Paul Finebaum was back on ESPN, brushing off suspension rumors that circulated just a day earlier. The chatter began Monday when Outkick’s Clay Travis tweeted that Finebaum had been sidelined from his usual on-air appearances. The reason? He mentioned a potential Senate bid in an interview. But ESPN quickly denied the claim of suspension. And by Monday afternoon, Finebaum was back on the airwaves hosting his radio show. Then by Tuesday, he was fully back in action, appearing on First Take and Get Up. Although he’s back, proving the controversy barely left a dent, a longtime CFB announcer has now made a bold call.

On October 8, during an appearance on OutKick, Fox Sports’ Tim Brando opened up about ESPN keeping him off Paul Finebaum’s show. “At times, he’s been muzzled,” said Brando, referring to Finebaum. “I mean, I was banned from the show well over two years ago, and I was asked over and over again about it by many, many people. And callers would bring it up from time to time on his show, and he would basically have to stonewall ’em.” According to Brando, ESPN had a tight grip on who could appear during Finebaum’s four-hour program. But while giving fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain, he revealed just how much control ESPN wielded over Finebaum’s show.

“Because he couldn’t really tell them that I had been banned, superiors had editorial control of the show. But they clearly do,” explained Brando. And his comments make one thing clear: that Finebaum doesn’t have the final say over his daily program. But that’s not the case for all. Here, Brando added a comparison to highlight the difference with ESPN’s Pat McAfee. “Unlike, for instance, Pat McAfee, who is not an employee, but a licensee,” stated the Fox Sports sportscaster. And just 2 months ago, Brando didn’t hold back in critiquing Paul Finebaum’s show, highlighting its whirlwind of chaos.

“I occasionally still enjoy Finebaum, but not when ‘Fan Feuds’ and ridiculous statements different fans are meant to hurt others that take part in his show,” he explained. Basically, he called out the fiery exchanges that have become the show’s trademark. Then Brando acknowledged the entertainment value but flagged the downside. “Giving fans a ‘voice’ is a good thing, until it’s not.” So, according to Brando, the show’s thrill comes with a serious sting. But the question still remains: why was he banned from appearing on Paul Finebaum’s program?

Back in August 2011, Brando opened up on his own show about it. Although he recalled that Pat Smith, Finebaum’s producer, informed him that “your services are no longer required on the Finebaum network.” But Brando made it clear he didn’t blame Smith or anyone on Finebaum’s team. Instead, he pinned the blame on “petty middle-management.” Hence, it was corporate politics keeping him off the air. Now, while Brando has made his thoughts clear, what did Finebaum say about appearing on the show? Did he address any controversies?

Paul Finebaum’s latest take on his appearance

Paul Finebaum appeared on his ESPN show but didn’t touch on the recent controversy. And the most intriguing part is that a caller trying to ask about it was quickly disconnected. Now, it has left fans wondering what’s really going on behind the scenes. However, several factors could explain the silence.

ESPN usually keeps its stars clear of political debates, and Finebaum is no exception. But Finebaum claimed the network shut down his 2019 request to interview President Trump, highlighting the fine line between football commentary and politics. “I called my boss, and they killed it… They told me that we’re not allowed to mix politics with football.”

Now, removing him from high-profile appearances might be ESPN’s subtle way of showing they’re not thrilled with his political ambitions. Then there’s also the timing. If Finebaum is serious about a Republican bid in Alabama, taking shots at ESPN and Disney could be his low-key campaign kickoff.

On the flip side, it might just be ESPN reasserting control, especially after his new contract in August 2024. Now, with his 12-year run at the network on shaky ground, fans are left wondering, what’s next for this analyst?