Mina Kimes, a prominent NFL analyst at ESPN, is facing backlash after comments she made on air about the Department of Defense’s removal and subsequent restoration of a website honoring baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Kimes, who joined ESPN in 2014 as a magazine journalist and has since risen to become an on-air analyst and host of two podcasts, criticized the DOD’s actions during a segment, saying, “So ESPN and others reported today that the Department of Defense amidst an ongoing effort to purge government mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion removed a website honoring Jackie Robinson’s military service. It has since been restored.” She went on to highlight Robinson’s legacy, noting, “Look, Jackie Robinson was known for many things but above all, first and foremost, it was his ongoing courage in the face of racial discrimination… That matters.”
Kimes emphasized Robinson’s military service in a segregated Army unit and his refusal to move to the back of a bus, which led to his arrest and acquittal, adding, “History cannot be erased, it cannot be undone and it must be recognized to fully understand and recognize his legacy.” Her comments, made on the sports game show Around the Horn on March 19, 2025, have sparked a firestorm among some fans. Social media reactions have been harsh, with one user stating, “ESPN is woke, that is why I stopped watching,” and another demanding, “Shut down woke ESPN.” Others called for her firing, with comments like, “Fire her she hates half the country,” and “She’s the prototypical DEI hire, get rid of her.”
The controversy stems from the DOD’s initial removal of the Robinson tribute as part of a broader initiative to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content, a move tied to the Trump administration’s directives under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The webpage, which detailed Robinson’s military service during World War II, was taken down on March 18 but restored after public outcry. Kimes’ remarks were seen by some as a political critique, igniting debates about whether sports media should delve into such topics. Her comments align with her history of addressing social issues, but they’ve put her in the crosshairs of fans who want sports coverage to remain apolitical.
Despite the uproar, there’s no indication that ESPN is considering letting Kimes go. She’s a well-established figure at the network, known for her sharp football analysis and versatility across platforms, including NFL Live and her podcasts. The backlash, while vocal, appears to be a vocal minority rather than a groundswell that would threaten her position. ESPN has weathered similar controversies before without parting ways with talent, and Kimes’ comments—while pointed—focus on historical fact rather than overt political advocacy. Still, the incident highlights the tightrope sports analysts walk when addressing issues beyond the game, especially at a network as prominent as ESPN. For now, Kimes’ job seems secure, but the fan reaction shows how quickly sentiment can turn in today’s polarized climate.
