Veteran sportscaster Al Michaels, working alongside Kirk Herbstreit during a preseason football broadcast, made a comment that many interpreted as a jab at former President Donald Trump's remarks about Lake Erie. Michaels quipped about the lake's name potentially changing by the time they reached Buffalo, suggesting viewers "Read the news."
The comment, made during a broadcast where Michaels and Herbstreit were calling a game, drew immediate attention on social media. While some viewers applauded Michaels for the apparent dig at Trump, others criticized him, pointing to Michaels' past political donations to the Republican party.
This incident occurred as NASCAR prepares for a weekend of racing at Daytona International Speedway. The event is expected to draw crowds and significant attention, with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain's girlfriend, Jordyn Mallory, participating in a promotional ride-along.
In other sports news, the opening weekend of FCS football saw a slate of 22 games, prompting questions about the utility of the ESPNU channel when few games were broadcast on it. Additionally, umpire Laz Diaz had an accidental moment that drew attention from fans in Atlanta during a baseball game.
Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Peter, also continued to be a prominent presence in media, a recurring element that some commentators find excessive.