ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum, in a recent conversation with Major Garrett on CBS News’ “Takeout” show, revealed the reason behind his revocation from his political run in Alabama.
Finebaum, from the past few months, was interested in running for a senate position as a Republican candidate from Alabama, but advice from “political overdrives” meant that he could no longer partake in a potential political position.
Speaking about his decision, Paul Finebaum began by saying how he was a part of the political cauldron for three months, where he met a lot of donors and political representatives that kept rushing him.
However, his ultimate decision to not run for the Senate was influenced by the advice he received from political operatives, stating how the cleanest path to a victory was to run against a “woke Disney,” a notion that didn’t sit right with Finebaum.
Paul further emphasized how he couldn’t agree to the political counsel he was receiving because that would mean going against his employer ESPN’s parent company Disney, who he has worked with for more than a decade now, whilst also giving him opportunities to host shows.
Paul Finebaum says he decided not to run for Senate in Alabama after the political overlords insisted he “go after woke Disney.” (ESPN)
“I could not do it.”pic.twitter.com/c0uyPgWRB5
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 12, 2025
“They told me the clearest and cleanest path to victory, I was running as a Republican in Alabama, was to run, and I’m just going to paraphrase the political operatives’ words, you need to run against woke Disney,” Finebaum revealed in a conversation with Garrett (0:43).
“I could not do it. I could not burn down the place I had worked for the last 13 years that had given me an opportunity as a Birmingham talk show host,” he further elaborated (1:01).
Finebaum, despite being known as a highly polarizing media personality, is often seen criticizing coaches and being a “mouth of the south,” highlighted how he has always wanted to bring people together on programs and not take sides, implying it wouldn’t have been possible whilst being in a political position.
Paul Finebaum Blasts Notre Dame Fans Amidst Playoff Exclusion
After the College Football Playoff committee revealed the top 12 playoff teams of the 2025 season, a lot of fans and analysts alike did not agree with the committee’s judgement.
One of the biggest criticisms was Notre Dame’s exclusion from the playoff while the SEC’s Alabama secured a playoff berth despite a 3-loss season.
Paul Finebaum, meanwhile, called Notre Dame fans one of the worst fan bases and stated how they should “shut up already.”
Paul Finebaum says Notre Dame fans are in contention for the worst fanbase in america, adding that they should “shut up already”. pic.twitter.com/TlHEMHecg4
— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) December 7, 2025
“Notre Dame’s now in contention for the worst fan base in America,” Finebaum stated (0:00)
“Just shut up already Notre Dame fans. You havent done anything this year,” he further elaborated (0:06).
Despite his pointed criticism against the Irish, Finebaum acknowledged that Notre Dame had a really good team this year. Notre Dame ended their 2025 campaign with an overall record of 10-2, with their two losses coming against the Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M, both of whom got a nod ahead of them in the playoffs.
Read More:
- “Who Gives a F*ck About What This Guy”: Fans Angered As Paul Finebaum Declares Notre Dame “Worst Fanbase” After Missing CFP Spot
- Paul Finebaum Bluntly Slams Stephen A. Smith for Spurring ‘Racial’ Angle Amid Lane Kiffin’s Potential Ole Miss Exit
- Paul Finebaum Labels Shane Beamer ‘Loser’ After Letting Massive Lead Against Texas A&M Slip Away
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