ESPN faced backlash for not broadcasting the National Anthem or moment of silence before the January 2, 2025, Sugar Bowl, citing “timing issues.” The game was rescheduled after a tragic New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans, where a Muslim Army veteran killed 15 people and injured 35 by driving a truck into a crowd. Many saw the Sugar Bowl as a chance for national unity, but ESPN’s decision to air only a short clip online drew criticism for neglecting patriotism. Critics accused ESPN of prioritizing political correctness over unity, comparing it to past media controversies. Conservative commentator Clay Travis also criticized ESPN for missing an opportunity to unite the country during a moment of crisis.

The incident reignited debates over media coverage of patriotic moments in sports and the perceived influence of political agendas on broadcasting decisions.

In another post, Travis hammered ESPN for a post about the ethnic background of coaches while it ignored the National Anthem, saying, “ESPN couldn’t cover the national anthem or the moment of silence for the terror victims last night on television. But the race of college football coaches? On it!” Also slamming ESPN, another poster on X said, “Really @espn???? You put this on your X account but don’t broadcast it on tv? Such lack of compassion for the victims and no respect for the flag . We won’t support you.”

Watch the moment of silence here: