[Bamabww]

I can honestly say I went from watching ESPN non-game programming daily to strictly only game-day.

Yeah, same here. Just not interested in politics when I watch sports.

 

[JoshB]

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

 

[TerryP]

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

According to what he said their data indicated that both the core and casual ESPN viewer had the opinion that it was mixed too often. Thats a huge and all encompassing demographic.

It speaks to.what you're seeing and reading.

 

[Tidestalker]

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

There is the some truth to that.... Which is what makes the whole thing super ironic for ESPN.

I'm gonna go ahead and generalize for shits sake... Because I think there's a lot of truth to it... Liberals aren't big sports fans. Not here in CO. They're hippies, outdoorsy hikers/skiers, and intellectuals. For instance my GF is a liberal and I've heard her time and time again tell me how awesome these athlete's taking a "stance" is but I'm 1000% sure I've never one time seen her watch ESPN. Played HS sports but not 1 time has she made time to watch any game on her own. She would tweet or facebook any pro political sports add in a fake backing of those stances but never would she actually support ESPN, buy a jersey, or go to a game. So in reality it appears she cares but the support stops on the internet... Just as most "causes" seem to now a days.

Point being their political activism happens to be geared towards a non-sporty crowed.... And turns off the sporty crowd... Just my two cents.

 

[Tidestalker]

Edit

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

According to what he said their data indicated that both the core and casual ESPN viewer had the opinion that it was mixed too often. Thats a huge and all encompassing demographic.

It speaks to.what you're seeing and reading.

Should also add that I do agree that many people bitching about ESPN & politics would be pumped to see any pro right wing causes along with their sports.... No question.... But at the same time, many liberals who either support or pretend to support the ESPN cause would bitch about the two being mixed if it were pro-trump stances being advertised. Crazy world we live in...

(FTR I would hate it either way. Like my sports like my whisky... Straight up no chaser! lol)

 

[JoshB]

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

There is the some truth to that.... Which is what makes the whole thing super ironic for ESPN.

I'm gonna go ahead and generalize for shits sake... Because I think there's a lot of truth to it... Liberals aren't big sports fans. Not here in CO. They're hippies, outdoorsy hikers/skiers, and intellectuals. For instance my GF is a liberal and I've heard her time and time again tell me how awesome these athlete's taking a "stance" is but I'm 1000% sure I've never one time seen her watch ESPN. Played HS sports but not 1 time has she made time to watch any game on her own. She would tweet or facebook any pro political sports add in a fake backing of those stances but never would she actually support ESPN, buy a jersey, or go to a game. So in reality it appears she cares but the support stops on the internet... Just as most "causes" seem to now a days.

Point being their political activism happens to be geared towards a non-sporty crowed.... And turns off the sporty crowd... Just my two cents.

The generalization about liberals and sports is about as fair as me saying that all conservatives don't read anything other than the sports section. It's not fair at all. That may honestly be how it is there but if you look at big liberal towns/states (Cali, NY, and relatively every MAJOR city) are all sports crazy.

Edit

I see the "I dont want politics in my sports or entertainment" argument almost daily, yet the same people I see that from (most of the time - and I'm talking about everyday life, not here) say that while also LOVING it when a sports figure, celebrity, etc. espouses a similar opinion that they hold. It's not "I dont want politics to invade sports." It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

According to what he said their data indicated that both the core and casual ESPN viewer had the opinion that it was mixed too often. Thats a huge and all encompassing demographic.

It speaks to.what you're seeing and reading.

Should also add that I do agree that many people bitching about ESPN & politics would be pumped to see any pro right wing causes along with their sports.... No question.... But at the same time, many liberals who either support or pretend to support the ESPN cause would bitch about the two being mixed if it were pro-trump stances being advertised. Crazy world we live in...

(FTR I would hate it either way. Like my sports like my whisky... Straight up no chaser! lol)

I agree that many liberals would whine. No, check that, I've seen many do it when Clay Travis or Schilling or the racist guy from the Braves (can't remember his name honestly thats just how I remember him) but at the same time I dont hear any on the other side telling them to "shut up and dribble" (and yes I get you have idiots at Harvard or Berkley or whatever shouting down conservative speakers).

I dont mind it either way, Im willing to listen to both sides until it gets to the point where I see that someone is just stating out and out lies or misinformation. We can disagree on opinions but facts are facts. That's where I draw my line and stop listening. I think sports gives a place for things that maybe wouldnt be seen or heard about a platform. At the same time, the world we live in today isnt conducive to that anymore it seems. The minute Caepernick sat/kneeled, the thing he was attempting to bring to light immediately evaporated in a cloud of anger and hatred. So, that message almost becomes pointless.

 

[Tidestalker]

The generalization about liberals and sports is about as fair as me saying that all conservatives don't read anything other than the sports section. It's not fair at all. That may honestly be how it is there but if you look at big liberal towns/states (Cali, NY, and relatively every MAJOR city) are all sports crazy.

