The dude perpetuates the victim culture ingrained in Black America, refuses to point the thumb as to why people get annoyed by him. He’s arrogant and talks down to people.
Also, what takes does Bomani ever give that are courageous? When you brought up the trans issue on the podcast the other day of course he didn’t have an opinion (we know why). Why hasn’t he stuck up for Sage Steele? Also, he was going on about not getting in any trouble by his bosses (I believe he was talking about ESPN), of course bc the network is run by leftists. Bomani is a natural Beta, that tries to give out Alpha vibes, which makes his victim culture bullshit narrative phony as hell.
For the record, I don’t mind this article but the fact you had to write this article confirms the truth about Bomani and the way people feel about him.
It’s like the owner of a sports team coming out and saying the coach’s job is safe etc. That only has to be done if there’s a real issue and things need to be slowed down.
I'm not sure how you give a "courageous" take in the sports world, but Bomani has always given unique analysis and opinions. For example, his (https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=jones/051118/crew) take on Miami's "7th floor crew" was so much more measured and real than the general mainstream media opinion (https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2226626). A more recent example of Bomani being measured is his breakdown of the Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark incident. No column to link, but his podcast on it basically noted there are some racial dynamics at play but Angel Reese was being deliberately antagonistic.
I would add Bomani is entertaining to listen to, if not completely predictable (case in point his complete ignoring of your trans sports issue). He consistently takes things racial and that’s what gets him on the nerves of the right. And I would argue that those of us that are more conservative find him intriguing to follow because he has welcomed the hate openly. Just as Clay Travis openly welcomes hate from the left. It’s part of their schtick and it’s very much on purpose from my POV. So yes, he is popular, but I don’t think you acknowledge the “hate listeners” either that wouldn’t consistently watch his show, but would parachute in for a one-off podcast in curiosity. That’s my two cents. He is easy to root against from the right as is Clay Travis from the left, so much of it is confirmation bias.
Also, Dan Dakich is an idiot and shouldn’t be taken seriously in any context. He’s the Keith Olberman of the right. Just nauseating and embarrassing.
I know you mentioned your subs exploding with Bomani, would be interested to see the impact of you having Clay Travis or Jason Whitlock on your show. I personally started following you for your Ryan Glasspiegel podcasts. I don’t recall you having the equivalent voice on the right to really compare to the well known voice of Bomani on the left.
By this logic wouldn’t Jemele Hill have not gotten in trouble with her bosses? Bomani’s point was that he “sticks to sports” a lot more than the common criticism of him would indicate.
Bomani has a hard to describe, but undeniable charisma.
My introduction to him was very early in his career when he was brought on to the in-between-games analysis for the NCAA tournament for a TV station in Canada. I remember it clearly because there was just something about how he carried himself that was unique and compelling, even if this was a much rawer version of Bo. He delivered his analysis totally stone faced. Nothing he said was generic. He grabbed your attention and didn’t let go. I think this is what executives see that leads them to keep giving him opportunities
His reductive takes race can be annoying. Same with his relentless arrogance (always be weary of those that feel compelled to tell you how smart they are). But he’s way more likely to say something interesting than 99% of people in sports media and that will give you a large fan base, but maybe not one large enough to carry a tv show.
I understand why people find him arrogant and would not like him for that reason but pretty sure he’ll be laughing all the way to the bank if you call this a downfall/failure. The man is doing just fine.
Wasn’t expecting Carolla to be dropped in there but I love it! Should also be noted how much podcasters owe to Adam. Aside from him being one of the first big Pods, along with Bill Simmons and Dan Carlin, Carolla fought a legal battle that cleared a path for future podcasting. A patten troll was going around suing podcasters in the early 2010’s and most people settled rather than fight back against their bogus lawsuits, but the Ace Man rallied his fans and fought them in court, and won. Now podcasters are getting sued over some bs
Enjoyed the podcast, was not familiar with Bomani. And I have no idea what Outkick is. But I gotta say, his “favorite thing” about Wisconsin basketball was...wild. As someone who is not from there but has grown up going to badger football and basketball games with my dad, I was excited for his anecdote, considering screen recording it and sending to my dad. And then the anecdote turned out to be -- there once was a Wisconsin recruit who felt more comfortable in Wisconsin than North Carolina. At the most uncharitable reading of Bomani’s anecdote is -- there once was a racist teenager in Wisconsin. And this is his *favorite* thing about Wisconsin basketball. How profoundly uninteresting. I get why some ppl don’t like this dude lol
There's a casual conversational humor in saying "my favorite thing about X" when one means "I'm going to say something funny and maybe odd about X." I think the disconnect is that you were maybe a little too eager to think you had a companion in serious Wisconsin investment because of how he intro'ed the story.
