ESPN faces criticism over nine-minute interview with Senator Ted Cruz

ESPN is receiving backlash after a nine-minute interview on College GameDay featured Senator Ted Cruz discussing the Protect College Sports Act. Hosted by Rece Davis, the segment focused on federal legislation slated for a full Senate vote this month. Critics, including media commentators, noted the interview lacked an opposing perspective from bill opponents such as Senator Chris Murphy or Senator Tommy Tuberville. Attendees at the broadcast site also audibly booed the Senator during the appearance. This follows previous on-air support for the bill expressed by analysts Nick Saban and Pat McAfee. The legislation, which seeks to grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption regarding eligibility and name, image, and likeness rules, currently holds support from the SEC, Big Ten, and several university leadership figures.

• 8:12 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN Faces Criticism For Giving Ted Cruz ‘GameDay’ Air Time