ESPN retracts its latest Mike Pennel story, admits "errors" in the reporting
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- ESPN published and then deleted a story alleging free-agent defensive lineman Mike Pennel's involvement in a murder investigation in the Dominican Republic, later issuing a retraction citing errors in the original report.
- Pennel’s representatives provided travel and financial records proving he was not in the Dominican Republic at the time of the woman’s disappearance in September 2021, contradicting ESPN’s initial claims.
- Attorney Brian Wainger stated Pennel was never a suspect or person of interest, did not know the victim, and was in Denver being treated for a sports injury during the relevant period.
- Wainger also noted Pennel owned but never lived on the property where the victim’s remains were found, and that Pennel’s surveillance footage showed trespassers on the property, which was shared with Dominican authorities.
- ESPN acknowledged the story contained errors and removed it, but as of now, the update is only minimally visible on ESPN’s site and not highlighted on the NFL homepage.
