Fox Sports Reporter Admits Fabricating Quotes: Industry Backlash Ensues

 

The revelation by Fox Sports reporter Charissa Thompson that she made up coaches' quotes during her sideline reporting has sparked a significant backlash. Thompson admitted to fabricating quotes in her NFL sideline reports out of fear of losing her job, especially when coaches didn't provide comments, or it was too late to get a proper response.

Thompson's admission on Barstool Sports’s Pardon My Take podcast has drawn criticism from her colleagues in the industry. Kevin Smith, a board member of the Society of Professional Journalists, condemned her actions as "appallingly bad journalism," and emphasized that she violated ethical tenets such as truth, harm, independence, and accountability.

Rachel Baribeau, a host for College Sports on SiriusXM, expressed disappointment, calling it "a sad day for females in the industry" and highlighting the setback for hardworking reporters, including those from diverse backgrounds. She emphasized the seriousness of maintaining truthful relationships with coaches in the industry.

ESPN reporter Molly McGrath issued a warning to aspiring journalists, emphasizing that dishonesty is neither normal nor ethical in journalism. She stressed that coaches and players trust reporters with sensitive information, and dishonesty undermines trust and credibility.

This incident is not the first case of a sports reporter admitting to making up information. In a podcast episode, former ESPN star Erin Andrews also acknowledged inventing quotes from a coach to avoid negatively portraying them. Additionally, the historical example of Ronald Reagan, who lied about being present at sports games during his time as a radio sports reporter, was cited as a precedent for deceptive practices in sports reporting.

The overall sentiment from the industry is one of disappointment and concern over the breach of journalistic ethics, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in sports reporting.