Fans Furious With ESPN for Giving Contract Extension to Controversial Talking Head

A release from ESPN states that a multi-year contract extension with SEC Network and ESPN Radio host Paul Finebaum has been secured.

Paul Finebaum will continue what he is doing at ESPN

Finebaum will continue to host “The Paul Finebaum Show” and he will continue to commentate “SEC Nation.” “Finebaum Friday,” which is a weekly edition of his show that travels to SEC campuses and game sites, will also continue.

Finebaum expressed his gratitude for the network as well as the fans who watch and/or listen to his show in the press release from ESPN.

“I consider myself incredibly blessed to be a member of this talented team at ESPN and get to do what I do on a daily basis,” said Finebaum. “I’d like to thank everyone at ESPN, as well as our loyal listeners and viewers, for their continued support.”

ESPN loves the attention Paul Finebaum brings

While there is a plethora of fans who consistently disagree with Finebaum and his pro-SEC takes, ESPN knows what they have in the divisive figure.

ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus explained what Finebaum brings to the network in the same press release.

“Over the years, Paul has demonstrated time and time again that he is one of the leading voices across college football,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. “The connection he has built with his listeners, viewers, fans and the media who cover college sports is unmatched. We look forward to Paul continuing to bring his signature commentary to SEC Network and ESPN programming.”

While the brass at ESPN won’t come out and say it outright, Finebaum’s value to the network lies within his ability to drive engagement. Finebaum consistently has overtly pro-SEC takes that garner the support of fellow SEC fans while angering the rest of college football.

Just recently Finebaum attacked Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule after Rhule claimed the Big Ten was the best conference in college football. Finebaum personally attacked the second-year Nebraska coach as well as the entire program simply because Rhule said the Big Ten should have four teams worthy of a College Football Playoff bid.

Paul Finebaum implores Matt Rhule to “stay in your lane.”

“Don’t worry about the big boys because you’re not one of them…You’re talking like you belong at the table with Ohio State and Georgia — you don’t…And leave the punditry to the professionals.” pic.twitter.com/UrulCPBhke

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 26, 2024

Finebaum was even confronted on air by Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin, a confrontation that drove engagement for the network.

“Really I don’t know what you’re good at.”

-Lane Kiffin to Paul Finebaum, literally last week https://t.co/ikdRogPaFf pic.twitter.com/vv7RoxeGoc

— Elijah Herbel (@HerbelEssences) July 26, 2024

SEC bias has defined college football in the 21st century, coming to a head when the undefeated Florida State Seminoles were left out of the College Football Playoff for an Alabama Crimson Tide team with a loss. Many think networks like ESPN and talking heads like Finebaum are responsible for SEC teams getting the benefit of the doubt.

Fans are outraged that Paul Finebaum will continue to have a platform

The announcement that Finebaum would continue to have a network platform deeply angered a large portion of college football fans.

Rampant SEC bias continues to define college football and a multi-year contract renewal with Finebaum indicates that nothing will change anytime soon.

Trashing all non-SEC coaches paid off for him

— Penn State FB Thoughts (@PSU_FB_Thoughts) August 1, 2024

The SEC has signed Paul Finebaum to a multi-year contract extension.

— Jonathan Martin (@JonathanKMartin) August 1, 2024

I think he’s fine on SEC Network. He doesn’t watch any other conference so when he weighs in on anything outside of SEC it’s a 🤡 show.

— Robert Dennis (@rtdennis) August 1, 2024

I knew it. It was a reason he was turning up on Prime. He needed to move the needle and show them he can be edgy

— GIFT (@Giftaveli) August 1, 2024

Why? He’s terrible.

— OhioStateMan (@theOSUman740) August 1, 2024

wrong decision old man

— SkoBuffs Nation 🦬🏔 (@SkoBuffsNation) August 1, 2024

Get More NFL and College Football Content

For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.