ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit recently discussed the ESPN Emmys scandal, where the network acquired 30 awards for on-air talent through a 13-year scheme involving fake names in Emmy entries. Herbstreit, along with other “College GameDay” hosts, had their awards repossessed due to the scandal. Herbstreit admitted he was naive to the situation and thought on-air talent were supposed to receive the awards. Following the scandal, a new rule in 2023 allowed hosts, analysts, and reporters on “College GameDay” to receive individual Emmys for a win by the show. Prior to this rule, on-air talent were not allowed to be included in the credit list to prevent double-dipping. The scandal also involved fake names submitted by ESPN, with Herbstreit listed as “Kirk Henry.” ESPN disciplined staff members involved in the scandal. Herbstreit’s discussion of the scandal comes as the network has made changes to prevent such incidents in the future. The scandal shed light on the behind-the-scenes machinations of award submissions in the entertainment industry.
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