NFL broadcaster Charissa Thompson has apologised after saying she fabricated reports while working as a sideline reporter early in her career. In a podcast released earlier this week, Thompson told Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take that she sometimes made up reports when coaches did not provide information.
Thompson, 41, who now hosts for Fox Sports and Amazon, said she would rely on clichés such as 'we need to stop hurting ourselves' to avoid 'screwing up the report'. Her comments sparked backlash from fans and fellow sports journalists, who criticised her for undermining the role's credibility.
In an Instagram statement on Friday, Thompson said she had chosen 'the wrong words' and never lied. 'I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster,' she wrote, adding that she used information learned during the first half when coaches were unavailable.
Fox Sports colleague Laura Okmin, the third-longest-tenured sideline reporter in NFL history, criticised Thompson on X, stressing the trust required for the role. ESPN's Molly McGrath called the behaviour 'not normal or ethical', while Morgan Uber said it undermined women in a profession 'already stereotyped as just being eye candy'.
Representatives for Fox Sports and Amazon Prime did not respond to requests for comment.
