What Happened to Jemele Hill?

Jemele Hill's career as a sports journalist began in newspapers, including the Raleigh News & Observer, Detroit Free Press, and Orlando Sentinel, before she joined ESPN in 2006. At ESPN, she rose through the ranks, becoming a national columnist for ESPN.com and making regular appearances on various shows. Her profile significantly increased when she co-hosted 'His & Hers' with Michael Smith, which evolved from a popular podcast into a daily television show on ESPN2. This partnership culminated in them co-anchoring the 6 p.m. edition of ESPN's flagship 'SportsCenter,' known as SC6, from 2017 to 2018, which aimed for a more personality-driven approach.

A pivotal turning point in Hill's career came in 2017 when she made a series of tweets critical of then-President Donald Trump, describing him as a 'white supremacist.' While ESPN initially issued a statement distancing itself from her comments, Hill later clarified that she stood by her personal beliefs. She was subsequently suspended for two weeks in October 2017 for a second violation of ESPN's social media guidelines after suggesting that Dallas Cowboys fans boycott the team's sponsors in response to owner Jerry Jones' stance on player protests. This period highlighted the tension between journalists expressing personal opinions and corporate media policies, particularly concerning politically charged topics.

Hill departed ESPN in October 2018, accepting a buyout on her contract, citing the network's 'conservative culture' as a factor in her decision to seek more autonomy. Immediately following her departure, she joined The Atlantic as a staff writer, covering the intersection of sports, race, politics, and culture, a role she continues to hold. This move allowed her greater freedom to express her views and delve into deeper analytical pieces.

Since leaving ESPN, Hill has significantly expanded her independent media presence. In April 2019, she launched her highly successful podcast, 'Jemele Hill is Unbothered,' which has won multiple Webby and NAACP Awards, featuring in-depth conversations with prominent figures across various fields. She co-founded Lodge Freeway Media and The Unbothered Network, a podcast and production company dedicated to elevating the voices and stories of Black women. Her memoir, 'Uphill: A Memoir,' was published in 2022, offering a candid look into her life and career.

As of September 2026, Jemele Hill remains a prolific and influential voice in media. In January 2026, she reunited with former ESPN colleague Cari Champion to launch a new women's sports-focused podcast, 'Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill.' She also hosts the 'SPOLITICS' podcast, produced by iHeart Podcasts and the Unbothered Network. In October 2024, Hill began leading a new show for TNT Sports called 'Above The Fold,' which aims to bring back in-depth sports journalism to television. Her recent commentary in September 2026 includes calling out ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky for a 'racist' comment regarding quarterbacks and criticizing Fox News' coverage of women's basketball, underscoring her continued commitment to social commentary within sports. She also accused Stephen A. Smith of hypocritical behavior in September 2026. Hill has also expressed concerns in July 2026 about the phasing out of traditional journalism in sports broadcasting in favor of influencers. Her career trajectory exemplifies a shift towards independent media and the power of a strong personal brand in contemporary journalism.