ESPN’s Around The Horn did not shy away from the major controversy involving Jay Mariotti.
In the show’s first episode since Mariotti’s recent felony arrest, Around The Horn addressed the reaction to the news during its ‘Out of Bounds’ segment.
Host Tony Reali: “Now let’s get awkward. Fanhouse columnist and longtime Around The Horn panelist Jay Mariotti arrested last week in Los Angeles following an alleged domestic dispute. What followed that was an avalanche of criticism toward Mariotti from fans and athletes and even media. Guys, the charges are the charges. But what is your reaction to the reaction?”
The show’s panelists — fellow Fanhouse personality Kevin Blackistone, Denver Post writer Woody Paige and Boston Globe writer Bob Ryan — then offered their opinions.
Blackistone noted the “ego and envy” in sports media and argued that “a lot of people are very uncomfortable with the fact that [Mariotti has] risen as he has by being such a provocateur.”
Paige said he was “saddened” by the situation but “not shocked” by the reaction. Paige: “We have chosen all of us to go on this national stage and offer strong, powerful opinions, and as a result of that, sometimes the critics become criticized. We have moved into glass houses.”
Ryan suggested that Mariotti’s decision to be the “ultimate contrarian” had backfired, noting the “great deal of people reveling in his downfall.” He went on to note that after his own ’03 suspension for suggesting someone “smack” Jason Kidd’s then-wife, he “was heartened and gratified by the tremendous support” he received from his peers. Ryan: “I only regret Jay does not enjoy that same support but he?ll have to start rethinking about how he?s going about his business.”
