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Fox' Whitlock Looks Forward To New Show, Has No Hard Feelings Over The Undefeated

Fox' Jason Whitlock recently sat for an email Q&A with SPORTING NEWS' Michael McCarthy, who asked Whitlock about his upcoming TV show "Speak for Yourself," the launch of The Undefeated and his latest departure from ESPN. Below are excerpts from the Q&A, some of which have been edited for brevity. 

Q: Why do you think Fox Sports National Networks President Jamie Horowitz' new strategy for FS1 will work -- when almost all of FS1’s previous studio shows have flopped?
Whitlock: Colin and I have a dynamic relationship and interesting perspectives. It starts with our relationship. We’re two weirdos who love to examine society through the lens of sports. ... It’s an incredible dynamic that I think people will be attracted to. It’s already playing out on his radio show. Our conversations on "The Herd" are irreverent, insightful and original. That’s a great combination. Based on the loud whining across the internet, it seems obvious people in Bristol and elsewhere are aware of Jamie’s track record of building shows that matter. I believe it’s going to work because everyone else is reacting like they know it’s going to work.

Q: You’ve tweeted over the years that Skip Bayless of ESPN is a fraud and an idiot. Do you expect any hard feelings when he joins FS1 as expected?
Whitlock: I’ve written some columns that have been critical of Skip. Things change, people change, opinions change. I’ve also said publicly for more than a year that Skip Bayless has evolved and pivoted from his early work on "First Take." I respect Skip, especially his preparation. I don’t have any hard feelings. ... I don’t see any problems. We talked privately at this year’s Super Bowl.

Q: What's your take on ESPN's "The Undefeated?"
Whitlock: It’s awesome! It’s robust. ... Great start for the site. I’m excited.

Q: So you’re rooting for "The Undefeated?" You’re not angry about the way things ended there?
Whitlock: People I respect and care about work for the site. I desperately want them to be successful and secure. In addition, the site and the launch of the site are a great look for me. The worse thing that could’ve happened is the site not launching.

Q: How much of your original vision do you see in the finished product?
Whitlock: Our original vision is the site. I use the word “our” intentionally. John Skipper, Jesse Washington, Mike Wise, John Hassan and Amy Barnett helped me formulate the original vision. ... If you read the much-maligned playbook, it’s a blueprint for what The Undefeated is. It’s all in there. It’s comical. People think I’m ashamed of the playbook. I gave it to anyone and everyone at ESPN and people outside ESPN. They all liked it when I gave it to ‘em and they followed it a year later.

Q: Did you make a mistake by becoming an editor/manager during your second stint at ESPN -- rather than staying in your lane as a columnist?
Whitlock: Yeah, probably. However, it was a great learning experience. I learned a lot from my interactions and relationship with John Skipper. Really an invaluable life lesson and professional experience. I have no regrets. I’m grateful for the opportunity and forever in debt to Skipper and ESPN (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 5/24). 

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