NBA’s ‘Anti-Trump’ Views Cause Major Dip In Ratings Says Sports Analyst
KEY POINTS
- ESPN's veteran journalist Adrian Wojnarowski has been suspended due to an inappropriate email exchange between Senator Josh Hawley
- Colin Cowherd mentioned that the NBA is anti-Trump and their politics have caused a decline in the ratings
- The NBA hasn't backed down from making any political statements as they've allowed players to change their jersey names for social justice causes
The NBA has voiced their side on several relevant issues the past few months. Analyst Colin Cowherd mentioned that the league is ‘Anti-Trump’ and this has been a major cause for a dip in the ratings.
This take from Cowherd comes after ESPN suspended their veteran journalist Adrian Wojnarowski for sending an inappropriate email to senator Josh Hawley. The politician was questioning the relationship between the NBA and China when Wojnarowski emailed Hawley a straightforward “f—k you” response.
With this, Hawley revealed the exchange as he took to Twitter to post the screenshot of the email.
Don’t criticize #China or express support for law enforcement to @espn. It makes them real mad @Outkick pic.twitter.com/WJDxrotUBD
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) July 10, 2020
The suspension of Wojnarowski is slated for two weeks and has already addressed the fans about the issue. “I was disrespectful and I made a regretful mistake. I’m sorry for the way I handled myself and I am reaching out immediately to Senator Hawley to apologize directly,” Wojnarowski wrote.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2020
Despite this, a lot of fans and players used the hashtag #FreeWoj in solidarity with the veteran NBA insider. This even includes multiple-time MVP, LeBron James.
NBA Twitter uniting to defend Woj#FreeWoj pic.twitter.com/A5FBLCKoH9
— Lil Jae 🐝🤘😈 (@JaeTheAutistic) July 12, 2020
Since @espn decided to suspend Wojnarowski I decided to suspend my espn+ permanently. #FreeWoj pic.twitter.com/8FjefSPL8a
— Cucuy (@CucuyOnline) July 12, 2020
#FreeWOJ!! 🤜🏻🤛🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 12, 2020
While the outpour of support continues for Wojnarowski, Cowherd mentioned that this is due to the credibility he has earned across the league. The suspension comes as no surprise as ESPN is a large public company.
Since several people have asked —NBA has always been a players league. @wojespn gained credibility among players & the league. That’s EVERYTHING. He can afford 2 weeks without pay. However, ESPN had to suspend him. Duh. Big public company. There are rules.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 13, 2020
With a journalist standing up against a United States senator, Cowherd continued by saying the political inclination of the NBA is against Trump.
Remember, the NBA is anti Trump. They lean into it. The NBA is making a bet that they will be on the right side of history w Trump. They also realize 95% of their critics aren’t fans to begin with. Yes, it’s an increasingly political league. That will turn many off — no doubt.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 13, 2020
Some have called Cowherd out as a Trump supporter while others mentioned instances that he’s not.
Seems to me like you’re a Trump supporter..
— Bam OnTheBayou (@HamAdebayo) July 13, 2020
He and joy had a 30sec segment making fun of Trump Friday. He has said multiple times he doesn’t like him and didn’t vote for him
— AbolishthePartySystem (@dillonek27) July 13, 2020
Regardless of Cowherd’s personal inclination, there’s no question that the NBA has been more vocal about valid concerns happening in the world. With the league using their platform, Cowherd shared that conservative fans would tend to tune out.
The double digit ratings dip was concerning this year. Is that the cost of becoming more political? You can certainly make that argument. Lots of conservative sports fans. It would make some sense that many fans were turned off.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 13, 2020
The strong political stance the NBA has is evident in the upcoming modified season. Amidst the global health crisis and the difficult political landscape, the league has made ways for players to use their influence. This includes the opportunity for the players to use the league as a way to speak up during this relevant time.
Players are able to change the names at the back of their jersey for an opportunity to send a message regarding social justice. These come as a result of the tragic murder of George Floyd and the fight against the systemic racism that has been prevalent in the country.
It will be interesting to see how the league will move forward despite the dip in ratings and the ever-evolving situation around the country.

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