ESPN’s on-air tribute to network founder Bill Rasmussen took an uncomfortable turn when the segment was suddenly overtaken by a booming introduction to The Pat McAfee Show.
First Take had been closing its broadcast with a warm remembrance of Rasmussen, the visionary who helped create the first 24-hour sports television network and who died at the age of 93.
Evan Cohen, Jason McCourty and Chris Canty each spoke about Rasmussen’s influence as a tribute graphic appeared on screen. Host Courtney Cronin then began to wrap up the moment, saying that “his legacy lives on.”
Before she could finish, however, the broadcast abruptly shifted to Pat McAfee, who burst in with his trademark high-volume greeting: “Hello and welcome to the Thunderdome beautiful people!”
As the cameras moved to McAfee’s set, the former NFL punter kept the energy high, adding: “And welcome to our humble abode, the DraftKings Thunderdome on this big ball Tuesday.”
The jarring transition quickly drew reaction online, with many viewers noting the awkward timing. The moment gained even more attention because it involved McAfee, one of ESPN’s most prominent and highly paid personalities, whose arrival at the network has often sparked debate.
ESPN’s tribute to founder Bill Rasmussen ended awkwardly during First Take
Pat McAfee’s booming show intro cut into the closing moments of the tribute
ESPN has invested heavily in McAfee, funding his show with a $30-million-a-year contract while making a host of cuts in other areas. He is also set for a pay rise, according to reports, as talks continue over an extension of his contract.
Cronin broke news of Rasmussen’s passing earlier in the show after his battle with Parkinson’s disease ended in his Florida home.
‘He was a sports fan turned broadcaster and entrepreneur who’s out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour, cable sports network, ESPN, changed forever the landscape of sports media,’ she said.
‘Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,’ said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
‘Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day.’
Pitaro added: ‘One of my greatest thrills since joining ESPN was getting to know Bill on a personal level. I will always cherish the memory of catching the ceremonial first pitch that he threw at Fenway Park in Boston in celebration of our 40th anniversary. His legacy will always be a part of ESPN.’
Rasmussen is survived by his two sons, Scott and Glenn, daughter Lynn, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He lost Lois, his wife of 56 years, back in 2011.
The Chicago-born executive conceived the idea of ESPN with his son, Scott, in the 1970s after being fired as communications director of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.
Rasmussen died on Tuesday in his Florida home at the age of 93 after having Parkinson’s
Tributes have been paid to Rasmussen, who’s ‘game-changing’ idea revolutionized sports
While many initially dismissed his idea, he launched ESPN in 1.4 million homes on September 7, 1979. After serving as the company’s first president and CEO, he left after a few years having laid the groundwork for its astronomical success.
‘Bill was our George Washington and a good friend,’ said veteran anchor Chris Berman, who joined ESPN three weeks after the original network launch in 1979.
‘He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn’t a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill’s legacy.’
Rasmussen revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. He became an ‘ambassador for Parkinson’s patients through both the American Parkinson Disease Association and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,’ per ESPN.
