NEW YORK — ESPN has returned numerous Emmy statues and disciplined employees after an internal investigation revealed on Thursday that the sports network had submitted fake names to the awards organization in order to secure trophies for on-air personalities who were ineligible to receive them.
The fraudulent activity dates back to 1997, according to a statement from ESPN. The network admitted that some members of its team were in the wrong for participating in the scheme.
An ESPN spokesperson stated that the submission of ineligible names in Emmy categories was a misguided attempt to recognize important on-air individuals who were part of the network’s production team. Once current leadership became aware of the situation, ESPN apologized for violating guidelines and worked with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) to revamp their submission process and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Athletic, which first broke the story, reported that ESPN had re-engraved the awards with fictitious names and handed them out to personalities who were not eligible to receive them.
NATAS, the organization that administers the Emmys, discovered the fraud and launched an investigation. The Athletic noted that there was no evidence to suggest that the employees who received the awards were aware of the fraudulent activity.
In a statement to CNN, NATAS confirmed that several “fictitious credits” submitted by ESPN were identified in multiple sports Emmys categories.
The organization praised ESPN for taking responsibility for the actions of its personnel, conducting a thorough investigation, and implementing internal accountability and procedural changes. As part of the process, ESPN returned the statuettes issued to fictitious individuals.
Upon learning of the scheme, ESPN enlisted an external law firm to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Those found responsible were disciplined by the network, according to an ESPN spokesperson.
In conclusion, ESPN has admitted to submitting fake names to the Emmy awards organization in order to secure trophies for ineligible on-air personalities. The network has returned the awards and disciplined the employees involved. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences discovered the fraud and commended ESPN for taking appropriate actions.