Nobody wakes up expecting to get called out on a random podcast. But that’s exactly what happened to ESPN’s Elle Duncan this week, dragged into a conversation she didn’t even know she was part of. And she’s not keeping quiet.
During an appearance on the “Net Positive with John Crist” podcast, ESPN’s College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit took a sharp jab at broadcasters who openly root for teams on air.
Without skipping a beat, he pointed directly at Duncan, a known Georgia Bulldogs fan, saying her open support on SportsCenter hurts credibility.
“You watch ‘SportsCenter’ and Elle Duncan is sitting there cheering for Georgia, openly cheering,” Herbstreit said. “I’m not a fan of that personally. I think it hurts your credibility.”
Duncan Claps Back
Duncan didn’t appreciate the critique, especially from a colleague. She quickly fired back on X, making it clear she was blindsided.
“Didn’t have this on my bingo card for today,” Duncan wrote. “But my fandom doesn’t impact in any way what or how we talk about teams on air. Ever. I…JUST..BARK?? Also whispers I’m not the only one. So why I get singled out?”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
The “bark” refers to Georgia’s famous Bulldog chant. Her point? She’s hardly the only ESPN personality showing emotion on air. And Duncan got a valid case.
Kirk Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State, admitted just months ago he got emotional after his alma mater won the national title.
“Don’t start with me,” he told Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter after the Buckeyes’ championship win. “I’m a little emotional… I love all of these Ohio State teams.”
That’s the same guy now saying objectivity is key.
This isn’t the first time Herbstreit’s passion for Ohio State has drawn attention. He’s regularly backed head coach Ryan Day through criticism and tough losses, defending the program while maintaining he’s neutral in the booth.
It’s the classic sports media debate, where’s the line between personality and professionalism? Duncan says her on-air conduct stays fair, no matter her school ties. Herbstreit says objectivity should be sacred. Although Elle Duncan didn’t start this fight, but she’s not backing down either.
