Why are you leaving Fox Sports?
Jason Whitlock: Because I believe in myself and I believe the opportunities in front of me are better than staying at FS1. I had a great, rewarding experience for the last four years hosting and creating the ‘SFY’ show that exists today. The last two years in particular were very rewarding. Charlie Dixon, the head of studio programming, bought into my vision and allowed me to surround myself with Marcellus Wiley, Darnell Smith, and Uncle Jimmy.
I’ve established professional relationships that will last the rest of my working career. I’m the only person in the world who could have a thoughtful, meaningful, and enjoyable conversation with Colin Cowherd and Uncle Jimmy. This second go-round at Fox Sports put me in position to take risks and further capitalize on my brand. By nature, I’m a home-run hitter. It’s time to take another swing for the fences.
FOS: Did Fox offer you a contract extension? If so, what was their offer?
JW: They offered me a two-year extension to continue hosting the show at the same pay. Not a bad offer considering the times we live in.
FOS: Did the pandemic impact your negotiations? We’re hearing sports media companies are either cutting pay – or keeping salaries flat?
JW: I suspect the pandemic impacted the negotiations. The discussions before the pandemic were completely different from the discussions after the pandemic. But the pandemic was never argued to me as a justification for the offer. At 53, it’s go-time. I’m in my prime. And my unifying message and point of view are more valuable in this era of social-media-driven racial polarization. People want to know how we can all get along. I’m the only person in sports media offering a plausible pathway forward.
FOS: How is your relationship with ‘SFY’ co-host Marcellus Wiley? Will the show survive?
JW: My relationship with Marcellus is good. Unchanged. I do expect the show to survive. There are a lot of talented and committed people working on the show. Kyle Libby, the coordinating producer, will steer the show in a good direction. He has a great team that believes in him. Charlie Dixon will continue to support the show and help Kyle steer the show in a positive direction. I think we developed some great complementary panelists in Jim Jackson, LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Ric Bucher, Bucky Brooks, Mark Schlereth, etc. I believe the pieces are in place for the show to massage itself and sustain its traction.
Whitlock should have taken the two year deal.
Something tells me he’ll be regretting his decision when he realizes his direct to consumer business isn’t going to pan out.
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