Count me among those who subscribed to hear a podcast with Bomani. I had read a few of your free pieces and really enjoyed them, so when I saw you did a pod with Bo in January I figured I'd subscribe for a month and I've stuck around ever since.
I'll add a twist to the "Bo Drives Subs" observation -- multiple times I've felt the urge to do away with my sub. Nothing personal, but the content generally doesn't do much for me and the community in the comments even less so. This isn't about ideology or political persuasion, but to a certain degree how ideas are conceived and presented for the written work.
But the variety of podcast guests (with a few exceptions) are what keep me invested for now -- and I will give credit to Ethan for (mostly) staying out of the way of his best podcast guests and letting them say their piece.
Bomani is an especially strong example but there are others I've enjoyed as well.
I just subscribed again after a short go round about a year ago, and I’d really love more articles. The pods are good but I’ve already got my regulars I listen to and don’t need another imposition on my time like that.
Watching anything requires time and attention, while a podcast I can do other stuff while listening. I don't watch anything sports television besides actual games, because it's not worth my time. I never miss any of the Right Time but didn't watch of the bomanis new TV show. Its more about the form than the content for me.
I feel for Bomani. He's corny and adopts faux-AAVE stylings for white audiences instead of just being himself. There are few people in sports media and entertainment with his level of elite academic background which I think makes it hard for audiences of all races to connect with him. I get the sense his biggest fans are white people without many black friends.
I like Bo but there is 100% a cringe element involving his (mostly white) ESPN colleagues on Twitter, where they view his opinion on anything as an intellectual trump card that they can slam on the table to end any argument. Like he’s Will Hunting or something.
That said, if Bo had a college football substack I would definitely subscribe. Which highlights one of the funnier parts of Outkick’s crusade vs Bomani. Clay broke into the industry writing about college football and considers himself one of the preeminent journalists covering the sport. But Bomani is significantly better than Clay at providing insight and covering college football.
Honestly, if Bo had a music Substack I’d subscribe to that…I’m an absolute music junkie and he knows his shit about a HUGE variety of music, inside and out. When he gets on his music twitter kicks it’s by far my favorite stuff he does.
I've listened to The Right Time regularly for a number of years now. I found him interesting on ATH, and I figured I'd give his radio show and now podcast a shot. I have not watched an episode of Game Theory even though I've been a (HBO) Max subscriber. I just didn't feel like I needed that much Bomani Jones. While I've disagreed on a number of things he's said and found a few of his opinions to be what I would consider "weak takes", I do find him to be pretty insightful especially when it comes to what might be going through an athlete's mind and his way of thinking. These athletes may not approach situations the way I would, and so I do appreciate that kind of insight. What I gain from listening to his show so far has outweighed all of the stuff I disagree with or consider weak, so I'll keep listening; but I won't necessarily consider myself a fan so much that I'll consume everything he puts out there. Hence, the reason I didn't watch Game Theory. I just didn't feel the need was great enough plop down in front of a TV and consume more time to watch someone I'm already listening to in the car.
That said, I do follow Clay Travis on social and see some of the Outkick content. Personally, there is some stuff I find from Clay to be weak, but I'll listen if he has some insight that I find to be useful. At least from the reporting of Game Theory's ratings go, I did find it to be useful as an indicator as to how much longer the show could last. I do agree with what Bomani said on your pod that it seemed like they never really even watched the show, and there was nothing specific they could site as far as the lack of quality of the show. So, I couldn't really take Outkick's take as any kind of useful critique.
In all, I will say that Bomani does have a lot of interesting thoughts and does have his audience, and it'll be interesting to see where it goes from here.
