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'It's All Pandering' - Michael Wilbon Not Happy With ESPN
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Michael Wilbon has been part of the ESPN family for over two decades, so when he voices his concerns about the network, people usually listen.  

With that being said, Wilbon has a major problem with the way ESPN operates. During an interview with Bobby Burack of OutKick, he talked about Stephen A. Smith's feud with LeBron James. He respects both individuals, but he'd like to see them squash their beef. 

When it was brought to Wilbon's attention that ESPN has spent more time talking about Bronny James than MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he went off on a wild rant. 

Let's just say Wilbon isn't happy with ESPN. 

"That's pandering. It's all pandering. Let me be clear: our business is a piece of [expletive] a lot of days," Wilbon told OutKick. "There is nobody enforcing standards or having tough conversations. This is what happens when you no longer have functioning newsrooms, because everyone is working from hotel rooms, from their bedrooms, and maybe even from their beds.

"People are not in newsrooms anymore or a studio, where you can call them out on their [expletive]. That's a problem. Instead, there are a bunch of 20-year-olds pitching stories while spending all day on social media and reinforcing each other's [expletive]. It's 100% pandering, and I hate it."

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 11: Michael Wilbon of ESPN looks on during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors at Wells Fargo Center on December 11, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Wilbon's comments are bound to spark a debate on social media. So far, he's receiving praise for being "real" about ESPN's current state. 

"Wilbon is an actual journalist. His kind are a dying breed and it’s sad because his kind is being replaced by click bait artists and shock jocks," one person tweeted. 

Another fan replied, "Wilson just speaks the truth!"

Even one of Wilbon's former colleagues, Colin Cowherd, tipped his cap after reading this interview. 

It'll be interesting to see if Wilbon makes similar remarks on Pardon the Interruption either this Friday or this upcoming Monday. 

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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