**ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Reflects on Missed Trump Interview Opportunity**
In a recent conversation with OutKick founder Clay Travis, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum revealed that he was on the verge of securing an interview with former President Donald Trump in 2019. The opportunity arose as Trump was scheduled to attend the highly anticipated LSU vs. Alabama football game that fall. Finebaum, known for his insights into college football, aimed to elevate his show’s profile by bringing in the former president.
Finebaum recounted how the idea for the interview came about, stating, “Our producer said we gotta do something big. ‘College Gameday’ was going to be there. Obviously, our show isn’t ‘College Gameday.’ So, I reached out to a friend of mine in D.C. He said, ‘You wanna get Trump?’ I said, yeah!” He explained that he was in New York for other ESPN shows and was told that the interview could potentially take place at the White House.
Despite the promising developments, Finebaum’s plans were abruptly halted when he informed his boss about the potential interview. “I called my boss and they killed it,” he said, expressing his disappointment. He was told that ESPN had a policy against mixing politics with sports, which left him “devastated.”
Finebaum noted the irony of the situation, pointing out that college basketball analyst Andy Katz had previously interviewed President Barack Obama during the NCAA basketball tournament. “It wasn’t about politics at all. It was just about the idea of going to the White House to interview the president of the United States. It wasn’t about politics. It was about a football game,” he explained.
The conversation highlighted the complexities of sports media and the boundaries that networks often navigate when it comes to political figures. Finebaum’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sports journalists in an increasingly polarized environment.
ESPN has not commented on the matter, and the full discussion between Finebaum and Travis is set to air soon, providing further insights into this intriguing episode.
**FAQ**
*Why was Paul Finebaum’s interview with Trump canceled?*
Paul Finebaum’s interview with Donald Trump was canceled due to ESPN’s policy against mixing politics with sports, despite the opportunity being framed around a major college football game.