Per your comments on Carolla, I was a long time Loveline listener as well as his AM radio show and then his podcast. I listened to these shows religiously for like seven years or so. I actually stopped before his shift to the Right because he started to become increasingly angry, condescending, and repetitive (possibly because he's an alcoholic). He just became a bad hang.
“ By my rough count, Bo yields more than twice as many subscriptions as the next highest-ranking guest.”
Bomani should get a sub stack and do his podcasts via that medium?
Said it in another thread, think it’s simply he’s very good at podcasting but not so much tv like simmons, which is no bad thing as podcasting is huge and his style for me is great for a long drive rather than sat on the sofa watching tv, reckon he could do brilliantly if solely in that space
I've basically only heard Bomani on the HoS pod and after this one I listened to the last two episodes of his ESPN pod. I don't understand how this guy is controversial or how anyone can say he isn't hilarious or doesn't know sports--i I like Outkick/dislike wokeness in sports. Ethan, if no one picks up Bomani you should really consider doing a weekly podcast with him. I'd pay for it separately, this guy is a natural talent.
I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: I have no strong opinion on Bomani Jones. I doubt any of you amateurs can handle such a lukewarm take, but there you go.
I find Bomani Jones to generally have questionable - yet still uninteresting - takes coupled with a manner that presents as extremely condescending. I have zero desire to listen to him and, apparently, I am not alone in my lack of desire Ethan's claims of Jones driving huge increases in subscription sales notwithstanding.
Bomani’s schtick is just tiresome.
The dude perpetuates the victim culture ingrained in Black America, refuses to point the thumb as to why people get annoyed by him. He’s arrogant and talks down to people.
Also, what takes does Bomani ever give that are courageous? When you brought up the trans issue on the podcast the other day of course he didn’t have an opinion (we know why). Why hasn’t he stuck up for Sage Steele? Also, he was going on about not getting in any trouble by his bosses (I believe he was talking about ESPN), of course bc the network is run by leftists. Bomani is a natural Beta, that tries to give out Alpha vibes, which makes his victim culture bullshit narrative phony as hell.
For the record, I don’t mind this article but the fact you had to write this article confirms the truth about Bomani and the way people feel about him.
It’s like the owner of a sports team coming out and saying the coach’s job is safe etc. That only has to be done if there’s a real issue and things need to be slowed down.
What's an example of "perpetuating the victim culture ingrained in Black America?" Also, why does he need to stick up for Sage Steele?
I'm not sure how you give a "courageous" take in the sports world, but Bomani has always given unique analysis and opinions. For example, his (https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=jones/051118/crew) take on Miami's "7th floor crew" was so much more measured and real than the general mainstream media opinion (https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2226626). A more recent example of Bomani being measured is his breakdown of the Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark incident. No column to link, but his podcast on it basically noted there are some racial dynamics at play but Angel Reese was being deliberately antagonistic.
I think “courageous” in this context means “saying something that Chris likes that would piss off people that Chris doesn’t like”
I would add Bomani is entertaining to listen to, if not completely predictable (case in point his complete ignoring of your trans sports issue). He consistently takes things racial and that’s what gets him on the nerves of the right. And I would argue that those of us that are more conservative find him intriguing to follow because he has welcomed the hate openly. Just as Clay Travis openly welcomes hate from the left. It’s part of their schtick and it’s very much on purpose from my POV. So yes, he is popular, but I don’t think you acknowledge the “hate listeners” either that wouldn’t consistently watch his show, but would parachute in for a one-off podcast in curiosity. That’s my two cents. He is easy to root against from the right as is Clay Travis from the left, so much of it is confirmation bias.
Also, Dan Dakich is an idiot and shouldn’t be taken seriously in any context. He’s the Keith Olberman of the right. Just nauseating and embarrassing.
I know you mentioned your subs exploding with Bomani, would be interested to see the impact of you having Clay Travis or Jason Whitlock on your show. I personally started following you for your Ryan Glasspiegel podcasts. I don’t recall you having the equivalent voice on the right to really compare to the well known voice of Bomani on the left.
Well said.
