Paul Finebaum on Declining Senate Run and Notre Dame's College Football Playoff Snub

Decision Against Senate Run

• 💡 Paul Finebaum seriously considered a Republican Senate bid in Alabama earlier in 2025.
• 📌 The primary reason for declining was the advice from political operatives to run against "woke Disney."
• 🎯 Finebaum felt he could not "burn down" ESPN, the company he had worked for over 13 years, despite potential political gains.
• 🧠 He also stated he was uncomfortable saying things that went against his core belief of bringing people together.

Criticism of Notre Dame's Playoff Snub

• 🏈 Finebaum argues Notre Dame did not have a strong enough record to warrant a College Football Playoff spot, finishing 10-2 and losing their meaningful games.
• 📉 Notre Dame's best win after their losses was against a fallen USC, and their lack of conference affiliation limits their opportunities.
• 🗣️ He criticized Notre Dame's athletic director for making unsubstantiated claims and threats after being left out of the playoff.
• ⚠️ The AD's assertion of having the best 10-game record was factually incorrect, placing them fourth.
• 🤝 Finebaum noted that the AD's aggressive stance has caused friction within the typically collegial college football community.