Kamala Harris’ campaign wanted Adrian Wojnarowski to reveal Tim Walz as VP pick, claims report

WASHINGTON, DC: Kamala Harris' presidential campaign has faced criticism for missing out on podcast opportunities during its run.

However, a report reveals that the campaign considered an unconventional strategy involving ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, known for his “Woj bombs” on NBA news to reveal her VP pick Tim Walz. 

Adrian Wojnarowski was approached by Kamala Harris' campaign to announce Tim Walz

According to Sports Illustrated, Kamala Harris' team wanted Adrian Wojnarowski to break the news of their vice presidential pick, Tim Walz, in August to his 6.4 million social media followers. 

However, another outlet beat him to the scoop.

“Consider: In August, representatives from Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign reached out,” the publication reported Thursday, as noted by TheWrap.

“They had settled on their nominee for vice president and wanted Woj to break it. Alas, another outlet scooped him before he could," the report mentioned.

Wojnarowski’s high-profile role at ESPN came to an end in September when he left to become general manager of the St Bonaventure men’s basketball team.

He departed ESPN despite having three years left on his contract, worth $20 million.

In 2020, Wojnarowski was suspended without pay after replying to Missouri Senator Josh Hawley’s press release with an expletive. Hawley had accused the NBA of “kowtowing to Beijing” and failing to support the US military and law enforcement.

Adrian Wojnarowski reveals prostate cancer and reasons for leaving ESPN

Despite his exit from ESPN, Adrian Wojnarowski dismissed any notion of controversy, explaining that it was a personal decision and feeling burned out. 

He revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in March, explaining, “When you hear cancer, you think about it going through your body like Pac-Man,” Wojnarowski told Sports Illustrated.

“Prostate cancer generally stays confined to your prostate and is typically slow-growing.” He clarified that his cancer is “pretty limited in scope,” and he has no symptoms.

Wojnarowski insisted that his health was not the reason for leaving ESPN.  “[ESPN president] Jimmy [Pitaro] was great,” he said.

“But the only reason to stay was the money. That wasn't a good enough reason.”

He turned down a potential $20 million payday to earn $75,000 at St Bonaventure, taking a 99 percent pay cut, as Daily Mail noted.

Adrian Wojnarowski sought fresh challenge with St Bonaventure

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro reportedly attempted to keep Adrian Wojnarowski on in a different role, including offering him a break from “NBA Countdown” with a possible return during the postseason.

However, Wojnarowski rejected the offer, expressing a desire for a new challenge.

“What I was doing, it just wasn’t fulfilling anymore,” Wojnarowski said. “I was just done. This is what gets me excited. To learn something new, to be part of something like this. It’s a whole new challenge.”