ESPN Memo Warns Employees to Avoid Political, 'Drive-By' Comments

Sports network ESPN is warning its commentators to avoid politicking and "drive-by comments" while on air during the 2016 White House race.

In a memo on the company blog, ESPN harkened back to a simpler – and stricter – standard.

The memo was first reported by Deadspin.

"There was a time when sports coverage and political coverage rarely intersected," the memo stated. "There was also a time when pop culture and entertainment coverage rarely intersected with sports coverage. Clearly times are changing."

The memo then advises "we should refrain from political editorializing, personal attacks or 'drive-by' comments regarding the candidates and their campaigns (including but not limited to on platforms such as Twitter or other social media)."

And, it says, if an employee is covering a candidate who appears at a game or live event, they should avoid "political commentary or prolonged references."

ESPN commentator Curt Schilling last year was suspended from major league baseball telecasts after he blasted out an anti-Muslim tweet.

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