ESPN canceled appearances by Paul Finebaum on the network after he recently expressed interest in running as a Republican for U.S. Senate in Alabama in 2026.
Finebaum said last week he was considering joining the crowded Republican primary field for U.S. Senate. The Senate seat is open due to U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) running for governor instead of re-election to the Senate.
Outkick’s Clay Travis said on X on Monday, “Per sources: Disney/ESPN has removed @finebaum from appearing on @ESPN since his @outkick interview expressing interest in running as a Republican for senate in Alabama. ESPN has canceled all network appearances on all shows, including some that have occurred for a decade plus.”
“Finebaum is not an announced candidate for Alabama senate yet. ESPN’s @stephenasmith has discussed running for president as a Democrat and the network has taken no action in this matter. @outkick has requested comment from @espn @Disney and a story will be forthcoming on site,” he added. “The decision to pull @finebaum from @espn also follows the recent @jimmykimmel controversy on Disney owned ABC. Kimmel was returned to air after a four day suspension. The left wing rallied around Kimmel’s free speech rights in that case. Will they rally for @finebaum as well?”
A spokesperson for ESPN denied the report.
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