Former ESPN star Trey Wingo rips what network has become
Responding to a complaint that 'you used to be able to turn on ESPN and not see Stephen A. Smith or Pat McAfee,' the former 'NFL Primetime' host agreed that the Worldwide Leader's direction isn't one he's on board with.
'Let me preface this by saying I have so many wonderful memories and so many great friends still working there that I want to succeed,' Wingo wrote on X on Tuesday. 'But he's right. It used to be a glorious buffet where you could pick and choose what you wanted. Now it's like a banquet dinner: chicken or fish?'
Advertisement
Trey Wingo at the NFL Draft on the show SportsCenter.
AP
Wingo was a part of ESPN from 1997 up until 2020, and in recent years has watched flagship shows like 'Around the Horn' and 'Outside the Lines' get canceled and replaced by Smith and McAfee as centerpieces of network programming.
At the time of writing, ESPN produces four talk shows, with half featuring McAfee and Smith. That's down from 2017, when the network produced seven of those types of programs. The two talking heads are also fixtures of 'SportsCenter,' which airs 10 hours per day.
Advertisement
Pat McAfee at the Home Run Derby on Monday.
Getty Images
McAfee, the former NFL punter, has become ubiquitous with his titular show and 'College GameDay' gig among others, and drew plenty of scrutiny for his work on Monday's MLB Home Run Derby broadcast — and seemed to lean into it a bit.
'Good morning beautiful people Fresh off a break.. got a chance to do something new with a different sport..,' McAfee wrote on X Tuesday morning. 'I really enjoyed it and think it went exactly how all parties envisioned it.. let's see what X has to say…'
Advertisement
The results weren't exactly complimentary — nor were they as tactful as Wingo.
What's clear, however, is that ESPN has changed its tack and it's all-in on its current stars, whether the old guard likes it or not.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
5 minutes ago
- USA Today
The Notre Dame Leprechaun ranked as top mascot by ESPN
When it comes to college sports, mascots rule. They are integral to the fan experience of going to a sporting event, especially on Saturdays in the fall. And Notre Dame's Leprechaun is one of the more popular mascots nationally. So when ESPN's Ryan McGee released his college football Mascot Power Rankings, it came as no surprise that there was a lot of love for The Leprechaun. McGee broke mascots down into five categories, and the Notre Dame Leprechaun took top honors in the Human Division, ahead of the Mountaineer (West Virginia) and Davy Crockett (Tennessee), who tied for second; Masked Rider (Texas Tech) at third; Osceola (Florida State) at fourth; and Vili the Warrior (Hawai'i) at No. 5. Which mascot outside of the Leprechaun is your personal favorite? Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
How Daniel Ricciardo works out after leaving Formula 1
Daniel Ricciardo might've waved the checkered flag on his Formula One career, but don't expect him to hit the brakes on his fitness anytime soon. The Australian racing star is 'enjoying life in the slow lane,' but off the track, he's still charging full-speed ahead when it comes to his health. The Post caught up with Ricciardo, 36, to see how his workouts have shifted gears since hanging up his helmet last year — and which wellness products he still counts on every morning. 7 Daniel Ricciardo competed in Formula One from 2011 to 2024. AFP via Getty Images Training as an F1 superstar: Stay light and keep your neck strong If you've ever sped down the highway with a McDonald's drive-thru bag in your lap, you might wonder why a race care drives need to stay in top shape. But Ricciardo said that for Formula 1 athletes, fitness is non-negotiable. Drivers must be able to endure punishing G-forces, grueling hourslong races and intense mental fatigue that push their bodies and brains to the limit. When he was racing, Ricciardo trained six days a week — often twice a day. But his workout goals might surprise you. The focus was being strong but also 'really light,' since he had to stay under roughly 155 pounds to maximize speed. 'We couldn't do much strength training and you really can't put on much muscle,' he said. One key part of his routine was neck-strengthening exercises using harnesses and resistance bands. These are vital because during cornering, braking and acceleration, drivers experience immense G-forces — often five to six times the force of gravity — and their neck muscles have to be strong enough to withstand that intense pressure. 7 For race car drivers, neck exercises are crucial for withstanding the intense G-forces experienced during a race. Getty Images A gravity-fighting core Ricciardo also focused on developing a strong core with exercises like planks, bridges and pull-ups. A strong core is essential to help resist those intense G-forces and also prevents the body from being jolted around inside the cockpit. Since races can last up to two hours, maintaining good posture and preventing fatigue are also critical. A solid core helps drivers stay comfortable and alert, reducing the risk of injury or loss of concentration. 7 A strong core provides stability and balance to helps drivers withstand intense G forces during a race. Daniel Ricciardo / YouTube Don't forget leg day Ricciardo also needed powerful quadriceps to extend his knees when braking, plus strong legs and ankles to apply the precise force required on the brake pedal. To achieve this, he turned to moves like weighted calf raises, kettlebell lunges and step-ups. Ricciardo trained for lean, functional strength that could support endurance — helping him maintain a high heart rate, manage fluid loss from sweat in extreme heat and stay laser-focused for up to two hours behind the wheel. 