Sportswriters remember Grantland as ‘a writer’s paradise’

Jeff Pearlman criticized ESPN and the University of Pittsburgh for their handling of a sideline interview with Tony Dorsett during the Notre Dame-Pitt football game. Pearlman described the situation as 'f*cking shameful,' highlighting the network's failure to honor Dorsett's legacy appropriately. The interview, which went viral, raised questions about ESPN's editorial choices and the respect afforded to sports legends.

Stephen A. Smith clarified that he was not 'yanked' off ESPN's 'NBA Countdown' but chose to step away as part of his new contract with the network. This decision has been misinterpreted in the media, leading to speculation about his departure. Smith's exit from the show comes amid significant changes in ESPN's NBA programming, which has seen a restructuring of its coverage and the introduction of a new team.

Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent sports analyst for ESPN, has publicly criticized individuals claiming bias in favor of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in college football. During a recent segment, Herbstreit expressed his frustration, stating, 'I don’t give a sh*t about the SEC,' and labeled those making the allegations as 'idiots.' His remarks come amid ongoing debates about perceived favoritism in college sports, particularly regarding the SEC's influence in rankings and playoff selections.

Jeff Saturday expressed concern over Myles Garrett potentially setting a sack record while playing for a struggling team. He described the situation as 'awful,' highlighting the disconnect between individual achievements and team performance. This sentiment reflects a broader debate in sports about the value of personal accolades in the context of team success.

ESPN has finalized a deal to acquire MLB.tv, which will be integrated into the ESPN app for the 2026 season. This arrangement will provide fans with access to out-of-market MLB games, similar to the NFL's Sunday Ticket. However, it has been confirmed that MLB.tv will not be available on YouTube TV, limiting access for some viewers. The deal marks a significant shift in how baseball fans will consume games in the upcoming season.

Lane Kiffin, head coach of Ole Miss, has denied reports claiming that the university issued him an ultimatum regarding his future with the football program. During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' Kiffin stated that such claims are false. This denial comes amid speculation about his potential departure, particularly with interest from other programs like LSU and Florida, as Ole Miss aims for a successful season with a current record of 10-1.

The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have entered into a multiyear partnership to bring live NBA games to Disney+ in the Philippines. This agreement is significant in a country where basketball is a major part of the culture and daily conversations. The deal enhances Disney's presence in the region and provides Filipino fans with a new platform to engage with the NBA, which is a dominant force in local sports.

Netflix has announced its broadcast teams and a studio show for the upcoming 'NFL Christmas Gameday 2025' doubleheader. This event will feature a collaboration with major sports networks, including ESPN and Fox, marking a significant step for Netflix in the sports broadcasting arena. The announcement highlights Netflix's commitment to expanding its live sports offerings, aiming to attract a broader audience during the holiday season.