After revealing that she used to fabricate sideline reports, FOX Sports and Amazon Prime Video host Charissa Thompson has released a statement addressing the issue. Utilizing her Instagram account, she explained the full scope of the situation and the way she went about doing her job in certain scenarios. Before she provided context surrounding what she said earlier in the week though, she started by issuing an apology and delineating her integrity as a broadcaster.
“Working in media, I understand how important words are and I chose the wrong words to describe the situation,” Thompson said. “I’m sorry. I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster.”
Thompson spoke about how she has a responsibility to her employers and to herself to clarify the information that was being reported. Earlier in the week, she appeared on Pardon My Take and disclosed how there were times when she would contrive her reports coming out of halftime when she was unable to speak to the coach.
“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,” Thompson outlined. “For example, if a team was 0-for-7 on 3rd down, that would clearly be an area they need to improve on in the second half. In these instances, I never attributed anything I said to a player or coach.”
Charissa Thompson currently hosts a podcast with FOX Sports sideline reporter Erin Andrews, on which she admitted to fabricating the reports in the past. She has received backlash on social media from other sideline reporters in sports media, along with consumers of live game broadcasts. The apology, however, did not permit Instagram users to leave their comments on the post. Thompson hosted Thursday night’s edition of TNF Tonight on Amazon Prime Video, where she did not talk about the comments that she had made on the day prior.
“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. “I am only appreciative and humbled to work alongside some of the best in the business and call them some of my best friends.”
