ESPN gave big raises to the anti-Caitlin Clark race-baiters

In August, ESPN fired Sam Ponder, citing “budget cuts,” which raised skepticism since she was the lead NFL studio host and had expressed controversial views against transgender participation in women’s sports just weeks before her dismissal.

While Ponder became a political outcast for her stance, Kendrick Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, and Monica McNutt supported opposing views and received new contracts and pay raises.

Perkins, despite facing backlash for accusations of anti-white racism in NBA MVP voting, was rewarded with a raise, showing that ESPN prioritizes certain narratives.

Ogwumike and McNutt also benefited financially after defending black players against Caitlin Clark, even though McNutt criticized ESPN for focusing more on Clark than on black athletes.

Despite claims of budget constraints, ESPN continues to spend on personalities like Stephen A. Smith, suggesting that financial reasons may not truly explain Ponder’s firing.