CBS Miami sports reporter Samantha Rivera became a viral internet sensation after literally letting nothing—and no one—come between her and her job.
Rivera was delivering a post-game recap of the NHL Stanley Cup finals Game 2 between the Las Vegas Knights and the Florida Panthers when a more-than-enthusiastic attendee tried to get in on the live broadcast.
Without missing a beat, breaking eye contact or even dulling her smile, Rivera straight up stiff-armed the intrusive fan.
Perfectly timed, the no-nonsense reporter was commenting on the celebrating Vegas fans after their Knights won the game 7-2.
Rivera quipped:
"That's the kind of fan you don't want to be."
You can watch the interaction below.
\u201cTalking about Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, stiff-arming a fan trying to get on camera and getting into the highlights. \n\nQuite the display of multitasking by Samantha Rivera of CBS Miami\u201d— Awful Announcing (@Awful Announcing) 1686025022
Rivera herself even posted the incident to her Twitter, noting:
“Listen, I don’t give a damn what team you’re rooting for—get the hell out of my face when I’m working and respect that I’m here to do my job.”
She added:
“Excited to get back home to some classy #Panthers fans for game 3!!”
\u201cListen, I don\u2019t give a damn what team you\u2019re rooting for - get the hell out of my face when I\u2019m working and respect that I\u2019m here to do my job. \n\nExcited to get back home to some classy #Panthers fans for game 3!!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
Viewers of the clip were impressed with the way Rivera handled the situation.
Many commented on her technique.
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera after comparing this with @ClayWPLG\u2019s from Game 1, the trophy goes to\u2026\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Great job standing your ground. The fact they didn\u2019t have security with you is crazy but turns out you don\u2019t need it lol.\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera That was one of the best professionals that didn't break and you kept him from interfering in your broadcast fully. What a stiff arm. That is the best I have ever seen in years. You rock\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Not all heroes wear capes \ud83e\udd7a\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Your CBS Myrtle Beach colleagues are high fiving you right now! It's never an easy job, and yet, you kept your cool with that moment. Hope you are doing well after!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@adamrank @JSamanthaRivera She literally handled it. Pushed that man off like a DB trying to tackle Derrick Henry.\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Look at the way she plants her hand and drives through. That's a practiced stiff arm. She didn't give dude an inch. 10/10\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera I think the panthers have found their new defenceman! Haha\n\nNice stiff arm!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera I see you girl \ud83d\udcaa\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera You just cemented yourself as one of my favorite reporters lol way to handle the situation!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Samantha said\u2026. \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Great stiff arm \ud83d\udcaa and keeping your composure!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
\u201c@JSamanthaRivera Absolutely awesome. Held your ground and stayed professional throughout. Well done!\u201d— Samantha Rivera (@Samantha Rivera) 1686023121
With Las Vegas leading the series 2-0 against the Panthers, there are at least two games left for the pursuit of the best of seven.
Fans, you have been warned.
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