These 10 ESPN Personalities Are the Absolute Worst on TV
ESPN has built its brand on strong personalities—loud debates, bold takes, and commentators who never shy away from controversy. Some of these voices are respected for their insight, but others have a way of dominating the conversation for all the wrong reasons. Let’s check out some of the most polarizing personalities ESPN has ever featured on air.
Skip Bayless
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Before moving to Fox Sports, Skip Bayless was a prominent voice on ESPN’s “First Take” with a reputation for contentious statements. His relentless criticism of LeBron James and unwavering support for Tim Tebow had already irked many fans for years, even before his insensitive remarks about Dak Prescott’s mental health struggles drew widespread condemnation.
Stephen A. Smith
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Stephen A. Smith is undeniably one of ESPN’s most recognizable figures, but his outspoken nature has led to several controversies. Most notably, in 2014, he suggested that women should avoid provoking domestic violence. That comment led to a one-week suspension from ESPN.
Colin Cowherd
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Known for his time on ESPN’s “The Herd” and as co-host of “Sports Nation,” Colin Cowherd often ruffled feathers with his commentary. In 2007, he maliciously directed listeners to flood the sports blog The Big Lead, which subsequently caused the site to crash for days. He cut ties with the network in 2015 after he made controversial statements about Dominican-born MLB players.
Rob Parker
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As a guest on “First Take,” Rob Parker stirred controversy with comments about quarterback Robert Griffin III by questioning his authenticity as an African American due to his white fiancée and rumored political views. The incident led to a month-long suspension and his eventual departure from ESPN.
Tony Kornheiser
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As a longtime ESPN personality known for his sharp wit and sarcasm, this host has been a staple on shows like “Pardon the Interruption.” Despite his popularity, he’s often criticized for his abrasive comments about coworkers, like his infamous 2010 suspension for mocking Hannah Storm’s outfit on air, calling it “horrifying.”
Bill Simmons
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Bill Simmons spent 14 years building a reputation for unfiltered takes and creating shows like “Grantland.” His clashes with ESPN’s corporate culture led to suspensions, notably in 2014 when he called the NFL Commissioner a liar over the Ray Rice case. His criticism of ESPN’s NFL coverage ultimately led to his 2015 departure.
Jemele Hill
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Jemele Hill’s approach to sports commentary set her apart at ESPN, where she didn’t shy away from tackling social and political issues. Her 2017 tweet labeling then-President Trump a “white supremacist” bagged her a suspension and widespread debate. Hill’s unapologetic voice clashed with ESPN’s corporate culture, eventually leading to her exit in 2018.
Max Kellerman
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Max Kellerman has an impressive background—he’s articulate, well-read, and knows his way around a debate. But his style on ESPN hasn’t always resonated with fans. During his time on First Take, he often came across as overly academic and made arguments that felt more like a philosophy lecture than a sports debate.
Chris Berman
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Chris Berman was once cherished for his booming voice, quirky catchphrases, and larger-than-life presence. For decades, he was a staple of NFL Primetime and a defining voice in sports broadcasting. But as time went on, his style began to feel outdated. What was once fun and energetic started coming off as forced and repetitive. His famous nicknames and over-the-top delivery started to become distracting.
Michael Wilbon
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Longtime ESPN fixture Michael Wilbon co-hosts “Pardon the Interruption,” dishing sports analysis with unfiltered opinions. While highly rated for his insight, he’s stirred controversy for calling out ESPN’s “greed” in expanding the College Football Playoff and taking jabs at colleagues like Pat McAfee.
Kendrick Perkins
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Kendrick Perkins brings an insider’s perspective to ESPN’s NBA coverage, but his analysis often gets lost in loud, sometimes rambling takes. He’s got strong opinions, but many viewers feel he leans too heavily on personal anecdotes rather than breaking down the X’s and O’s. When he does make a bold claim, it’s not always backed by facts, which makes his credibility a frequent topic of debate.
Paul Finebaum
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Paul Finebaum has built his brand as the voice of SEC football, and if you love the conference, he’s your guy. But for everyone else, his relentless SEC favoritism can be exhausting. Whether he’s hyping up Alabama, dismissing non-SEC programs, or taking jabs at fan bases that disagree with him, his commentary often feels more like cheerleading than objective analysis.
Michelle Beadle
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Sports reporter and host Michelle Beadle has had a career marked by highs and controversies. During her time with the network, she co-hosted ESPN’s SportsNation. In 2024, she faced backlash after accidentally using a racial slur during a live broadcast. She also once commented on Jake Paul’s political affiliations, which was considered widely unprofessional.
Ryan Clark
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During a heated debate with Mike Tannenbaum, outspoken NFL analyst Ryan Clark once made headlines for storming off the set. He also doesn’t shy away from occasional hot takes despite the backlash, such as suggesting the UFC shut down its women’s bantamweight division in 2024.
Malika Andrews
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Rising ESPN star Malika Andrews has faced backlash for her coverage of Black NBA players, with critics accusing her of bias. Her handling of scandals involving Ime Udoka and Brandon Miller sparked debates, while her mixed-race background and marriage to a white colleague didn’t help matters.
Dan Orlovsky
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Dan Orlovsky has made his mark on ESPN, but not without stirring up his share of criticism. Known for his strong opinions, he faced backlash for some of his outlandish takes on NFL quarterbacks, with many viewers accusing him of lacking credibility. His infamous on-air moment, where he ran out of the back of the end zone during a game as the quarterback, continues to haunt his reputation. Despite his flaws, he remains a fixture on the network.