An Atlanta Braves sideline reporter is facing backlash after asking for a fan’s phone number during Monday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
During a mid-game segment, reporter Wiley Ballard spoke with two fans, Lauren and Kayla, who were hanging out on the Rogers Centre’s rooftop patio. After a few questions, Braves play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin joked on air that Ballard had “five innings, four innings to get the numbers.”
Ballard relayed the message to the women, telling them that his colleagues were egging him on.
“They want you to get my number?” one asked.
“I’m dead serious,” Ballard replied, adding that his earpiece was lighting up with encouragement from the booth.
He then turned his attention back to Gaudin and color commentator C.J. Nitkowski, explaining the fan didn’t believe him.
“She didn’t believe me because she thinks you guys are — I’m making this up."
Ballard admitted to Gaudin that the tactic might be something to remember.
“Even if you guys weren’t — I might use that in the future. That’s actually a pretty good move.”
Nitkowski jumped in, saying the real brilliance was that Ballard could be completely faking it. Walking around a ballpark with a microphone and an earpiece might be the “new move,” he joked.
“I should’ve thought of this years ago,” Ballard added. As the video shows, he did get Lauren’s number—a move that’s since drawn criticism online.
People commented on how unprofessional this whole incident was.
Also, creepy and gross.
One major ick element was how much pressure there must have been on the woman.
Another thing, folks pointed out, was the setting.
A vocal minority said it wasn't a bad thing and dismissed everyone else saying it was.
The announcer saying he was "setting a standard" did not land as intended.
You wouldn't have the downtime for this sort of interaction at a game that went faster.
The consensus seemed to be "wrong place, wrong time." What do you think?
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