Part 5/13:
This shift reached a nadir after the George Floyd protests, which was characterized by what many critics call “inauthentic” displays of emotion and performative "wokeness." The network's talent engaged in tearful monologues and politically charged segments that many viewers found disconnected from the essence of sports. For instance, segments involving figures like Kirk Herbstreet and Ryan Clark included emotional speeches that, while heartfelt, seemed overly manufactured and rooted in social activism rather than sports commentary.