ESPN’s Dave LaMont apologizes after criticizing company call on race, job reportedly in jeopardy
Longtime ESPN announcer Dave LaMont apologized this week after he was overheard criticizing a company-wide college football conference call designed to discuss race while he thought his line was muted.
The call took place last month, following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody — which sparked widespread protests and movements fighting for racial and social justice throughout the country. According to the New York Post, “there were riveting and emotional testimonials from on- and off-air people as hundreds listened” on the call.
When ESPN’s Maria Taylor, one of the most prominent college analysts and hosts at the network, started addressing the issue and sharing her own experience, LaMont reportedly could be heard talking to his wife in the background.
While assuming his phone line was muted, LaMont described the call as “venting.”
Taylor, per the report, immediately called him out on the call and “warned there could be ramifications if he did not stop.”
He issued an apology on Wednesday, in which he brought up his “racially integrated home.” His family welcomed in Florida defensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton into their home when he was in high school, as LaMont’s son and Slaton were friends.
“A comment was made to my wife that was overheard on the college football call, offending some who heard it,” LaMont said in a statement, via The Post. “We have a racially integrated home and I respect and admire those who spoke up about their experiences. I profusely apologize to everyone on the call.”
LaMont has been with ESPN since 2004, when he joined as a college football sideline reporter. The 60-year-old has called both college football and basketball games ever since, previously called Professional Bowlers Association events and more. He also worked as the voice of the Florida Atlantic football program until 2010, co-hosted NFL Sunday on Westwood One Radio and was the voice of the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training.
While LaMont issued an apology and immediately owned up to the incident to his bosses, ESPN “has explored” firing him, per the report. LaMont only told The Post that “he believed he still works for ESPN.”
The issue, per the report, has now moved into the human resources department at ESPN.
“We took this matter very seriously, both in the moment and subsequently, and have addressed it appropriately,” ESPN said in a statement, via The Post. “Consistent with policy, we have no plans to publicly share the specifics involving individual matters.”
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