Bomani Jones is never shy about sharing his views on the cultural and media landscape. And this week, the ex-ESPN star set his sights on his old network.
On sports media critic Andrew Marchand’s podcast, Jones weighed in on the industry, and called out what he describes as a lack of creativity and innovation. As a journalist first, Jones offers commentary with a critical lens.
He’s not seeing nuanced coverage on ESPN’s airwaves these days. Instead, he says the WorldWide Leader is out of ideas.
What Did Jones Say About ESPN?
The long-time sportswriter and pundit, who was a fixture on ESPN’s studio programming for a decade, highlighted the stark difference between the network today and that of yesteryear. For most of its history, ESPN was notorious for shunning personalities who promoted themselves as individual brands. They allowed a litany of high-profile stars to walk, including Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd and Bill Simmons.
But in recent years, ESPN has shifted its model. Like nearly all media companies, the Disney-owned property has undergone mass layoffs, shedding dozens of highly regarded hosts, analysts and journalists.
In their place, ESPN has dedicated its resources towards wooing a select group of stars, led by Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee.
“From where I sit, I don’t see a vision for the content,” said Jones. “This used to be a place that was in the business of developing shows. That’s not what they care about anymore. That’s not really what they do.”
Bomani Jones says that ESPN used to make stars, now they import them as there are no new ideas … https://t.co/gCmfhpfjqL pic.twitter.com/Z0OogX4CYj
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) December 3, 2025
As linear TV declines, ESPN has spent billions on live sports rights. It’s apparent that’s where management’s focus is.
Jones cites president Jimmy Pitaro’s goal of mending relations with the NFL, as well as the ascension of content president Burke Magnus, as examples of the network’s shifting priorities.
“When I watch ESPN, I don’t feel like creativity is what anybody’s looking for,” he added.
Perhaps there’s no greater example than McAfee, who retains creative freedom over his show. The loudmouthed ex-punter came to ESPN with a built-in audience and name. Essentially, ESPN is licensing McAfee’s brand.
Previously, that would’ve been unthinkable.
“The show starts with a disclaimer on the screen… I have no problem with any of these things. They’re letting you know off the top, ‘Hey man, Don’t take this too seriously,'” Jones said. “I think that’s probably the best approach with the collection of people they have on it. Then you look up and it’s Adam Silver talking!”
Back in the day at ESPN, big guests had to be offered up to “Mike & Mike,” now it is the Pat McAfee Show, according to Bomani Jones.
“Then you look up … and it’s Adam Silver talking.” https://t.co/gCmfhpfjqL pic.twitter.com/5ABS949IIL
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) December 4, 2025
That formula has not always worked. McAfee has embroiled himself in numerous controversies, including a widely criticized spot last month with President Donald Trump.
Who Is Bomani Jones?
A veteran sportswriter and pundit, Jones worked at ESPN from the mid 2000s through 2023. From 2013-17, he hosted the show Highly Questionable with Dan Le Batard (he now has his own company, Meadowlark Media).
In addition, Jones appeared regularly on Around the Horn, the innovative studio show that featured sportswriters from around the country dishing on the day’s top stories.
ATH was canceled this past May, signaling the end of an era.
