Charissa Thompson clears the air in statement after backlash to NFL sideline report admission

Fox Sports host Charissa Thompson caused a bit of a stir earlier this week when she revealed on the Pardon My Take podcast that she “would make up the report sometimes” as a sideline reporter.

Thompson received plenty of backlash for those comments on Thursday.

Friday morning, she took to Instagram to explain her comments in a statement.

“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.

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 third 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.

I have nothing but respect for sideline reporters and for the tireless work they put in behind the scenes and on the field. I am only appreciative and humbled to work alongside some of the best in the business and call them some of my best friends.”