ESPN was criticized by fans and analysts for its coverage of Game 7 of the New York Knicks against the Indiana Pacers.
Fox Sports radio host Dan Patrick suggested the network had an “East Coast bias” after Sunday’s broadcast.
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The Knicks were stunned 130-109 by a red-hot Pacers at Madison Square Garden, securing a 3-2 series victory for Indiana.
ESPN’s coverage resonated heavily with fans of the Knicks analyst and New York native Stephen A. Smith, who interviewed Spike Lee from ringside.
The 56-year-old player even appeared in preparation, entering the arena through the player’s tunnel.
During halftime, ESPN analyst Bob Myers was criticized by fans for talking about the Knicks and ignoring the Pacers’ record-breaking shooting performance.
“The Pacers were in the game — I just want to let ESPN know,” Patrick said on Monday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show.
“If you want to buy into the East Coast bias, you have every reason to buy into the East Coast bias of ESPN by watching this game.
“How about some impartiality here? I was embarrassed by ESPN.”
“It seemed like everything was about the Knicks,” Stewart continued.
“Even at halftime, it was about the Knicks. The Pacers are not exciting.
“They’re not big names, they’re not a sexy team, but you still have to cover the game.
“I don’t need a video of Stephen A. Smith’s arrival. I don’t need a pep talk with him and Spike Lee.
“He doesn’t work for the Knicks – you work for ESPN.”
“Thanks Dan from Pacer fans everywhere,” wrote one fan on X in response to the segment.
“Yessss. Get it Dan, ESPN has become a theatrical reality show,” said a second.
“ESPN allowed their network to become Stephen A’s show. It’s a clown show,” complained a third.
Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.
Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.
“Doesn’t OE on ESPN stand for Entertainment?” countered a fourth.
Stephen A. began Monday’s edition of his show First Take by feigning tears following the Knicks’ departure.
The veteran analyst donned a live doctor outfit in honor of New York’s massive injury list.
Point guard Jalen Brunson, OG Anuby and Josh Hart were all injured as the Knicks’ injury problems mounted overnight.
The Pacers will now face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 1 on Tuesday night at the TD Garden in Boston.
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