Charissa Thompson replies to NFL 'fabricating report' statement after controversy

After coming under fire for admitting that she fabricated reports while working as a sideline reporter, Amazon and Fox Studio host Charissa Thompson has responded to the criticism.

Thompson, in an attempt to explain her stance, took to social media on Friday. On her Instagram handle she wrote, "Ok, let's address the elephant in the room. I have a responsibility to myself and my employers to clarify what is being reported. When on a podcast this week, I said I would make up reports early in my career when I worked as a sideline reporter before I transitioned to my current host role."

"Working in media I understand how important words are and I chose the wrong words to describe the situation. I'm sorry. I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster," she further added.


While clarifying she said that she has nothing but only respect for sideline reporters and the tireless work they put in behind the scenes and on the field. Adding that she was honoured to have worked alongside some of the best in the business whom she calls them as her best friends.

It may be mentioned that Thompson, early this week on the Pardon My Take podcast had admitted, "I’ve said this before. I haven’t been fired for saying it, but I’ll say it again. I would make up the report sometimes, because A) the coach wouldn’t come out at halftime, or it was too late and I didn’t want to screw up the report," Thompson said.
"So I was like, 'I’m just gonna make this up, because first of all, no coach is gonna get mad if I say, ‘Hey, we need to stop hurting ourselves, we need to be better on third down, we need to stop turning the ball over and do a better job of getting off the field.' They’re not gonna correct me on that. So I’m like, it’s fine, I’ll just make up the report," She had said.

Immediately after admitting, Thompson was criticized by other sideline reporters and media. Meanwhile sideline reporter Michele Tafoya termed it a "professional fraud", while NBC's Kathryn Tappen labeling it as "deplorable," and Molly McGrath from ESPN said, "this is not normal or ethical."

FAQs:

Q1. Who is Charissa Thompson?
A1. Charissa Thompson is an American Fox Studio host. She has worked as a reporter in several sports channels including ESPN, SportsNation, Big Ten Network and others.

Q2. What is a sideline reporter?
A2. Sideline reporter is the one who is positioned near the field to see what is happening off the field and interview coaches and players during the game.