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Tony Reali defends 'Around the Horn' against 'too woke' claims ahead of final episode

'Around the Horn' host Tony Reali is coming to the defense of the show ahead of its final episode over claims that it was canceled for being 'too woke.'

By Josh Sanchez

A view of the ESPN logo before UFC 270 at Honda Center.
A view of the ESPN logo before UFC 270 at Honda Center. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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In today's day and age, it's hard to keep sports and politics conversations completely apart. The two things have become interviewed and that unfortunately rubs some people the wrong way.

There has been a growing narrative on social media that ESPN decided to pull the plug on the popular debate show Around the Horn because it got too involved in political conversations.

Former panelist Jay Mariotti called the show out for being "too woke," but host Tony Reali has come to its defense.

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Reali fired back at Mariotti's claims and said the "woke" narrative is way too overblown.

"If you think the show was one thing or the other, show me, give me 20 to 30 examples. That’s how I feel,” Reali responded. "We’ve done 50,000 topics. I don’t believe the show is too anything, honestly."

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Some will agree and some will disagree, but that's how conversation goes -- and it's in the nature of a debate show.

Many people will miss Around the Horn after it airs it's final show, while some will be happy that they don't have to watch their SportsCenter highlights without a fear of tough conversations coming onto their television.

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It may not have been for everyone, but it's been fun.

The final episode of Around the Horn airs on Friday, May 23, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

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