ESPN is facing backlash for not airing the national anthem or a moment of silence during its main broadcast of the Sugar Bowl, held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The tribute honored victims of a recent terror attack in the city, where suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 15 people on New Year’s Eve. Instead of showing the patriotic moments, ESPN continued pre-game analysis of the Notre Dame vs. Georgia matchup, which left viewers upset and labeling the decision as “disrespectful” and “disgusting.”
While the anthem and moment of silence were shown on the SEC Network’s alternate broadcast, the main ESPN broadcast opted to proceed with an interview with Tim Tebow followed by commentary, cutting to commercial before returning mid-anthem. A source told TMZ that the timing made it “awkward to cut in,” but the decision not to show the tribute still drew widespread criticism online.
Images of the American flag and bowed heads during the moment of silence briefly appeared as part of the pre-game coverage. However, this did little to appease critics on social media, who accused the network of prioritizing analysis over honoring the victims of the nearby tragedy. Many viewers expressed their disappointment, calling ESPN’s actions tone-deaf.
As public outrage continues, ESPN has declined to comment on the controversy. The decision highlights the challenges broadcasters face in balancing live event coverage with respectful acknowledgment of real-world events.
