The 2025 Sugar Bowl, scheduled to take place in New Orleans, was delayed following a deadly terror attack on New Year’s Day. During the pre-game ceremony, a moment of silence was held for the victims, followed by powerful chants of “U-S-A” from fans of Georgia and Notre Dame, showcasing the unification of American sports. Despite this display, viewers of ESPN, the exclusive broadcaster of the game, were unable to witness the moment of silence, the chants, or even the national anthem being played. OutKick attempted to reach out to ESPN for an explanation, but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
The decision by ESPN not to air the national anthem and other moments of unity during the Sugar Bowl was met with significant backlash. The Daily Mail documented reactions, including criticism of ESPN for referring to the terror attack as a “truck attack,” downplaying the involvement of a suspected terrorist who carried an ISIS flag during the tragic incident. This move by ESPN stirred memories of CNN’s description of a similar incident in 2021, when an individual drove an SUV through a Christmas parade, killing and injuring many. Despite the negative response, ESPN continued to air its regular programming, seemingly unaffected by the outcry surrounding their coverage of the Sugar Bowl and the terror attack.
In addition to the absence of coverage of the national anthem and moments of unity during the Sugar Bowl, ESPN faced further backlash for their handling of the terror attack on Bourbon Street. The network labeled the incident as a “truck attack,” failing to acknowledge the involvement of a suspected terrorist in the tragic events that unfolded. The coverage of the attack and subsequent aftermath drew comparisons to past incidents where media outlets minimized the role and responsibility of individuals who committed acts of violence, shifting the focus away from the true nature of the crimes. Despite the negative feedback, ESPN appeared unfazed by the criticism and continued with its regular programming agenda.
Outrage over ESPN’s decision not to air the national anthem and other significant moments during the Sugar Bowl persisted, with many expressing disappointment and frustration with the network’s choices. The absence of coverage of moments of unity, such as the chants of “U-S-A” from fans, further fueled the controversy surrounding ESPN’s handling of the Sugar Bowl broadcast. The lack of acknowledgment of these pivotal moments during a time of national tragedy and division on New Year’s Day left many viewers questioning the network’s priorities and commitment to covering key events with sensitivity and accuracy.
As the backlash against ESPN continued to grow, questions were raised about the network’s motives and priorities in its coverage of the Sugar Bowl and the terror attack in New Orleans. Critics pointed out the inconsistency in ESPN’s decision not to air the national anthem and moments of unity during the game, while highlighting past instances where the network focused on controversial and divisive issues within sports. The lack of transparency and response from ESPN regarding the concerns raised by viewers and media outlets further fueled frustration and speculation about the network’s editorial decisions and overall approach to covering significant events in the sports world. Despite the controversy and negative feedback, ESPN appeared to remain steadfast in its approach to programming and coverage, opting to continue with its regular content schedule rather than address the growing discontent among audiences and stakeholders.
