INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Stetson Bennett #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium on January 09, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
A murky area in college football is revealed by the Kirk Herbstreit situation.
Count Georgian supporters among the disgruntled fan bases of Kirk Herbstreit. On today’s Paul Finebaum broadcast, the ESPN commentator addressed the Dylan Riaola topic.
In the realm of college football, few names carry as much weight as Kirk Herbstreit. A key figure in ESPN’s iconic show College GameDay and a commentator for every national championship game in the College Football Playoff era, Herbstreit is considered a titan in the industry, alongside legends like Keith Jackson, Verne Lundquist, and Lee Corso. While his contributions to the sport are undeniable, recent months have seen him at odds with various college football fanbases.
Just a few months ago, Herbstreit stirred controversy by advocating for 12-1 Alabama’s inclusion in the CFP over the undefeated 13-0 Florida State. Responding to a fan on social media, he defended his stance, asserting that Alabama, along with other teams, was superior. He argued that his extensive viewing of 10-15 games weekly from September to early December gave him the right to express an opinion in the subjective discussion surrounding the playoff selection.
More recently, it was revealed that Herbstreit, through a conversation with Dominic Raiola, father of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, encouraged the prospect to flip his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska just before the Early Signing Period in December. Raiola shared that Herbstreit’s affinity for Nebraska played a significant role in the decision-making process.
This revelation has led to criticism from Georgia fans on social media, questioning whether Herbstreit overstepped boundaries by influencing a recruit’s decision. In response, Herbstreit addressed the situation on the Paul Finebaum Show, defending his actions.
The grey area surrounding Herbstreit’s involvement raises questions about whether he violated journalistic standards. However, it’s crucial to recognize that Herbstreit does not fall under the category of a journalist. As a media personality and analyst, his role involves offering opinions and takes based on his consumption of information, conversations with players and coaches, and his experiences in the sport. Unlike journalists, who aim for objectivity, analysts like Herbstreit openly express their perspectives.
The controversy highlights the importance of distinguishing between media roles and titles. While Herbstreit’s actions may be subject to scrutiny, it is essential to acknowledge that he operates in a different capacity, and expectations regarding journalistic standards may not apply in the same way.
