Ohio State's commanding 42-17 victory over Tennessee during the College Football Playoff has sparked quite the controversy among ESPN analysts, as tensions simmered between Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, and the network's popular duo, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe. What began during the game quickly turned heated during the subsequent episode of First Take, showcasing the sometimes unpredictable nature of sports commentary.
During the game, as Ohio State secured its place with dominant gameplay, Herbstreit made remarks aimed at his colleagues. "First Take tried to fire him, they thought he was done," he said, referring to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. According to Herbstreit, there exists "the lunatic fringe at Ohio State," which he described as being as influential as any fanbase nationally, ready to call for the coach's dismissal following repeated losses to their rival, Michigan.
Herbstreit's comments prompted immediate backlash from Smith and Sharpe. On the following Monday’s episode of First Take, Sharpe fired back: "Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you: if you ever mention any platform I'm on again and talk about 'I wonder what they're going to say as negativity,' I promise you, ESPN ain't got enough bosses to keep me off y'all for what I'm going to say." His fiery response set the tone for their segment.
Smith chose to address Herbstreit's claims head-on, emphasizing personal accountability for any comments made about Ryan Day's performance. "Stop it... 'First Take gotta get him fired.' That is not true. I did! Not First Take. That was me, Stephen A... don't misquote me. What I said was, 'this man Ryan Day, if he doesn't get a national championship, he should go,'" he asserted with conviction.
This heartfelt defense echoed Smith's long-standing stance on accountability within high-profile college football coaching, especially at programs with rich traditions, such as Ohio State. He pointedly mentioned Day's record, noting, "Even with a 66-10 record... you've got to beat Michigan and make sure you’re contending for national championships. Anything less is unacceptable for Ohio State."
Sharpe's commentary supported Smith's viewpoint, adding, "If we’re going to be on the same team, if we’re gonna work for the same network, don’t do what you did. Had you not taken the route you’ve taken, I would’ve lit their butts up. Congratulations to Ohio State, but don’t play with me." His remarks were not merely defensive but reflected the professional pride both he and Smith felt was at stake.
The fallout reflects broader tensions within ESPN, showcasing how high-profile commentators navigate criticism of fellow employees publicly. It’s not unusual for Smith and Sharpe to spar with other sports pundits—past disagreements have often made headlines—but this case is particularly charged due to its juxtaposition against the backdrop of the College Football Playoff excitement.
While Herbstreit and Fowler offered bold critiques, it sets the stage for potential future tensions during broadcasts. The looming question remains whether this feud will escalate or cool off, especially with Herbstreit and Fowler slated to call upcoming games within the same network.
Fun facts about these two sets of commentators reveal their often close-knit relationships where rivalries don’t deter them from leaning on each other during high-stakes moments. Yet, this recent flare-up certainly leaves fans wondering if there’s more than meets the eye here, especially as the College Football Playoff progresses.
