Dana White slap incident: Ex-ESPN host believes "compromised" media coverage will result in zero consequences

Dana White got into a physical altercation with his wife while celebrating New Year's Eve in Mexico. People who are well-informed in the social, political, and cultural spheres are attempting to realign the narrative that suggests White and his wife are both accountable for the unfortunate incident.

Former ESPN host Dan Le Batard expressed skepticism about ESPN's dedication to covering the story, given that ESPN is currently the broadcasting partner of the UFC. Prior to his departure in December 2020, Batard was a frequent contributor and guest host for numerous shows on the ESPN television network.

During a recent episode of The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz, the American newspaper sportswriter began by questioning ESPN on why they are not applying the mainstream media pressure that they are often renowned for [via MMA Fighting]:

“Usually with these things if there is video and there is mainstream media pressure, and ESPN is the one most capable of applying mainstream media pressure.... but they have an uncomfortable relationship with Dana White that ran off the one journalist that they had in that sport, Ariel Helwani, and we ran into it because Dana White has a great deal of power at ESPN. How is that story going to be covered? How is that story supposed to be covered?”

Le Batard further elucidated Dana White's strong business ties with the UFC's broadcast partner in greater detail. The way he sees it, compromised media coverage will lead to White escaping the repugnant action without consequences:

“This doesn’t stay in the news stream unless there’s media pressure. There needs to be a media pressure, there needs to be a media outrage in order for this to have consequences. They’re the worldwide leader in sports and they do tend to help with how this stuff happens, and they’re compromised here by a business interest."

Since 2018, ESPN has been the broadcasting partner of the UFC. ESPN announced a five-year agreement with the promotion, which was extended by two years in 2019. Shortly after the $1.5 billion deal, White signed a seven-year extension with the organization to remain president of the business.

Check out the full video below:

Place your bets for the upcoming UFC Fight Night main card and earn $$$.

---

UFC middleweight contender reacts to Dana White slapping his wife

Dana White and his wife engaged in a physical altercation at a New Year's Eve party in Mexico. The bickering developed into a violent altercation when White's wife struck him first, leading to the UFC president striking her back.

White and his wife have now issued public apologies for their conduct and have stated that the incident was an isolated occurrence. They claim to have never had any issues like this in the 26 years that they have been married.

Top-ranked UFC middleweight contender Derek Brunson took to Twitter to react to the news. He claimed that while White's actions were unjustified, the UFC president should be given a second chance to make amends:

"Was Dana White wrong , “YES” . Men shouldn’t hit women. Do I feel this is a reflection of who Dana White is , NO. Dana has been a component of second chances . I think speaking up against the topic and maybe sit out two events is fair! He admitted he was wrong!"

Check out the tweet below: