ESPN has apologized for an audio error on the network’s College GameDay that made it seem as if people were laughing at a discussion of sexual assault. “We experienced a regrettable technical error at a most unfortunate time – during the discussion of a very sensitive subject matter,” said a network spokesperson. “We offer our deepest apologies that the extraneous audio made air during this segment.”
The GameDay panel was discussing an interview with Art Briles, the former Baylor head coach forced out after a sexual assault scandal at the university. What appeared to be an open mic from another source fed additional voice–and laughter–in the background of the serious conversation.
Awkward minute on College Gameday with live mic catching laughing during serious discussion on Briles … Bad audio issues for ESPN.
Advertisement— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 10, 2016
ESPN should be better than what just happened on College Football Gameday. If audio engineers were among staff cuts, they should be rehired.
— Kent Sterling (@KentSterling) September 10, 2016
The segment ended with an on-air apology as well, as the audio issues remained unresolved throughout the conversation.