But do you think that those conservatives watch sports?!?! LOL.

I actually think that's more true than false. Sports is just more important to conservatives than liberals... Cause the major city folks have "more important" things to worry about... If ya catch my drift. There's also the difference between fans that will watch their own team and big sports fans who will stay up to watch the west coast sportscenter... Which is really the subject here I guess.

I'm unaffiliated but have lots of friends on both sides... And rarely agree with any of them... But will say that every single conservative I know is into sports. Maybe just a coincidence... Small, skewed sample size.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

You will never convince a liberal they're Wrong. Never happen and Disney isn't about to start. They might change the subject but never are they wrong. FTA.

 

[Elderfalsedemigod]

It's really "I dont want politics I dont agree with to invade sports."

I am only speaking for myself here. I prefer no politics with my sports commentary. As far as athletes expressing an opinion on either side it really doesn't bother me. Take twitter for instance. I have blocked or muted basically all of the talking heads and ideologues from the right and from the left but i continue to follow individuals who have opinions on both ends and the middle of the spectrum. I do not choose to engage with folks whose every decision in life is colored by politics. I also have both CNN and Fox blocked from my time line. Both in my opinion are echo chambers for their preferred slant. I do not need a talk show host, a news anchor or a sportscaster to tell me what I need to believe or think. And while I am soap boxing IMO the folks who yell about the "mainstream" being slanted all the way one way or the other aren't being honest with themselves. If you want to find a mainstream outlet that espouses your particular favorite all you have to do is look.

 

[jdpas29]

i'm looking at it from a business perspective. it makes no sense to bring politics into sports as an orchestrated scheme by your hosts. it makes no more sense than me showing up at a mixed crowd Christmas party in a MAGA hat. Even if I love the Donald, that's generally in poor taste and invites conversations not relevant to a Christmas celebration and potentially adversarial in nature. This is what ESPN has done. Kudos to them for even being able to admit it.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

i'm looking at it from a business perspective. it makes no sense to bring politics into sports as an orchestrated scheme by your hosts. it makes no more sense than me showing up at a mixed crowd Christmas party in a MAGA hat. Even if I love the Donald, that's generally in poor taste and invites conversations not relevant to a Christmas celebration and potentially adversarial in nature. This is what ESPN has done. Kudos to them for even being able to admit it.

You have to understand that the liberal point of view is correct and you must change your view. That is the liberal DNA and it is documented.

 

[JoshB]

i'm looking at it from a business perspective. it makes no sense to bring politics into sports as an orchestrated scheme by your hosts. it makes no more sense than me showing up at a mixed crowd Christmas party in a MAGA hat. Even if I love the Donald, that's generally in poor taste and invites conversations not relevant to a Christmas celebration and potentially adversarial in nature. This is what ESPN has done. Kudos to them for even being able to admit it.

You have to understand that the liberal point of view is correct and you must change your view. That is the liberal DNA and it is documented.

Oh wtf ever. You just described 90% of conservatives I know. That is an American problem, not conservative or liberal. Guaranteed you are one of them, too.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

i'm looking at it from a business perspective. it makes no sense to bring politics into sports as an orchestrated scheme by your hosts. it makes no more sense than me showing up at a mixed crowd Christmas party in a MAGA hat. Even if I love the Donald, that's generally in poor taste and invites conversations not relevant to a Christmas celebration and potentially adversarial in nature. This is what ESPN has done. Kudos to them for even being able to admit it.

You have to understand that the liberal point of view is correct and you must change your view. That is the liberal DNA and it is documented.

Oh wtf ever. You just described 90% of conservatives I know. That is an American problem, not conservative or liberal. Guaranteed you are one of them, too.

What room is the SJW meeting today.........

 

[TerryP]

This conversation is still being drawn along ideological and party lines when the subject being addressed is opposite: it's not a segment, it's their entire viewing audience that's upset about the mix.

There have been very few articles written by Dan Wolken I thought were good reads. Some of his comments on Twitter were informative--hardly news breaking--but informative. Several years ago I stopped following him on Twitter. It wasn't because of his sports commentary and it wasn't because of his political commentary. I didn't follow Wolken's coverage of college sports to also follow what his opinions were on the last episode of Downtown Abbey. The two don't belong together...he's using his platform as a sports journalist to make TV commentary?



If you take a slightly broader view of this conversation I think you can see how there's very little difference in a viewer not wanting to hear Bob Costas talk about his desire to interview Putin about their gay laws in Olympic coverage or his views on gun control during a football game and my not wanting to hear a guy like Dan Patrick talk about The Wire (and I like both Dan and that HBO series.) I follow Dan because of his sports commentary--only his sports commentary.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Bob Costas did all he could by kiss the liberals azz on NBC and look where that got him............replaced by Mike Tirico. If you're going to work for the major networks then you will learn to spin THEIR agenda or you will be gone. These are the facts and they are documented for you.