ESPN addresses announcer Sean McDonough’s Stanley Cup Final effort
Jan. 4, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN logo prior to the 2011 Sugar Bowl between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN has addressed top NHL play-by-play man Sean McDonough’s performance in the Stanley Cup Finals after widespread criticism from fans.
A number of social media users were critical of McDonough’s Stanley Cup Finals commentary, particularly in Thursday’s Game 3. To many, it sounded as if McDonough was lacking in energy and enthusiasm, with his very reserved goal calls drawing a lot of ire.
I’m a big Sean McDonough fan. But man he is off, showing no emotion. I hope he’s okay. pic.twitter.com/oSYnHM35OV
— DeLo (@DeLo_77) June 14, 2024
FOUR TO ONE PANTHERS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/uXNwpyqfqo
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 14, 2024
ESPN senior vice president Mark Gross confirmed in a statement to Awful Announcing that McDonough is dealing with an illness.
“Sean has been under the weather, and we’re grateful for him pushing through and giving it his all last night,” Gross said. “He’s a consummate pro, one of the best play-by-play commentators in the business, and we’re lucky to have him on our team.”
While McDonough may not be everyone’s cup of tea, his calls of big moments are usually much more energetic than what he displayed on Thursday. One could certainly argue that he should be replaced for Saturday’s Game 4 if he is still feeling under the weather, but it does not sound like ESPN has any plans to do so.