Jemele Hill Returns to ESPN After Controversial Departure

BRISTOL, Conn. — Jemele Hill made a surprise appearance at ESPN headquarters on Friday, her first since being suspended and leaving the network in 2018. Hill, a former co-host of “SportsCenter,” returned as part of the reunion special celebrating the cancellation of “Around the Horn” after more than 20 years on air.

During the show, Hill faced criticism as old tweets resurfaced, provoking mixed reactions from viewers. Some mocked her past statements, while others expressed strong displeasure with her return to the network. One viewer tweeted, “What a woke freak show. Good Riddance,” while another commented, “They got rid of all the white men on this show.”

Hill’s departure from ESPN came after a series of critical tweets about then-President Donald Trump, which included labeling him a “white supremacist.” This led to significant backlash and her eventual leaving what she described as a “toxic” environment at ESPN.

Now a staff writer for “The Athletic” and co-founder of a film production company, Hill continues to address issues of social bias in sports and media. Despite the mixed reception of her return, ESPN seemingly put a “BAND-AID” on a challenging chapter of its history.

In related news, Charles Barkley, another prominent figure in sports media, announced he will be leaving TNT at the end of the 2024-25 season. Barkley has been vocal about his discontent with ESPN, challenging the network to fire him over his outspoken commentary.

“I’m not going to change. I’m going to do what I want to do,” Barkley said in a recent interview, demonstrating his confidence in his position despite potential repercussions from the network.