“Around the Horn” to End This Month

Later this month, the popular sports talk show “Around the Horn” will air its final episodes. This means that several panelists will be making their last appearances in the coming weeks.

Among them is Kate Fagan, who last participated in the show on Thursday. Fagan, a seasoned writer and reporter, also has a history in college basketball, playing in Colorado. She began her tenure with ESPN in 2012 and, although she departed the network in 2018, she has continued to feature on the program.

During her final episode, Fagan faced off against Jemel Hill, who had returned after leaving the network in 2018. It’s customary for winners of the episodes to give a brief monologue, and Fagan used this moment to reflect, saying, “It’s a privilege and a platform to be part of this show.”

In her closing statements, Fagan made a heartfelt appeal for the inclusion of trans athletes in sports. “I want to say something worthy of this platform,” she stated. “Trans kids deserve to play sports.” She reminded everyone of the joy of playing, mentioning those unforgettable moments on the field, the community formed, and the sheer joy of teamwork.

She declared, “Sports is a joy. Sports is humanity. And the more people have that experience, the better it is for everyone.”

No existing laws prevent transgender children from participating in sports; however, an executive order was signed in February that restricts biological men from competing against biological women. ESPN announced the cancellation of “Around the Horn” back in March, which led former panelist Jay Mariotti to comment on the show’s demise and the changes he saw during his time there.

Currently, there are just 11 episodes left before the show wraps up, marking the end of a significant era in sports television.