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ESPN Facing Backlash Over Sugar Bowl National Anthem Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 12:47 PM ET

Just a few minutes before kickoff of the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame, a stirring rendition of the national anthem played at Caesars Superdome.

Chants of "USA" could be heard ahead of the anthem and right after, creating an incredible scene before a College Football Playoff bout. Unfortunately, only those in the building were able to hear the anthem until it was posted on social media.

ESPN, which was broadcasting the event, decided not to televise the pregame festivities, including the anthem. That decision didn't sit well with the majority of social media, which called out the Worldwide Leader.

"bit miffed the ESPN broadcast skipped the anthem. An enthusiast would've liked to see that live..." one fan said.

"Too bad it wasn’t on TV. Nor was the National Anthem. ESPN for you," said another.

"ESPN! You sold out when you didn't show the National Anthem!!!!!!!!" said another.

chants or USA, USA, USA before and after the national anthem at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans pic.twitter.com/IYkHgnC3YY
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) January 2, 2025

According to a report from the New York Post, "several factors" playing into ESPN's decision not to air the national anthem and moment of silence.

"'SportsCenter,' which had served as the pregame show due to the unusual circumstances, had wrapped on an interview with Tim Tebow and went to a commercial break before the moment of silence and returned in the middle of the anthem, 'making it awkward to cut it' at that moment, the source explained," the Post reported.

"ESPN did open its broadcast of the Sugar Bowl with a pre-recorded message from President Joe Biden, and play-by-play broadcaster Sean McDonough spoke about the tragedy in his open while a montage of fans, police and the city of New Orleans played on the screen."

ESPN's "SEC Nation" did air both the national anthem and moment of silence.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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