There’s a civil war brewing at ESPN as two of its popular on-air personalities, Kirk Herbstreit and Elle Duncan, are clashing over ‘credibility’ in a public spat.
The feud between the college football analyst and the host of the flagship edition of ‘SportsCenter’ began as Hebrstreit spoke on what he feels is the proper etiquette of a broadcaster.
Duncan was not the only name Herbstreit dropped, but hers was the only one painted in a negative light by the longtime ‘College GameDay’ personality, with him taking exception with broadcasters who show fandom on-air.
‘If you are a personality, like a Bill Simmons, or a Stephen A. (Smith), or a Pat McAfee … part of their schtick is kind of that,’ Herbstreit said this week on ‘Next Man Up’. ‘But you watch SportsCenter and Elle Duncan is sitting there cheering for Georgia.’
‘She’s openly cheering. I’m not a fan of that personally. I think it hurts your credibility. When that team is playing other teams, fans are looking at you like… That’s different.’
Duncan took time away from her Independence Day celebrations to fire back at Herbstreit, with her response being anything but civil.
A civil war is brewing at ESPN between on-air personalities Kirk Herbstreit and Elle Duncan
Herbstreit’s comments over how to act on-camera led to a clapback from Duncan on Friday
‘Didn’t have this on my bingo card for today but my fandom doesn’t impact in any way what or how we talk about teams on air. Ever,’ Duncan posted on X. ‘I…JUST..BARK?? Also **whispers** I’m not the only one. So why I get singled out?’
Herbstreit was accused of being hypocritical after his comments were made, as he has been viewed as partial to Ohio State.
Others have viewed the criticism of Duncan as fair, as they want the news of sports not to be given with personal opinions inserted without warning,
Duncan and Herbstreit do cross paths on ESPN’s airwaves, as SportsCenter’s anchors are tasked with interviewing specialists from the network on their expertise.
Herbstreit has done plenty of guest spots on ESPN’s flagship show, and will likely run into Duncan again.
