Paul Finebaum may be trading SEC debates for the U.S. Senate floor.
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Ric Tapia via AP
The longtime ESPN and SEC Network host told Clay Travis of OutKick that he's "considering" leaving the network to run for Senate in Alabama as a Republican.
The 70-year-old said the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a turning point. He described sitting through his show afterward and feeling "empty" as he talked about sports.
"I spent four hours numb talking about things that didn't matter to me," Finebaum said. "It was an awakening."
That moment led to unexpected conversations. A few people in Washington reached out to gauge his interest in politics — something he'd never considered.
He initially dismissed it, especially because former Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl had shown interest in the same seat. When Pearl backed off, Finebaum's thinking changed.
Finebaum has spent decades speaking to Alabamians through his radio show, which became a staple of SEC culture before ESPN hired him in 2014. Earlier this year, he and his wife moved back to Alabama, putting him in position to run if he decides.
He revealed that he's a registered Republican and voted for Donald Trump, something he'd previously kept private because of ESPN's political guidelines. He also acknowledged that Trump's endorsement could push him over the edge.
"Impossible to tell him no. There's no way I could," Finebaum said.
Finebaum has not set a final timeline, but the qualifying deadline is in January. He expects to make a decision in the next 30 to 45 days.
"I believe very strongly I can represent the people of Alabama," Finebaum said. "I've been speaking to them for 35 years. They know who I am. I know who they are."
