1. Television networks—sports or otherwise—are not in the business of canceling successful shows.
However, ESPN announced on Tuesday that Around the Horn would air its last episode of Friday, May 23. The network also announced that a version of SportsCenter would temporarily air in Around the Horn’s 5 p.m. ET time slot.
“Around the Horn has had a remarkable run of more than two decades. That kind of longevity in media is incredibly rare, and we look forward to celebrating the show’s many accomplishments before the final sign-off in May,” said David Roberts, ESPN executive vice president of sports news and entertainment, in a press release. “Beyond Tony [Reali] and the ensemble of on-air contributors, we are particularly grateful to the production team led by Erik Rydholm and Aaron Solomon, who have been instrumental in ATH’s consistent success since the very beginning.”
So why is ATH getting the ax? ESPN has been tight-lipped on offering a reason. While ATH’s ratings are significantly lower than Pardon the Interruption, which ATH leads into, the show’s viewership is on par with Get Up and First Take.
Sources indicated to me that ESPN is interested in a “more modern concept” and “something different.”
As for Tony Reali’s future at ESPN after ATH airs its final episode in late May, sources say, “no decisions have been made” about what might be next for the longtime host.
I don’t know what Reali wants to do, but it would be a big loss for ESPN if the network did not find a significant role for him. In addition to being a smooth and gifted host, Reali is the opposite of the typical person you see on debate shows. He isn’t over the top, he isn’t bombastic and he doesn’t argue just to argue, yet he still has personality.
2. This is an amazing and thorough recap of what has happened to the Mavericks’ organization over the past month.
February 1st - Mavs trade Luka Doncic to Lakers
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) March 4, 2025
February 2nd - Nico Harrison's press conference
February 4th - Luka Doncic introduced by the Lakers
February 4th - Mavs trade Quentin Grimes to 76ers
February 7th - Mavs introduce Anthony Davis
February 8th - Anthony Davis debuts,…
3. I had never heard of Ohio senator Bill DeMora until I saw this tweet, so I have no idea where he stands on other issues, but regarding this single issue, he is a hero.
Ohio senator Bill DeMora, frustrated by Ohio State's constant appearances on Peacock, has introduced legislation to ban Ohio State football games from airing exclusively on a streaming service.
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) March 4, 2025
Buckeye fans will be extremely thankful if this is able to move forward. pic.twitter.com/XR571pZune
4. There was only one problem with this impromptu duet between Celine Dion and ESPN’s Marty Smith during Tuesday’s TGL telecast: It needed to be much longer.
"Rose was so selfish to push Jack off the floating door" - @MattBarrie 😂
— ESPN (@espn) March 5, 2025
Celine Dion performed My Heart Will Go On at @TGL ‼️ pic.twitter.com/cOpuOxehiC
5. Serious question: Is there a better gig than hosting Wheel of Fortune? Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest (and, before him, Pat Sajak) make millions and millions and millions of dollars. And according to White, they work just 34 out of the 365 days each year. That gives them 331 days off each year.
6. SI Media With Jimmy Traina
We’ll have another episode for you in our usual Thursday slot later this week.
To no surprise, MJF was highly entertaining and unfiltered on the podcast.
Topics discussed during the interview: re-signing with AEW in 2024 and some details about his new contract; what his goals are for his AEW career; being a mentor for fellow AEW wrestlers at just 28 years-old; his “hard out” for leaving wrestling; his recent run of acting, which includes having a sizable role in the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2.
In addition, MJF answers the most Googled questions about himself, discusses what he likes and doesn’t like about being interviewed, shares his opinion on John Cena’s heel turn and explains why he doesn’t mind getting recognized and approached by wrestling fans when he’s out on Long Island, especially at his gym.
You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.
You can also watch SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Sports Illustrated‘s YouTube channel.
7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: It was 25 years ago today that Richie gave Tony an ugly brown leather jacket that ended up causing a lot of trouble between the two. I can’t fully explain why this scene is so good. It just is.
Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Curious Case of ‘Around the Horn’ Getting Canceled.
