ESPN switched it up for the regular season week of the 2024 season.
The 2025 Sugar Bowl was delayed until Thursday as the host city of New Orleans was hit by a deadly truck terror attack on New Year’s Day.
During the pre-game ceremony, the stadium held a moment of silence for the victims as fans inside began to chant “U-S-A.”
The National Anthem would soon come afterward.
Unfortunately, ESPN viewers, who exclusively carried the broadcast, were unable to see the moment of silence, the chants of “U-S-A,” or even the national anthem.
The Worldwide Leader in Sports got blasted for their actions.
However, ESPN decided to switch things up on Saturday as the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns played their final game of the year.
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The national anthem was shown on TV, which is something they do not usually do at all.
But @espn @ABC and @Disney trying to atone by showing the National Anthem today at the Baltimore game.
— J Lory (@J__Lory) January 5, 2025
I think they know they messed up badly. pic.twitter.com/IBilujnnWD
How NFL fans reacted to this news:
“I thought the same thing!! They never show the National Anthem before regular season NFL games. They didn’t mess up. They got caught!!” one fan said.
I thought the same thing!!
— BRIAN DONOVAN (@bri70923) January 5, 2025
They never show the National Anthem before regular season NFL games.
They didn't mess up.
They got caught!!
“I am positive that this is too little, too late,” another fan added.
I am positive that this is too little, too late.
— CaRe (@CarolRe31406134) January 5, 2025
“Generally, they’ll show the national anthem when the game start time is slightly behind. Example, TV coverage starts at 12:00 but kick off is 5 mins behind for whatever reason. So they’ll show the anthem to avoid dead air time,” another fan explained.
Generally they’ll show the national anthem when the game start time is slightly behind. Example, TV coverage starts at 12:00 but kick off is 5 mins behind for whatever reason. So they’ll show the anthem to avoid dead air time.
— Will M (@WillM39557849) January 5, 2025
“Don’t forget the 4 seconds worth of a moment of silence,” a fourth fan added about ESPN.
Don’t forget the 4 seconds worth of a moment of silence.
— john hieronymus (@metroj2000) January 5, 2025
ESPN Refuses To Respond Over National Anthem Decision
Just a few minutes before the kickoff of the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame, a beautiful rendition of the national anthem was played at Caesars Superdome, but fans at home would never know it since ESPN, which was broadcasting the event, decided not to televise the pregame festivities.
That decision didn’t sit well with the majority of social media, and they got blasted for it.
ESPN never spoke out over the decision.
