Even though Michael Wilbon has been part of ESPN’s daytime programming since 2001, it doesn’t mean he’ll always rave about the network.
Wilbon, who is one half of “Pardon the Interruption,” has provided daily commentary on the biggest topics in the world of sports alongside his TV partner Tony Kornheiser. Earlier this week, he appeared on Jimmy Traina’s podcast to discuss the upcoming 25th anniversary of “Pardon the Interruption.”
Traina said the sports media industry has done a “terrible job” pointing out the success that “Pardon the Interruption” has enjoyed over the past two decades. That led to an interesting response from Wilbon.
“It’s not even need for attention. You watch a lot of promos of this network, of all the shows in this network, and you’ll never see mention of this show,” Wilbon said, via Awful Announcing. “There’s a phrase where I’m from that I utter. It starts with an F and ends with a U. That’s how I feel. I’m from the South Side of Chicago. I got a chip on my shoulder every day. And you want to ignore this show, really? Go ahead, but then ignore it. Don’t watch it. Turn the channel. I don’t care. But the promotion, go on your ESPN app. Stephen A. says, McAfee says. You won’t find a mention of this show.”
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Despite those remarks, Wilbon said he’s not angry with ESPN and how his show has been treated.
“I’m not upset. I rage. I rage. I’m happy to rage. A lot of them don’t even know PTI exists. We’re not from Bristol. We weren’t created by Bristol. We’re not of the ESPN culture. We’re sportswriters who came in from a show a lot of them didn’t like. Most of these people are gone from ESPN now. They’re not even there. Doesn’t prevent me from raging. But they didn’t want this show.”
Incredible legacy for Wilbon and Kornheiser.
A week ago, ESPN announced that Wilbon and Kornheiser will receive the 43rd Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. They’ll be officially honored at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown on Feb. 16.
“Tony and Mike have forged one of the most successful partnerships in sports media history on PTI, and they’ve made an extraordinary impact on the industry and generations of fans,” said ESPN president of content Burke Magnus. “Our entire ESPN team congratulates them on receiving the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, and we look forward to celebrating them next month as PTI marks its 25-year anniversary.”
They might not go viral like Pat McAfee or Stephen A. Smith, but there’s no question Wilbon and Kornheiser have done a ton of great work for ESPN.
