ESPN won't air the National Anthem during Monday Night Football

NBC Sports

ESPN will avoid the National Anthem kneeling controversy this season by not showing the anthem. ESPN president James Pitaro said at today's media day: "We generally have not broadcasted the anthem and I don't think that will change this year. Our plan going into this year is to not broadcast the anthem .... again that could change. It's unpredictable what could happen in the world but as of now, we're not. We have communicated that back to the NF. They have not asked but as courtesy and good partners we have let them know what our plans are."