ESPN has found a solution for their struggling radio ratings, and it is none other than their former employee, Colin Cowherd.
Cowherd and the media network parted ways back in 2015 after he made a derogatory and insensitive comment toward Dominican MLB Players. ESPN kicked him out a few days after the comment generated a massive backlash, not even his apology saved him his job. Eight years later, reports say, ESPN, although cutting costs by sacking most of its employees, is ready to pay enough to get Colin back after his contract ends with FS1 and Fox Sports next year.
Rumor has it that ESPN believes Colin is the medication they need to fix their present terrible ratings on their radio, and the analysts apparently have what it takes.
ESPN is reportedly weighing up a move for a former talent as they eye a reunion with one of the most popular faces in sports media.
According to Michael McCarthy Of FrontOfficeSports, the network is keen on re-signing Colin Cowherd.
Cowherd, who currently hosts ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd’ on FS1 and Fox Sports Radio and has his own podcast, has been a huge draw for his employers and is considered to be a ratings supremo where radio is concerned.
The 59-year-old’s contract with FS1 is set to expire at the end of the NFL season in 2025 and ESPN is eyeing a return given their difficulties with their own radio ratings, which is one of the reasons they canceled ‘Keyshawn, JWill and Max’ and laid Keyshawn Johnson and Max Kellerman off.
ESPN is ‘very interested’ in bringing back Colin Cowherd, per @MMcCarthyREV
“ESPN is very interested in a reunion, said sources. The brass in Bristol views Cowherd as the answer to their struggling ratings on ESPN Radio, said sources…‘The monster negotiation coming up for Fox… pic.twitter.com/OPI90f09j5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 1, 2023
McCarthy notes that The Worldwide Leader in Sports sees Cowherd as a potential solution to their radio struggles and they’re willing to go the distance to get him back on their payroll.
Given his popularity and the ratings he attracts, Colin’s negotiations with Fox will garner some attention.
“The monster negotiation coming up for Fox is Colin,” the report notes, citing a source. “His ratings are at an all-time high. And he causes zero issues — unlike Skip Bayless.”
While ESPN has been keen on cutting costs, they have no qualms over bringing in big names. They have already secured a deal with Pat McAfee and are expected to sign Shannon Sharpe soon.
What standards do cooperatives have for sacking their employees? ESPN could have stood with Colin and helped make up for the damages caused to the group he demeaned, but they chose to ditch him for a mistake he admitted regretting, just to go back to eat their vomit, interesting.