ESPN analyst's inappropriate Daniel Jones roast misses the mark - twice

The New York Giants’ decision to part ways with Daniel Jones may have marked the end of a turbulent era for the quarterback, but it’s his farewell press conference that has sparked waves of reaction, both supportive and, bafflingly, scornful.

In a prepared statement, Jones addressed the media with gratitude for his time in New York, owning up to his shortcomings while maintaining a professional tone. It was a bittersweet moment for a quarterback who, despite his struggles, has been praised for his work ethic and leadership. Yet, instead of recognizing the gravity of the moment, ESPN anchor Elle Duncan chose to make Jones the subject of an ill-conceived roast.

Duncan’s remarks were an unprovoked and tone-deaf attempt at humor, mocking Jones’ emotional statement and even questioning why he had written it down. The segment was met with swift backlash, and not just from fans.

Giants executive Pat Hanlon took to Twitter to call out Duncan’s approach.

ESPN’s Elle Duncan rightfully faces backlash for mocking Daniel Jones

Pat Hanlon tweeted, “That an #ESPN personality would mock Daniel Jones’ statement today is mind-boggling. Given what has happened at that company over the past few years, tone-deaf.”

Duncan’s performance during her “Taking the Elle” segment was as baffling as it was unfunny. She took aim at Jones with lines like, “Do you think he had this saved in his Notes since 2020?” and quipped about his future as “Brock Purdy’s backup.” She even gagged for comedic effect, turning what could have been a dignified sports commentary into a cringeworthy display of mean-spirited humor.

This wasn’t a critique of Jones’ on-field performance, something analysts are well within their right to do. Instead, Duncan targeted his decision to address the media with an honest, if emotional, goodbye. That choice to punch down rubbed many the wrong way, with Hanlon’s tweet highlighting how inappropriate such mockery felt given Jones’ vulnerable position.

Elle Duncan is the biggest Loser here, with a capital Elle

Duncan’s segment already came off as unnecessary, but doubling down on First Take the next morning only added insult to injury. Instead of apologizing, she defended her remarks, claiming she was no more “disrespectful” than Giants fans who booed Jones during his tenure. That argument not only dodged accountability but also completely missed the point.

Fans venting frustration during games isn’t the same as a paid broadcaster using their platform to kick someone who’s clearly down.

Daniel Jones isn’t a perfect quarterback. His tenure with the Giants will be remembered for inconsistency, and his career trajectory is uncertain. But the way he handled his release (with humility and professionalism) deserved far better than a cheap shot masquerading as a comedy skit.

The real issue here isn’t just the lack of humor or the poor timing, it’s the double standard. Why is it that when a player shows emotion or takes accountability, it’s often met with ridicule? Duncan’s segment highlights a troubling trend in sports media: a rush to sensationalize and mock rather than provide thoughtful analysis.

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