Paul Finebaum blocked from ESPN networks after Senate interest? Here's the truth as netizens fume

Paul Finebaum is embroiled in a growing scandal when it was reported that Disney and ESPN have discreetly removed him from several on-air duties.

Published on: Oct 7, 2025, 17:29:16 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Paul Finebaum isn't currently showing up on networks with ESPN, said Pete Nakos of On3 while verifying a claim from OutKick.

Paul Finebaum was never suspended and would make his scheduled appearance on ESPN's “First Take” on Tuesday. (Filed photo)

The controversial talk show host usually makes an appearance on ESPN's flagship show on Sunday mornings to speak about the college football action from the previous day, but he wasn't on “SportsCenter” on Sunday.

OutKick's first allegation was “TOTALLY FALSE,” as per ESPN representative Bill Hofheimer. Despite not being on “SportsCenter,” Finebaum made an appearance over the weekend on ESPN host Matt Barrie's YouTube program.

ESPN faces backlash

Commenting on the post, several people blasted ESPN, with one writing: “What is the truth then? Happy to hear the other side of the argument.”

“Love how you say it’s false without providing any reason why Paul wasn’t on either of these shows that he is always on. ESPN sucks,” another said.

“ESPN is awful. They've completely screwed up college football,” a third person stated.

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‘Finebaum was never suspended’

According to the Sports Business Journal on Monday, Finebaum was never suspended and would make his scheduled appearance on ESPN's “First Take” on Tuesday.

Finebaum is the host of an ESPN-owned program on the SEC Network that lasts four hours. In addition, he presented the Friday version of his chat program in Florida and participated in the SEC Network's Saturday pregame show in Gainesville.

Finebaum expresses interest to run for Alabama's open Senate

Speaking to OutKick a week ago, the 70-year-old expressed enthusiasm for running as a Republican for Alabama's open Senate seat in 2026. Tommy Tuberville, a former Auburn coach who faced backlash from Finebaum during his coaching career, presently holds the seat, but he is departing the Senate to run for governor.

The November election primary will take place in May. The primary filing deadline is January 23; but, in order to establish a campaign network, Finebaum will probably need to make an announcement much earlier.

Finebaum started working for ESPN in 2014, the year the SEC Network was introduced. His talk program has been a mainstay in Alabama and the Southeast for over 30 years, providing a forum for SEC school supporters to publicly express their annoyances and disparage one another.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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