(GoRealNewsNow.com) – ESPN’s most recent scandal is a massive example of how immoral opportunistic hunger for power and glory can lead to self-destruction.
According to reports, the sports network devised a scheme to acquire Emmy statuettes for its on-air talent who were ineligible for such awards.
This operation, which reportedly began in 2010, involved submitting fake names resembling those of ESPN stars under the guise of “associate producers.” The statuettes were then re-engraved and delivered to these personalities.
This clandestine effort notably benefited the team behind ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
The hosts of this program were not eligible for a best show award until 2023 due to the existence of separate categories for individual awards.
The ruse included using altered names such as “Lee Clark” for Lee Corso and “Kirk Henry” for Kirk Herbstreit and similarly disguised names for Chris Fowler, Desmond Howard, Tom Rinaldi, and Samantha Ponder. There’s also speculation that Erin Andrews may have received an Emmy through this scheme.
Upon discovering this practice, ESPN’s leadership apologized to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and revamped their submission process to prevent future violations. The network’s statement acknowledged the misguided nature of this attempt to honor their on-air contributors.
However, the fallout from this revelation was significant.
ESPN had to return the improperly acquired trophies, with a total of 37 being returned.
Moreover, the network faced a one-year ban from the Emmys for senior leadership.
Two individuals, ESPN executive Craig Lazarus and former ESPN employee Lee Fitting, now with WWE, were declared ineligible for future Emmys. Reports suggest that this scandal played a role in Fitting’s departure from ESPN in August.