Atlanta Braves broadcast sparks outrage after on-air exchange with female fans
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 16, 2025, 00:34 IST
( Image credit : Reuters )
During an Atlanta Braves broadcast, an on-air exchange involving a sideline interview sparked controversy after a play-by-play announcer made a suggestive comment towards a reporter interviewing two female fans. This prompted immediate backlash from journalists and viewers, who criticized the unprofessional conduct and highlighted the double standards faced by women in sports media.
An on-air interaction during Monday night's Atlanta Braves broadcast has come under fire after a sideline interview turned into a controversial exchange, prompting backlash from journalists and viewers alike.
During the Braves-Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, FanDuel Sports Network reporter Wiley Ballard interviewed two young female fans on the stadium rooftop. What began as a light segment to gauge their interest in the Braves quickly shifted when play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin made an inappropriate suggestion from the booth.
"OK Wiley, you got five innings, four innings to get the numbers," Gaudin said, implying Ballard should collect the women's phone numbers. "Get us some more Braves fans."
Ballard, responding in real time, pulled out his phone and told the fans he was being asked to get their numbers. The moment was punctuated by analyst C.J. Nitkowski adding, "This might be the new move," referring to the exchange as a method to pick up women.
The moment sparked swift condemnation online, especially among sports journalists and broadcasters.
Ralph Vacchiano, NFL writer for Fox Sports, criticized not only the on-air talent but also the production crew.
Ben Baby, an ESPN reporter covering the Cincinnati Bengals, added:
The segment also reignited discussions around gender dynamics in sports media. Many women journalists pointed out the double standard that exists in the industry.
Arizona Cardinals reporter Dani Sureck added:
White House correspondent Seung Min Kim simply wrote, “this is gross.”
As of Tuesday night, Ballard had not publicly responded to the criticism. Requests for comment from Gaudin and representatives of the Atlanta Braves have also gone unanswered.
The FanDuel Sports Network, which aired the game, has not issued a statement either, leaving many viewers calling for accountability.
The controversy comes at a time when sports broadcasters are under increasing pressure to create respectful and inclusive environments. Critics say this incident is a clear example of how professionalism can falter when boundaries between entertainment and workplace behavior are not maintained.
While in-game interviews and banter are standard fare in sports broadcasting, industry professionals argue there’s a line between being engaging and being inappropriate—especially when it comes to on-air conduct that involves fans or reinforces harmful stereotypes.
As calls for transparency and apology mount, the Braves’ broadcast team may now face internal and public reckoning—not just for an isolated misstep, but for what it represents in the evolving culture of sports media.
The incident: suggestive banter draws criticism
"OK Wiley, you got five innings, four innings to get the numbers," Gaudin said, implying Ballard should collect the women's phone numbers. "Get us some more Braves fans."
Ballard, responding in real time, pulled out his phone and told the fans he was being asked to get their numbers. The moment was punctuated by analyst C.J. Nitkowski adding, "This might be the new move," referring to the exchange as a method to pick up women.
Industry reaction: 'an unprofessional disgrace'
Ralph Vacchiano, NFL writer for Fox Sports, criticized not only the on-air talent but also the production crew.
Ben Baby, an ESPN reporter covering the Cincinnati Bengals, added:
Women in sports media call out double standards
Arizona Cardinals reporter Dani Sureck added:
White House correspondent Seung Min Kim simply wrote, “this is gross.”
No comment from Ballard, braves, or broadcasters
The FanDuel Sports Network, which aired the game, has not issued a statement either, leaving many viewers calling for accountability.
Larger implications: sports media culture under scrutiny
While in-game interviews and banter are standard fare in sports broadcasting, industry professionals argue there’s a line between being engaging and being inappropriate—especially when it comes to on-air conduct that involves fans or reinforces harmful stereotypes.
As calls for transparency and apology mount, the Braves’ broadcast team may now face internal and public reckoning—not just for an isolated misstep, but for what it represents in the evolving culture of sports media.