ESPN has faced significant criticism for failing to air the national anthem before the Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff game held in New Orleans. The game, which was delayed by nearly 24 hours following a devastating terrorist attack that claimed over a dozen lives,

Prior to the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia – following a one-day delay due to the New Year’s Day terrorist attack – the fans in attendance paid tribute to those impacted by the tragedy. The national anthem was also a notable moment,

ESPN started off 2025 catching heat for not airing the national anthem before the Sugar Bowl. The game, which was one of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, was played in New Orleans on Jan. 2 after being pushed back one day by the deadly terrorist attack in the city in the early morning