ESPN’s Emmanuel Acho has officially left for Fox Sports. Plus: a new host for NFL Live, an uncertain future for ESPN Radio’s morning show, and a new show for ex-ESPNers Jemele Hill and Cari Champion.
Acho officially joins Fox as “Speak For Yourself” co-host
ESPN college football analyst Emmanuel Acho has officially joined Fox Sports, where he will co-host the FS1 talk show “Speak For Yourself” alongside Marcellus Wiley. Acho, who had been with ESPN since 2016, will make his debut June 22.
The New York Post first reported last month that Acho was headed to Fox, though its initial report had him joining the “First Things First” morning show. [Fox Sports PR]
Rutledge reportedly succeeding Nix on NFL Live
ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge will succeed Wendi Nix as the host of NFL Live, according to the New York Post and Outkick the Coverage. Per the latter, Rutledge would be joined by Dan Orlovsky and Marcus Spears on a revamped version of NFL Live that could move to later in ESPN’s daytime lineup.
As a result of the move, Rutledge will no longer appear daily on the “Get Up!” morning show. [NYP 6.9, Outkick 6.9]
Fates of Wingo, Johnson, unclear
The status of ESPN Radio host Trey Wingo is “in limbo” as ESPN mulls changes to its radio line-up, according to the New York Post. Wingo’s contract is up and there is no clear role for him if ESPN moves on from its morning radio show with Mike Golic.
Meanwhile, one of Wingo’s potential replacements is also in flux. ESPN and Keyshawn Johnson are “far apart” in contract negotiations, per the same Post report. Multiple reports have named Johnson a contender for ESPN’s morning radio show if “Wingo & Golic” is discontinued. ESPN is also reportedly interested in moving Johnson — a former Sunday NFL Countdown analyst — back to its NFL coverage. [NYP 6.9]
Hill, Champion, reportedly getting Vice show
Former ESPN SportsCenter hosts Jemele Hill and Cari Champion are close to a deal with Vice to host a nightly talk show, Outkick the Coverage reported Tuesday. Hill left ESPN under pressure in 2018 and Champion exited earlier this year. [Outkick 6.9]