By this logic wouldn’t Jemele Hill have not gotten in trouble with her bosses? Bomani’s point was that he “sticks to sports” a lot more than the common criticism of him would indicate.
Bomani has a hard to describe, but undeniable charisma.
My introduction to him was very early in his career when he was brought on to the in-between-games analysis for the NCAA tournament for a TV station in Canada. I remember it clearly because there was just something about how he carried himself that was unique and compelling, even if this was a much rawer version of Bo. He delivered his analysis totally stone faced. Nothing he said was generic. He grabbed your attention and didn’t let go. I think this is what executives see that leads them to keep giving him opportunities
His reductive takes race can be annoying. Same with his relentless arrogance (always be weary of those that feel compelled to tell you how smart they are). But he’s way more likely to say something interesting than 99% of people in sports media and that will give you a large fan base, but maybe not one large enough to carry a tv show.
And that arrogance/wanting to tell you about his intelligence is why there are a lot revelling in his downfall right now
I understand why people find him arrogant and would not like him for that reason but pretty sure he’ll be laughing all the way to the bank if you call this a downfall/failure. The man is doing just fine.
Where's my HoS 3-Percenter tee, Ethan?!
Wasn’t expecting Carolla to be dropped in there but I love it! Should also be noted how much podcasters owe to Adam. Aside from him being one of the first big Pods, along with Bill Simmons and Dan Carlin, Carolla fought a legal battle that cleared a path for future podcasting. A patten troll was going around suing podcasters in the early 2010’s and most people settled rather than fight back against their bogus lawsuits, but the Ace Man rallied his fans and fought them in court, and won. Now podcasters are getting sued over some bs
Enjoyed the podcast, was not familiar with Bomani. And I have no idea what Outkick is. But I gotta say, his “favorite thing” about Wisconsin basketball was...wild. As someone who is not from there but has grown up going to badger football and basketball games with my dad, I was excited for his anecdote, considering screen recording it and sending to my dad. And then the anecdote turned out to be -- there once was a Wisconsin recruit who felt more comfortable in Wisconsin than North Carolina. At the most uncharitable reading of Bomani’s anecdote is -- there once was a racist teenager in Wisconsin. And this is his *favorite* thing about Wisconsin basketball. How profoundly uninteresting. I get why some ppl don’t like this dude lol
There's a casual conversational humor in saying "my favorite thing about X" when one means "I'm going to say something funny and maybe odd about X." I think the disconnect is that you were maybe a little too eager to think you had a companion in serious Wisconsin investment because of how he intro'ed the story.
Well it wasn’t funny either. Or insightful. Or interesting. But you’re right that I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up lol
Is the issue how you don't like Boman's story on this? Or you don't like the recruit for picking Wisconsin over UNC?
Issue was with Bomani’s dumb story not this poor kid from the 1990s
Brian Butch has an afternoon radio show in Milwaukee alongside an ex-Packer offensive lineman which tickled me a bit while listening
Count me among those who subscribed to hear a podcast with Bomani. I had read a few of your free pieces and really enjoyed them, so when I saw you did a pod with Bo in January I figured I'd subscribe for a month and I've stuck around ever since.
I'll add a twist to the "Bo Drives Subs" observation -- multiple times I've felt the urge to do away with my sub. Nothing personal, but the content generally doesn't do much for me and the community in the comments even less so. This isn't about ideology or political persuasion, but to a certain degree how ideas are conceived and presented for the written work.
But the variety of podcast guests (with a few exceptions) are what keep me invested for now -- and I will give credit to Ethan for (mostly) staying out of the way of his best podcast guests and letting them say their piece.
Bomani is an especially strong example but there are others I've enjoyed as well.
I just subscribed again after a short go round about a year ago, and I’d really love more articles. The pods are good but I’ve already got my regulars I listen to and don’t need another imposition on my time like that.
I totally agree with you. Podcasts are to a certain extent a dime a dozen. I don't need to pay for more podcasts.
And two more pods drop since this comment. May have to be a one and done again...
Watching anything requires time and attention, while a podcast I can do other stuff while listening. I don't watch anything sports television besides actual games, because it's not worth my time. I never miss any of the Right Time but didn't watch of the bomanis new TV show. Its more about the form than the content for me.
