ESPN Under Fire For Blacking Out National Anthem In Game Postponed By Terror Attack

ESPN is facing intense backlash after deciding not to broadcast the national anthem or a moment of silence during the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl, which was postponed following a deadly terror attack in New Orleans

The Allstate Sugar Bowl, featuring the University of Georgia and Notre Dame, was rescheduled to January 2, 2025, a day after a horrifying attack rocked the French Quarter. An Army veteran reportedly inspired by ISIS drove a pickup truck into a crowd, killing 14 and injuring 35 in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The tragedy cast a somber shadow over the event, making the anthem and moment of silence even more significant for many viewers.

However, ESPN chose not to air these pivotal moments live, instead relegating them to a brief clip posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account. The move drew sharp criticism online.

A moment of silence was held prior to the Allstate Sugar Bowl to honor the victims and those impacted by Wednesday’s attack in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/GOv5F6n2VG

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2025

ESPN, once synonymous with sports highlights and game-day analysis, has been in the spotlight in recent years due to political bias in its programming.

One user wrote, “By not airing this moment of silence and the national anthem, you missed a huge opportunity to bring this country together. Fortunately, we stand united.” Another, @ToddKeelin, blasted the network, saying, “Wow, but you couldn’t broadcast it or the national anthem live. But you could broadcast the pathetic statement from the CEO of Allstate.”

@espn by not airing this moment of silence and the national anthem, you missed a huge opportunity to bring this country together. Fortunately, we stand united. #united #nola

— Jeanie Grindstaff (@JeanieGrin53298) January 3, 2025

Wow, but you couldn’t broadcast it or the national anthem live. But you could broadcast the pathetic statement from the ceo of Allstate.

— catsfanky74 (@ToddKeelin) January 3, 2025

The backlash wasn’t confined to social media. A former viewer tweeted, “Once again you guys get political. That’s why I just canceled all of my stuff with you guys. It’s a joke of a channel and what you guys do!”

It would have been nice to say it but once again you guys get political that’s why I just canceled all of my stuff with you guys and I pray that everyone does the same thing and follows the law it’s a joke of a channel and what you guys do!

— Jeff79 (@Jeffpops79) January 3, 2025

Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN’s official post referred to the attack as “Wednesday’s attack,” avoiding the term “terrorist attack,” which further irked critics. “You mean terrorist attack?? Get your social media staff together…”

Wednesday’s attack?? You mean terrorist attack?? Get your social media staff together…

— Colin (@colinmtackett) January 2, 2025

For many, the omission of the anthem and moment of silence was more than a programming oversight—it was a sign of misplaced priorities. “You put this on your X account but don’t broadcast it on TV? Such lack of compassion for the victims and no respect for the flag,” said another person.

Really @espn ???? You put this on your X account but don’t broadcast it on tv? Such lack of compassion for the victims and no respect for the flag . We won’t support you

— Charlene Bybee (@CharleneBybee) January 3, 2025

(VOTE: Should ’60 Minutes’ Be Investigated For Deceptively Editing Kamala Interview?)