Savannah Bananas ripped for ESPYs performance as…
The Savannah Bananas have been ripped by viewers after opening the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday evening as Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy demanded the staff to “get off my TV.”
The viral baseball staff kicked off the annual sports activities awards show at New York City’s David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center with a choreographed performance of its first authentic music, “The Show Starts Now.”
Dressed in their signature yellow uniforms, the Bananas danced, lip-synced and confirmed off their trademark on-field antics before DJ Khaled appeared onstage to introduce the remainder of the ceremony.
The Savannah Bananas have been mocked by viewers after their opening performance at the 2026 ESPYs in New York City. Getty Images
Bananas participant and Broadway star Derek Klena led the performance of the music, which was produced by Grammy-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who composed music for the hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen” and the 2017 movie “The Greatest Showman.”
But the opening quantity rapidly drew fire online, led by Barstool Sports founder Portnoy.
“GET THE F—ING BANANAS OFF MY TV!!!!” Portnoy wrote on X.
In a video of his response to the published, he added, “What the f—? What the f— is this? Get the Bananas off my f—ing screen. What the f— are the Bananas doing?
“What is this, the ESPYs? I don’t even know what channel this is on. I used to be watching ‘Chronicle’ on ABC, I look up and the Bananas are on my TV.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy blasted the performance, saying, “Get the Bananas off my f—ing screen.” Getty Images
“This guy’s doing a pirouette. Get the Bananas off my TV!”
Other viewers on X also blasted the Bananas’ grand performance.
“This is an abomination and blasphemy against baseball,” one individual wrote.
“They turned the ESPYS into a halftime show,” another posted.
“Good thing I’m not watching. I would’ve turned it off instantly,” another person said.
“Ruining baseball tbh. Kids all dressing like clowns on the field these days with egos to boot,” another person wrote.
The Bananas introduced their trademark antics to the ESPYs stage during a performance of “The Show Starts Now.” Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P
However, other followers rushed to defend the Bananas, who introduced their show to Yankee Stadium for the second straight yr in April.
“It’s sad how many sports fans lack self awareness. Like this is an event sponsored by Disney that celebrates adults who are the best at playing GAMES!! Lmaoo have a little fun and go Bananas!!” one fan wrote.
“I think it’s amazing. It could be the single cheesiest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s a perfect self meme. Move over Ashley Simpson,” another added.
“Good thing I’m not watching. I would’ve turned it off instantly,” one individual wrote on social media. Getty Images
The ESPYs, hosted by “Saturday Night Live” star Marcello Hernandez, moved from Los Angeles to New York this yr, with performances from Slick Rick, Ghostface eliminateah and De La Soul also featured during the published.
ABC has televised the ESPYs every yr since 2015, besides in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic pressured the show to air on ESPN instead.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was among the evening’s largest winners, taking home Best NBA Player, Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete in Men’s Sports before the Knicks capped the evening by successful Best Team.
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