ESPN may find itself in an unenviable position after Dana White’s comments about Ariel Helwani.
Helwani posted a video on Instagram regarding his thoughts about Gina Carano’s termination from her role on “The Mandalorian” due to her social media comments analogizing Republicans to the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Helwani, who is Jewish, took to Instagram to give an insightful, thoughtful and measured response to her comments as well as his hope that she would learn from this. He was not ‘over the top’ in his comments, nor did he celebrate Carano’s termination. Moreover, he gave a tempered explanation on why her analogy fell flat. He did not attempt to politicize the matter.
On the opposite end, when asked about Gina Carano’s firing, Dana White quickly came to her defense even offering up Helwani as an example of someone that needed to leave her alone calling him a ‘douche.’ Obviously, White has had it in for Helwani for sometime ever since the former MMA Fighting writer disclosed that Brock Lesnar was returning to the UFC prior to the company being about to do it.
The comments by White drew the support of some of Helwani’s peers.
Just wanted to thank all my friends and colleagues who reached out today, publicly and privately. Sincerely means a lot to me. it is great to work such supportive and kind-hearted people. The high road isn’t always an easy one to take, but I will continue to do so.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 14, 2021
Here's Dana White calling Ariel Helwani – a Jewish man – a "douche" for having an opinion on Carano's repeated, and very public anti-semitism.
— Ryan McKinnell (@RyanMcKinnell) February 13, 2021
Defending MMA (& pro wrestling for that matter) has always been an uphill battle but these last few years have been incredibly trying. pic.twitter.com/DWnmitFCxH
Happy Valentine’s Day to @arielhelwani, who might be the single best person at ESPN. Great co-worker, great father, great husband, great journalist, great ambassador for the sport he covers. He is an unbeatable teammate, and he deserves the support of everyone at the company.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 14, 2021
Yo @arielhelwani,
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) February 14, 2021
No amount of name calling changes that you’re the best at covering MMA and most importantly that you’re a great dude. Don’t sweat it. We got you.✌🏽
We are Team @arielhelwani
— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) February 14, 2021
If @ESPN is interested in journalism, it can ask some questions here of bully and corporate partner @danawhite. There is certainly a douche here. But it ain’t the journalist @arielhelwani. Pick a side, ESPN. Quiet is complicit. — Dan https://t.co/hPLzHI8v1K
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) February 14, 2021
I know you’re taking the high road. But Dana White self-righteously accusing anyone of “making it all about himself” is legitimately hilarious.
— Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) February 14, 2021
Payout Perspective:
I am not sure whether White watched Helwani’s 8-minute IG video or he just wanted to take a shot at him just for the heck of it. The question will be whether ESPN will admonish White for making the comments of one of its journalists. The UFC has done well on ESPN and constantly grabs a huge share of the younger demo. The promotion is one of the reasons why ESPN+ has increased subscribers since the company was placed on the digital platform. But, Helwani is a part of the ESPN broadcast team including UFC coverage as well as NBA sideline reporting. It would be poor form for ESPN to do nothing and not support its employee. Yet, if ESPN attempts to force an apology out of White, will it cause friction with a business partner? White seems to always take things personally even though he brands himself as a ‘tough guy.’ But, it would seem like this is one where an apology would be due.
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