Setting the Record Straight: Fox Sports' Charissa Thompson Addresses Misinterpretation of Sideline Reports
Fox Sports reporter Charissa Thompson sets the record straight, emphasizing her commitment to truthfulness in sideline reporting Refuting claims of fabricating information, she asserts her integrity and professionalism in delivering accurate sports updates
Charissa Thompson addressed the issue surrounding her remarks about exaggerating NFL sideline reports, acknowledging the need to clarify the situation. In an Instagram Story statement on Friday, November 17, the 41-year-old stated her responsibility towards herself and her employers. She explained that during a podcast, she openly admitted to fabricating reports in the early days of her career as a sideline reporter, prior to transitioning into her current role as a host.
Thompson apologized, acknowledging the significance of words in the media industry and admitting her mistake in describing the situation. She stated that she had never been dishonest or engaged in unethical behavior throughout her tenure as a sports broadcaster. However, during her appearance on the "Pardon My Take" podcast on Wednesday, November 15, Thompson confessed to occasionally fabricating her broadcasts.
“I have mentioned this before without any consequences and I will reiterate it now. Occasionally, I fabricated the report,” she disclosed. “This happened when the coach did not offer any insights during halftime or when it was too late, and I did not want to compromise the quality of my report. Therefore, I decided to invent the details.”
Thompson clarified on Friday that her TV report was based on her own observations and knowledge of the first half of the game, as no commentary was provided by the coach. "For instance, if a team had a 0 for 7 record on 3rd down conversions, it was obvious that they needed to improve in that area during the second half," she stated on her social media account. "Furthermore, I never attributed any of my statements to a specific player or coach in these situations."
Charissa Thompson Anna Webber/Getty Images for On Location
Thompson's appreciation for sideline reporters and their hard work is evident as she expresses her respect and gratitude for working alongside them. Since 2008, Thompson has been a prominent FOX Sports journalist, conducting on-the-field interviews with athletes and coaches. Additionally, she cohosts the "Calm Down" podcast with fellow reporter Erin Andrews, delving into their personal lives and careers.
Thompson claimed on "Pardon My Take" that the majority of NFL coaches would not take offense to her coverage of the game.
"In the first place, it's highly unlikely that any coach would be angry if I were to mention that we need to reduce our self-inflicted errors, improve our performance on third downs, eliminate turnovers... and enhance our ability to get off the field," she jokingly stated. "It's not like they would dispute that."
Thompson confessed during a January 2022 episode of her "Calm Down" podcast that she falsely fabricated accounts while reporting on Detroit Lions games.
"I asked the coach, 'What changes will you be making during halftime?' His response was, 'That fragrance you're wearing is excellent,'" she shared with Andrews, who is currently 45 years old, on their podcast. "Realizing this wouldn't work, I instantly improvised the report."