'In F1, everything is coming at you so fast. Once that gets blurry and you don't have the capacity to keep the frame in focus, that's when mistakes happen,' Ricciardo said. 'There's no denying it's a dangerous sport, and you just never want to expose yourself through a lack of preparation,' he added. 7 Mental endurance is critical while racing, enabling drivers to remain focused, make sound decisions and stay calm under pressure. Getty Images Ricciardo current workout — and his burnout-proof method These days, Ricciardo's fitness goals have shifted gears — and so has his approach to working out. 'What's really nice is I'm just training for myself, my own happiness and wellbeing,' he said. 'I'm able to put on some weight and do things I deprived myself of for a long time. I'm getting a new enjoyment out of it.' He aims for at least one hour of physical activity a day. That often includes outdoor workouts, like mountain biking or running. 'Going for a run is therapeutic for me,' Ricciardo said. 'It's a way for me to feel good about myself and have some personal time to reflect on things.' 7 For Ricciardo, running is just as beneficial for his mental health as it is physical. Getty Images He also frequently breaks a sweat in his home gym. 'I'd been neglecting a lot of the basic strength exercises because of trying to stay under weight, so I really enjoy doing squats, deadlifts and bench presses,' he said. 'That's been really, really good for me.' 'It's crazy that sitting still can be so powerful — and so hard to do. I've been doing it for six months now and I'm still terrible at it.' Daniel Ricciardo Ricciardo aims to complete eight to twelve reps per set, hoping to avoid burnout. 'I'm trying to train at like a six or seven out of ten,' he said. 'That way I can do it more frequently.' The 'chill' wellness practice that's easier said than done About four days a week, he starts his mornings with dynamic stretching to wake up his body and loosen stiff muscles. He also tries to meditate every other day, but only manages five to eight minutes at a time. 7 Meditation has been linked to a wide range of benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety. Getty Images 'It's crazy that sitting still can be so powerful — and so hard to do,' he said. 'I've been doing it for six months now and I'm still terrible at it. My thoughts are still pinballing around everywhere.' He's also relieved that to put neck-strengthening exercises behind him. The supplement routine that keeps him going 'I still take the same supplements now as when I was racing,' Ricciardo said. 'Back then, it was just to avoid getting sick with the crazy schedule. Now, I take them and have energy.' Ricciardo, a longtime partner of wellness brand Thorne, starts every day with their Daily Greens Plus — a blend designed to boost endurance, enhance cognitive performance, support cellular energy production and provide antioxidants that promote healthy aging. 7 Ricciardo uses supplements to ramp up his training. Daniel Ricciardo / Instagram He also takes the company's Amino Complex and creatine, two staples that help support lean muscle growth, increase strength and speed up recovery. To stay hydrated and keep energy levels steady, he sips Thorne's Daily Electrolytes drink. One newer addition to his routine is theanine, an amino acid known to support a healthy stress response while promoting relaxation, focus and memory. Now that he's able to bulk up, Ricciardo often indulges in a protein shake or two as well. With nearly 2 in 5 US adults obese — and many more falling short of recommended exercise guidelines — the star has simple advice for those looking to rev up their own fitness journey. 'You just have to stay with it,' he said. 'I've been trying to put on muscle for nine or ten months. Things don't happen overnight, but over time, you feel everything — and the results show. I feel so much better about myself now.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Botafogo Keen On Inter Milan Outcast – But Player Prioritizing Stay In Europe
Botafogo are keen to sign Mehdi Taremi from Inter Milan, while the player is hoping to stay in Europe this summer. This according to Brazilian outlet ESPN, via FCInterNews. They report that Botafogo are 'optimistic' about a deal even in spite of Taremi's high wages at Inter. Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been at the centre of a number of transfer rumours in recent weeks. The 33-year-old had a very underwhelming first season at Inter. Therefore, there is a widespread feeling that he will be on his way after just one year at the club. There have been plenty of clubs to show an interest in Taremi's signature. All of Besiktas, Porto, West Ham United, Fulham, and Leeds United reportedly see the Iranian as a target. However, a new name as also entered the mix. Brazilian club Botafogo are reportedly keen on a surprise swoop for Taremi. Botafogo Keen On Inter Striker Mehdi Taremi – Player Prioritizing Europe RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by) Brazilian broadcaster ESPN confirm that Botafogo are interested in Taremi's signature. Moreover, the broadcaster report that Botafogo's strategy is to sound out a move with the player and his camp rather than Inter, initially. The Brazilian want to convince Taremi on the deal first. Then, with an agreement with the 33-year-old, they could approach Inter. Taremi's wages at Inter would represent an obstacle. However, ESPN report that Botafogo are 'optimistic' that they can make it work. Amazing news coming from 🇧🇷Mehdi Taremi is on the radar of the Botafogo. The Brazilian club first want to get the green light from the Iranian forward and then try to sign from Inter. Taremi's priority is staying in Europe. According to Iranian journalist Hatam Shiralizadeh, though, Taremi's priority at the moment would be to stay in Europe.
