ESPN WNBA analyst Monica McNutt has drawn criticism from viewers after appearing live on SportsCenter from a nail salon while receiving a pedicure.
During the segment, co-anchor Michael Eaves questioned McNutt's location, initially suspecting she was on a private jet. McNutt confirmed she was at a nail salon, admitting with a smile, "I just got a lovely pedicure." She explained her remote setup, propping her phone at her chair while getting her toes painted.
The casual broadcast drew negative reactions from some viewers, particularly in light of recent layoffs at ESPN that affected veteran on-air talent. Online comments expressed that the setting undermined her credibility and professionalism.
This incident follows a recent controversy where McNutt addressed comments made by WNBA player Caitlin Clark. Clark had described the intense scrutiny surrounding her career as "emotionally exhausting" and "draining." McNutt responded by suggesting Clark, as a "shining star," had room for "a little bit more accountability and self-awareness in terms of her role in the larger sisterhood" within the WNBA, and questioned Clark's use of the word "fearful."