Pam Oliver is widely considered to be one of the best sideline reporters in the NFL, so when she’s off her game, it creates cause for concern.
On Saturday, Oliver was assigned to work alongside play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Daryl Johnston for the NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. Always polished and professional, Oliver has worked with the top-2 FOX NFL broadcast teams for more than a quarter-century, but during one report Saturday night, her speech was staggered.
Oliver’s struggles during the broadcast caused some fans on social media to be concerned for her health. Others pointed to the weather as a possible culprit for why Oliver staggered through the report, but with mild wind and temperatures in the 30s, Lambeau Field wasn’t the usual Frozen Tundra on Saturday.
Another explanation could have been a technical issue with Oliver’s earpiece. During the World Series trophy celebration, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred sounded similarly inarticulate during what was also a FOX broadcast. Many media members noted it seemed like Manfred was hearing an echo or feedback. But Oliver again struggled during her postgame interviews later in the evening. If it was a technical issue, FOX should have been able to find a solve before she went back on camera.
Kristina Pink who was working the same game for FOX as a sideline reporter did not experience similar issues. Whatever caused her inconsistencies Saturday, hopefully all is well with Oliver.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
