Scott Van Pelt Apologizes for Rondale Moore Mistake on SportsCenter
Recently, Scott Van Pelt addressed a significant error that occurred during the late-night edition of SportsCenter. The segment mistakenly featured an image of Minnesota Vikings player Myles Price instead of the late Rondale Moore. This unfortunate incident happened while reporting on Moore’s tragic passing.
Details of the Incident
The mistake made during the broadcast was quickly rectified in subsequent re-airings of SportsCenter. On-air anchor David Lloyd offered an apology to viewers soon after the error was identified. Moore, who passed away at the age of 25, was known for his impressive career with Purdue University and the Arizona Cardinals.
Apology from Scott Van Pelt
In response to the mistake, Scott Van Pelt took the initiative to issue an apology during a segment on the SVPod. He expressed remorse not only to the Moore family but also to Myles Price. Van Pelt emphasized the collaborative nature of SportsCenter, stating, “It’s not my show, it’s our show.”
Van Pelt acknowledged his responsibility, stating, “I’ll put my hand up and say, ‘I’m the one who wants to say about that mistake that it can’t happen.’” He noted how much the incident troubled him, stressing the severity of such errors, particularly in sensitive situations.
Analysis of the Error
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk later reported that the mix-up could be attributed to common labeling issues on photo syndication platforms. He also mentioned that he almost made the same mistake in an article discussing Moore’s death.
Moving Forward
Despite the error being fixed, Van Pelt maintained that the focus should not be on how it happened but rather on acknowledging its impact. He emphasized that the mistake “truly, truly bothered” him, highlighting the need for careful attention in broadcasting.
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility media professionals have, particularly when discussing sensitive topics such as the passing of young athletes. The SportsCenter team will likely implement measures to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
