LSU Tigers

ESPN apologizes to SEC commissioner after Carville criticism

Published Nov. 3, 2018 4:20 p.m. ET

ESPN issued an on-air apology to Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey after political commentator and LSU fan James Carville accused the league of favoring Alabama during "College GameDay."

LSU was the site Saturday morning of "GameDay" with No. 1 Alabama playing the fourth-ranked Tigers in Baton Rouge at night.

Carville — echoing the sentiment of many Tigers — complained about the first-half suspension of LSU star linebacker Devin White, who was called for targeting in the second half of the Tigers' last game. Carville also wore a sweat shirt with "Greg Sankey (heart) Alabama" printed on it.

After "GameDay" ESPN anchor Chris Cotter issued an apology to Sankey from the network, calling Carville's actions "over the top."

ESPN partners with the conference on the SEC Network.

Carville responded on Twitter to ESPN's apology: "I see gutless ESPN cut in their show to bow down to the SEC. well I got documentary evidence they knew what they were gonna get on air but still can't help but suck up to power."