Dan Le Batard Claims ESPN Favors White Talent Despite Stephen A. Smith's $100 Million Deal
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Dan Le Batard Claims ESPN Favors White Talent Despite Stephen A. Smith's $100 Million Deal
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Summary
Le Batard argued ESPN and NFL Network are funneling top jobs and pay to white personalities, citing names including Joe Buck, Pat McAfee, Rich Eisen and the Mannings.
Stephen A. Smith undercuts that claim: ESPN gave the Black star a five-year, $100 million extension, while Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Mina Kimes, Malika Andrews and Jason McCourty also feature prominently in its lineup.
Some examples Le Batard cited carry less weight because the Golics returned on smaller radio deals, while the Mannings work under licensing arrangements rather than standard full-time talent contracts.
The article also turns the criticism on Le Batard, saying his Meadowlark Media has only 1 full-time Black employee out of nearly 40 and noting he did not respond to questions about that disparity.