I feel for Bomani. He's corny and adopts faux-AAVE stylings for white audiences instead of just being himself. There are few people in sports media and entertainment with his level of elite academic background which I think makes it hard for audiences of all races to connect with him. I get the sense his biggest fans are white people without many black friends.
I like Bo but there is 100% a cringe element involving his (mostly white) ESPN colleagues on Twitter, where they view his opinion on anything as an intellectual trump card that they can slam on the table to end any argument. Like he’s Will Hunting or something.
That said, if Bo had a college football substack I would definitely subscribe. Which highlights one of the funnier parts of Outkick’s crusade vs Bomani. Clay broke into the industry writing about college football and considers himself one of the preeminent journalists covering the sport. But Bomani is significantly better than Clay at providing insight and covering college football.
Honestly, if Bo had a music Substack I’d subscribe to that…I’m an absolute music junkie and he knows his shit about a HUGE variety of music, inside and out. When he gets on his music twitter kicks it’s by far my favorite stuff he does.
That is the most back-handed compliment of Bomani Jones I think I have ever read.
“I get the sense his biggest fans are white people without many black friends.” Is that why Ethan likes him?
I've listened to The Right Time regularly for a number of years now. I found him interesting on ATH, and I figured I'd give his radio show and now podcast a shot. I have not watched an episode of Game Theory even though I've been a (HBO) Max subscriber. I just didn't feel like I needed that much Bomani Jones. While I've disagreed on a number of things he's said and found a few of his opinions to be what I would consider "weak takes", I do find him to be pretty insightful especially when it comes to what might be going through an athlete's mind and his way of thinking. These athletes may not approach situations the way I would, and so I do appreciate that kind of insight. What I gain from listening to his show so far has outweighed all of the stuff I disagree with or consider weak, so I'll keep listening; but I won't necessarily consider myself a fan so much that I'll consume everything he puts out there. Hence, the reason I didn't watch Game Theory. I just didn't feel the need was great enough plop down in front of a TV and consume more time to watch someone I'm already listening to in the car.
That said, I do follow Clay Travis on social and see some of the Outkick content. Personally, there is some stuff I find from Clay to be weak, but I'll listen if he has some insight that I find to be useful. At least from the reporting of Game Theory's ratings go, I did find it to be useful as an indicator as to how much longer the show could last. I do agree with what Bomani said on your pod that it seemed like they never really even watched the show, and there was nothing specific they could site as far as the lack of quality of the show. So, I couldn't really take Outkick's take as any kind of useful critique.
In all, I will say that Bomani does have a lot of interesting thoughts and does have his audience, and it'll be interesting to see where it goes from here.
Per your comments on Carolla, I was a long time Loveline listener as well as his AM radio show and then his podcast. I listened to these shows religiously for like seven years or so. I actually stopped before his shift to the Right because he started to become increasingly angry, condescending, and repetitive (possibly because he's an alcoholic). He just became a bad hang.
*Exactly* how I felt.
“ By my rough count, Bo yields more than twice as many subscriptions as the next highest-ranking guest.”
Bomani should get a sub stack and do his podcasts via that medium?
Said it in another thread, think it’s simply he’s very good at podcasting but not so much tv like simmons, which is no bad thing as podcasting is huge and his style for me is great for a long drive rather than sat on the sofa watching tv, reckon he could do brilliantly if solely in that space
I've basically only heard Bomani on the HoS pod and after this one I listened to the last two episodes of his ESPN pod. I don't understand how this guy is controversial or how anyone can say he isn't hilarious or doesn't know sports--i I like Outkick/dislike wokeness in sports. Ethan, if no one picks up Bomani you should really consider doing a weekly podcast with him. I'd pay for it separately, this guy is a natural talent.
I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: I have no strong opinion on Bomani Jones. I doubt any of you amateurs can handle such a lukewarm take, but there you go.
I find Bomani Jones to generally have questionable - yet still uninteresting - takes coupled with a manner that presents as extremely condescending. I have zero desire to listen to him and, apparently, I am not alone in my lack of desire Ethan's claims of Jones driving huge increases in subscription sales notwithstanding.
More Bomani!