ESPN's Peter Schrager Defends His Relationships With NFL Coaches

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 9:50 AM ET

Amazon Prime reporter Taylor Rooks says that it’s OK that she’s friends with some of the NBA athletes that she covers.

Rooks considers NBA star Kevin Durant to be a close friend. She’s attended the weddings of multiple NBA players, too.

“I actually think it sometimes might make it a little bit easier,” she told FOS. “Largely because a lot of those tough conversations, you’re just having already.”

Rooks isn’t apologizing for her relationships.

“This is a relationship business,” she said. “This is about maintaining relationships, building relationships.”

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 12: Taylor Rooks looks on from the field prior to an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Longtime NFL insider Peter Schrager has long had personal relationships with the coaches and players that he covers.

Schrager was in attendance at Sean McVay’s wedding, after all.

She’s not lying https://t.co/MgqNGiRqhT pic.twitter.com/xI9etCJzef
— Ikeyo (@Ikeyo_) October 14, 2026

The ESPN insider, who now has his own daily show, is defending his relationships, too.

“Ikeyo! Are you as upset over the hundreds of sports media people who attended the Swift / Kelce wedding this summer ? In this case – I will put my hand up. I’ve known Sean since we were 25 years old. I went to his wedding. We did a great podcast together too. Life is short,” he shared on X.

Other fans seem to agree, too.

“I think that’s his point. He’s defending Rooks – not necessarily calling you out, just saying she’s done nothing wrong and the criticism is perhaps unfair,” one fan added.

“I think that’s kind of Taylor’s point. There’s nothing wrong with her friendships possibly benefiting her career. Just like there’s nothing wrong with your friendship with Sean. You both have worked hard to get where you are,” another fan wrote.

The line between media personalities and journalists continues to blur, though.

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

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