‘We gave people their voice and that’s what I’m most proud of’
Outside the Lines producer Robbin Dunn looks forward to the show's one-hour, weekly return this Saturday
This Saturday, Outside the Lines returns to its weekly hour-long format at 9 a.m. ET. OTL – which will also continue to air daily segments on SportsCenter – will be led by producer Robbin Dunn, who has been a key member of the OTL team since 2008 and also works on E:60.
“Having an hour show, we can really dig into OTL kind of stories to get people interested in what’s happening behind the headlines and highlights,” said Dunn. “Also, it gives us a chance to be able to dive in and talk to our guests and newsmakers more and show their personalities.”
The Saturday show will be hosted by Jeremy Schaap, who will also continue hosting the daily OTL on SportsCenter segments several days a week. Schaap will be joined regularly by a panel of guests, including ESPN legal analyst and reporter Ryan Smith – who will also continue hosting the OTL on SportsCenter segments – and many others. Each show will also feature the popular “Parting Shots” segments, examples of which are seen in the tweets below.
“the push to give athletes n.i.l. rights is a step in the right direction, but it still absolves schools of their responsibility to fairly compensate athletes.”
i did a parting shot for @otlonespn. pic.twitter.com/dhxlimSl2x
— bomani (@bomani_jones) February 6, 2021
In recent years @chicagosky fans have had to watch their MVPs leave for other teams. That all changed a few days ago when a two-time #WNBA MVP (and hometown star) chose Chicago.
My Parting Shot for @OTLonESPN on the great @Candace_Parker snapping the Sky's sad streak… pic.twitter.com/O7juNLVtpf
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) January 30, 2021
On Whitney Houston and @jsullivanmusic — two incredibly gifted Black women who’ll sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl (in Tampa) 30 years apart. And why that really matters.
My latest parting shot for @OTLonESPN. pic.twitter.com/qk6CvZEB5B
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) February 6, 2021
Having some @OTLonESPN #PartingShot fun again this week. This week, I'm getting some things off my chest re: the insane things being said about DeShaun Watson and accountability for the Texans. Check it out and pass it along! pic.twitter.com/Yc8fpVHYwF
— jason fitz (@jasonfitz) February 6, 2021
On the plans for the weekly show, Dunn added, “We’re taking a look at some of the biggest stories and things that people may not know too much about, but would like to hear more about. We also have investigative pieces working with the investigative and enterprise units. We’re always looking for other things that we can bring to the table.
Dunn moved to OTL after joining ESPN in 1998 and working on ESPNEWS.
Dunn’s first memory on OTL?
“. . . I’m working with Bob Ley [original host], and I’m scared to death. It was just because he has this gravitas, and it’s Bob Ley! But once you got to know him and realize he’s human and just smarter than most of us, it was fine,” Dunn said. “I mean, he’s probably one of the nicest people.” (Ley retired from ESPN in 2019).
- Ryan Smith on allegations of racial bias in the NFL concussion settlement
- 30th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s iconic national anthem performance
- Excerpt from the Sunday E:60 hour-long special on Dale Earnhardt
Dunn has led some of OTL’s most impactful journalism. Reflecting on the many examples, she recalled, “That’s what I love about OTL; we’re not afraid to tackle sensitive issues or controversial ones. We gave people their voice, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”
Andy Tennant, executive producer, OTL says of Dunn: “If Bob Ley was the face of OTL, Robbin Dunn has been its heart and soul. Robbin is someone who does it all and is the hardest-working person I know. She has intense passion and a tireless devotion to the brand and leadership, editorial, and content judgment, and she is a mentor. And above all, she is one of the best people you will ever meet.”
