Sports Host Draws Shock and Disgust After Admitting She ‘Would Make Up’ Sideline Reports at NFL Games
Fox Sports Host Faces Backlash for Admitting to Fabricating Sideline Reports During NFL Games
Fox Sports and Amazon host Charissa Thompson took to social media on Friday to try to clarify her comments on a podcast earlier this week that she “would make up” sideline reports during NFL games.
Thompson, who hosts Fox’s “NFL Kickoff” show and Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” coverage, said in a post on Instagram that she did not fabricate quotes from players or coaches, and that she would report her observations on the sidelines.
“Working in the media I understand how important words are and I chose wrong words to describe the situation. I’m sorry. I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster,” Thompson, 41, wrote.
“In the absence of a coach providing any information that could further my report I would use information that I learned and saw during the first half to create my report. For example if a team was 0 for 7 on third down, that would clearly be an area they need to improve on in the second half. In these instances I never attributed anything said to a player or coach.”
Thompson did NFL and college football sideline reporting for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network in 2008 and ’09. Since then she has mainly handled in-studio hosting duties for ESPN, FS1, Fox and Amazon.
Thompson said on an episode of the “Pardon My Take” podcast released Wednesday that “I would make up the report sometimes because, A, the coach wouldn’t come out at halftime or it was too late and I was like, I didn’t want to screw up the report, so I was like, ‘I’m just gonna make this up.’”
Thompson’s comments drew widespread condemnation, including by other sideline reporters.
Outrage from Fellow Reporters
- ESPN “Monday Night Football” reporter Lisa Salters posted on social media Thursday night that she was “shocked, disappointed and disgusted” by Thompson’s revelations.
- Salters added: “Trust and credibility. They mean everything to a journalist. To violate either one — in any way — not only makes a mockery of the profession, but is a disservice to players, coaches and, most importantly, to fans.”
- ESPN reporter Molly McGrath said Thompson’s actions are not “normal.”
- “Young reporters: This is not normal or ethical,” McGrath said, according to USA Today on Thursday.
- “Coaches and players trust us with sensitive information, and if they know that you’re dishonest and don’t take your role seriously, you’ve lost all trust and credibility.”
- The Athletic reporter Chris Kirschner joined the fray of those critical of Thompson.
- “A good portion of the public doesn’t trust the media as is,” Kirschner said, per USA Today. “I cannot believe she would proudly admit this.
- “This causes significant harm to the people who actually take the job seriously. It’s entirely unethical and worthy of never working in the field again.”
On a 2022 podcast, Thompson and Fox’s Erin Andrews both said there were times when they paraphrased what coaches told them at halftime.
“I have nothing but respect for sideline reporters and for the tireless work they put in behind the scenes and on the field,” Thompson said in her Instagram post. “I am only appreciative and humbled to work alongside some of the best in the business and call them some of my best friends.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Sports Host Draws Shock and Disgust After Admitting She ‘Would Make Up’ Sideline Reports at NFL Games appeared first on The Western Journal.
How does fabricating reports impact trust and credibility with players, coaches, and fans?
Ormal or acceptable behavior. We gather information and report it accurately. Fabricating reports is not only unethical, but it also undermines the trust and credibility that we work so hard to build with players, coaches, and fans,” McGrath tweeted.
Thompson’s admission sparked a larger conversation about the importance of journalistic integrity and the responsibilities of sports reporters. The role of a sideline reporter is to gather information, provide insights, and report on the game accurately and objectively. By fabricating reports, Thompson not only violated these principles but also compromised the integrity of the profession. The backlash Thompson faced from her fellow reporters is indicative of the seriousness of her actions. Journalists and reporters have a duty to provide the public with authentic and reliable information. They are held to high standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. When those standards are violated, it not only reflects poorly on the individual but also on the entire industry. Thompson’s attempt to clarify her comments on Instagram and her apology show a recognition of the impact of her words and actions. However, it is essential for her to reflect on the consequences of her behavior and take accountability for the trust she has broken with fans and colleagues. Upholding the integrity of the profession should be a priority for all journalists and reporters, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in the field of sports journalism. Ultimately, the backlash Thompson is facing serves as a reminder that honesty, accuracy, and professionalism are the cornerstones of journalism. Fabricating reports not only undermines the credibility of the individual but also erodes public trust in the media as a whole. As journalists, our responsibility is to inform, educate, and engage the audience while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. The conversation sparked by this incident should lead to a renewed commitment to upholding these principles and ensuring that accurate and reliable reporting remains at the forefront of our profession.
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