ESPN, along with rival FS1, has often given Ball an on-air platform because of the traffic he bringsNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
There will be "no LaVar Ball on any ESPN platform heading forward," after the net criticized comments he made on air to host Molly Qerim on Monday, according to The Athletic's Richard Deitsch. Asked if Ball will be used as an on-air guest, an on-the-record source for digital, or a background source for ESPN, a network spokesperson said: "We have no plans moving forward" (TWITTER.com, 6/19). USA TODAY's Andrew Joseph noted since Ball "broke onto the scene," ESPN and FS1 "jumped at the opportunity to give him a platform." Ball "drove ratings" and "drove traffic." No matter "how many people complained or tweeted 'who cares,' many more tuned in to ESPN's programming featuring him." But ESPN is "finally prepared to shut out Ball." The "at least as of now" qualification "doesn't necessarily close the door on Ball reappearing on the network." But it "does represent a different approach from what FS1 took following Ball's sexist" remark to the net's Kristine Leahy in '17, which "resulted in Ball's continued appearances on FS1 programming" (USATODAY.com, 6/19). In L.A., Arash Markazi wonders what ESPN thought Ball was "going to contribute" by putting him on air. Regardless of "what he meant to say" to Qerim, there was "no reason for him to even be on the show this week." The net "clearly did it for ratings" (L.A. TIMES, 6/20).
THANKS, BUT NO THANKS: ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt said he has "made it a point not to talk about" Ball on air or have Ball on his show. Van Pelt: "I don’t know why I would. I don’t know what the reason would be to do it, particularly because I think I understand the game and it doesn’t interest me is what it really boils down to. I’ve seen what he does and it doesn’t interest me." He added, "I don’t know what the reason would be and the reason isn’t going to be, for me, to give him a mic and let him talk." Van Pelt: "Since I’m in charge of my show, I pass on that" (“SI Media Podcast,” 6/19).
