ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. rips Dan Patrick over concerns with NFL deal
Share this @internewscast.com

The NFL is set to acquire a 10 percent stake in ESPN, yet a seasoned journalist from the network remains unfazed by potential conflicts of interest. 

Don Van Natta Jr., a senior writer at ESPN, criticized Dan Patrick after the former “SportsCenter” anchor raised concerns about whether the network would continue reporting negative stories about the NFL. 

Van Natta highlighted recent investigative work by himself and ESPN reporter Kalyn Kahler on the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) scandal that resulted in Lloyd Howell’s departure. Their work included details on a confidentiality agreement, the Carlyle Group, and strip club receipts.

“Do your homework before you malign your ex-colleagues. I’m embarrassed for you.”

Van Natta and Kahler teamed up to report nine stories for ESPN about the recent NFLPA scandal and Howell’s resignation in recent weeks.

On Wednesday’s episode of his “Dan Patrick Show,” Patrick voiced his skepticism on how ESPN will handle the deal from a journalistic standpoint.

Patrick expressed his skepticism by stating, “The journalist in me sees a conflict of interest, but ESPN is already deeply aligned with the NFL. Will they ignore any negative stories? They likely already do.”

“I don’t know how deep ESPN went in on the mess of the NFL Players Association. I know [Pro Football Talk’s Mike] Florio did, a couple people did.”

In response, Van Natta fired back, continuing to criticize Patrick’s remarks: “Claiming ‘the journalist in me’ while flunking basic Journalism 101.”

When someone replied and pointed out that Van Natta’s exposé was on the NFLPA, and not the league itself, the reporter replied: “I am not going to tick off the dozens of investigative stories I have done about the NFL since joining ESPN in 2012. Look them up.”

Van Natta, a two-time Pulitzer Award winner, has been at ESPN since 2012. Before that, he was an investigative correspondent for the New York Times for 16 years.

The NFL is acquiring its equity stake in ESPN in exchange for NFL Network and other media assets owned by the league, including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy, the league announced Tuesday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Experienced' Alabama pilot, 2 daughters killed in plane crash in Montana wilderness

Tragic Plane Crash in Montana Wilderness Claims Lives of Veteran Alabama Pilot and His Two Daughters

A tragic plane crash in Montana claimed the lives of an Alabama…
Trump administration to defend Alina Habba's tenure as top New Jersey prosecutor

Trump Administration Set to Defend Alina Habba’s Role as Leading New Jersey Prosecutor

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — On Monday, the federal appeals court will deliberate on…
The Government Shutdown Brings an Opportunity to Reimagine FEMA, but Rogue Employees Seek Its Demise

Government Shutdown Sparks Debate: Reimagining FEMA Amidst Internal Sabotage Threats

On the eve of nationwide “No Kings” protests, a group of discontented…
dog runs away after battery ignites in flames

Heroic Pup Survives Fire After Lithium-Ion Battery Mishap at Assistant Fire Chief’s Home

A newly released video has captured the unexpected moment when a dog…
Bank robbers turn blue state into hot spot for heists as bandits grow bolder, industry leader warns

Surge in Bank Heists: Blue State Becomes Unlikely Crime Hub Amid Bold Robberies, Industry Experts Alert

In recent years, while the nation has seen a general decrease in…
ICE Chicago news: Federal judge to question ICE, CBP on federal agents' use of force, tear gas at hearing Monday

Federal Judge to Scrutinize ICE and CBP’s Use of Force and Tear Gas in Chicago Hearing

On Monday, a significant legal inquiry will take place in Chicago, focusing…
The Latest: Three ranked matchups in the AP Top 25 headline next weekend

Top 25 Showdowns: Key Ranked Matchups Set to Electrify College Football Weekend

The AP Top 25 underwent a dramatic transformation this Sunday following a…
United Airlines flight diverts after windscreen crack

United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Diversion Due to Windscreen Crack

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently probing an incident…
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard spotted earlier this month, mom not cooperating: Sheriff

Sheriff: Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Recently Sighted; Mother Uncooperative in Investigation

In California, authorities are diligently searching for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Former MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away After Motorcycle Tragedy

CARACAS (AP) — Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan native who once graced the…
Brazen Louvre robbery crew may have been hired by collector, prosecutor says

Prosecutor Suggests Collector Might Be Behind Daring Louvre Heist

In a bold heist reminiscent of a movie plot, the Louvre Museum…
Demolition starts at White House East Wing to make way for Trump's ballroom

Historic Transformation: White House East Wing Undergoes Demolition for Trump’s Grand Ballroom Vision

Trump has announced plans for an expansive 90,000-square-foot ballroom, citing the East…