Fox Sports studio host Charissa Thompson has backtracked on her admission that she used to make up reports from the sideline.
Thompson clarified her comments with a statement made on her personal Instagram story on Friday.
“I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster,” Thompson wrote. “In the absence of a coach providing any information that could further my report I would use information that I learned and saw during the first half to create my report. For example, if a team was 0-for-7 on 3rd down, that would clearly be an area they need to improve on in the second half. In these instances, I never attributed anything I said to a player or coach.”
Thompson’s admission to making up sideline reports came earlier this week on the Barstool Sports podcast Pardon My Take. Since then, Thompson has come under fire from figures across the sports media landscape. Sideline reporters such as ESPN’s Molly McGrath and Lisa Salters posted their critical thoughts on Thompson’s admission Thursday, and sports fans haven’t been shy about throwing barbs at Thompson on social media.
Thompson addressed the sideline reporting job specifically and those who still work in the role in her apology.
“I have nothing but respect for sideline reporters and for the tireless work they put in behind the scenes and on the field,” Thompson wrote. “I am only appreciative and humbled to work alongside some of the best in the business and call them some of my best friends.”
Fox has not disciplined Thompson for the comments that she made on Pardon My Take. She no longer works as a sideline reporter in any capacity, instead serving in a studio role for the network’s NFL coverage, as well as for Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football streaming package.
