Sept. 25

By Jimmy Hyams

SEC Network analyst Kevin Carter is very articulate and knowledgeable.

The former Florida All-American defensive lineman wowed the Knoxville Quarterback Club audience Monday with his analysis of the Tennessee team, Tennessee’s keys to beating Georgia and the importance of matchups in college football.

He is also very honest – and you wonder if that honesty will create pushback from ESPN.

Someone in the audience asked Carter about media member Clay Travis saying ESPN is the social justice network, and that liberal opinions are compensated and praised while those with conservative opinions get terminated.

Carter had an insightful response – one I hope does not result in admonishment from ESPN officials.

“I would say I am not in favor of the direction that major media is heading,’’ Carter said, “From CNN to Fox News to ESPN, I think it’s all the same. I think we are choosing sensationalism over substance.

“I think if you can get on television and rhetorically say things with a strong opinion, I think you get more air time.’’

Carter, as an example, then shouted into the mike praising Alabama and Nick Saban and quarterback Jalen Hurts as the greatest ever.

“You haven’t said a whole bunch,’’ Carter said. “That’s sensationalism. But I haven’t told you the difference in a 3-4 or 4-3. I haven’t talked about personnel and I haven’t talked about strengths and weaknesses and matchups.

“I’m not that type of analyst. I’m more of cerebral analyst. I try to connect with the viewer and teach the viewer and give them my knowledge.’’

Carter said it was hard for him to speak to the liberal comment.

But, he added: “ESPN is guilty of choosing, just like a lot of the networks are, they chose the ratings and what sells and what’s hot, over what should be broadcast. I think that’s a shame. I think it’s happening all over … with the media and the world we live in.

“We’re choosing to listen to blowhards and people who just say things with a strong opinion and say it convincingly, even though it may be way out in left field.

“I think we’re guilty of that as a society.’’

Carter is right.

Hopefully ESPN will respect Carter’s opinion without retaliation.

Otherwise, it will prove Travis’ point.

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