Not the best look for ESPN here.
Former Red Sox Standout Crushes ESPN Over Bobby Jenks Death Post: 'Do Some Research' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
ESPN joined the likes of Major League Baseball, Fox Sports, and Barstool Sports among the major sports outlets that acknowledged former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks’ death this past weekend.
Unfortunately for ESPN, their “in memoriam” post missed the mark, and longtime MLB first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz certainly noticed.
ESPN shared a news story about Jenks’ passing on Saturday evening, writing that he was “on the roster” when Chicago won the 2005 World Series. However, as Mientkiewicz and others noted on social media, Jenks was not only the roster but he recorded the series’ final out, giving the White Sox their first title since 1917.
“ESPN should be ashamed and embarrassed for writing something like this!” Mientkiewicz wrote.
“Do some research before you release something,” the 12-year veteran added. “Have some respect!”
ESPN’s controversial post had over 17 million views and remained online as of publication. The network shared the White Sox’s official tribute to Jenks in a follow-up post on Sunday evening.
Jenks, who announced a Stage 4 adenocarcinoma diagnosis in February, died on Friday at 44 years old. He went 14-18 with a 3.40 ERA and 173 saves in his six White Sox seasons, and he closed his career with the Boston Red Sox.
“He did a whole lot more than just be on the roster!” former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski wrote. “He closed out the World Series!!”
“It’s ESPN they don’t do anything correct anymore in any aspect in all sports,” Mientkiewicz replied. “Sorry buddy for your loss.”
Related: Orioles Mourn Death of Franchise Great
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
