ESPN faces backlash over framing of Bobby Jenks’ passing: ‘Have some respect!’

The ESPN social media team might be looking for a do-over this weekend.

Following the passing of former Chicago White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks, fans ripped the Worldwide Leader for a social media post that failed to capture the pitcher’s importance to the ball club. ESPN’s post read as follows:

Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, who was on the roster when the franchise won the 2005 World Series, died on Friday in Sintra, Portugal, the team announced. https://t.co/S2jqBZM3WR

— ESPN (@espn) July 5, 2025

“Bobby Jenks, a two-time All-Star pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, who was on the roster when the franchise won the 2005 World Series, died on Friday in Sintra, Portugal, the team announced.”

Fans were quick to key in on the phrase “who was on the roster when the franchise won the 2005 World Series.” Jenks was not simply “on the roster” when the White Sox took home the World Series. He was on the pitcher’s mound the moment the title was won. Jenks, then a rookie closer, appeared in all four games during the White Sox’s sweep over the Houston Astros, recording two saves in the process, including the series-clinching Game 4.

Former players, media members, and fans alike were rightfully upset with ESPN’s framing.

ESPN should be ashamed and embarrassed for writing something like this! “Was on the roster”? He was THE CLOSER on a championship winning team. Do some research before you release something. Have some respect! RIP Bobby Jenks condolences to his family and teammates https://t.co/fiaBJXK4Yi

— Doug Mientkiewicz (@DMEASrecruiting) July 6, 2025

This company has fallen so far. So far. https://t.co/qmJB9rqNhq

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) July 6, 2025

Closed out the World Series and we are writing “on the roster”. 🙄 https://t.co/8tF4IpRnmR

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 6, 2025

He did a whole lot more than just be on the roster! He closed out the World Series!! #RIPBobbyJenks #2005forever https://t.co/PkhUGr58AL

— A.J. Pierzynski (@ajpierzynski12) July 6, 2025

In all likelihood, the person who wrote ESPN’s social media post was very young when the White Sox won in 2005. But that’s no excuse to completely undersell Jenks’ accomplishments. They’re one Google search away.