Reporters Caught on Hot Mic Criticizing Sacramento Kings Players

Unidentified reporters were caught on a hot mic making critical and unprofessional comments about Sacramento Kings players Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine during the team's media day on Monday. The viral clip features voices, including at least two women and one man, who apparently did not realize they were being broadcast.

One reporter described first-year forward Ben Simmons as "cringe" but acknowledged he is "fine" and a "good-looking dude." Another commented on his smooth skin and lack of tattoos. The same reporter also mentioned Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star, stating he is "cute" but his personality is "fing annoying" and that he "just seems like he's hella like a p*." Another voice agreed, calling him a "f***ing typical UCLA guy."

One woman suggested she would "put Ben above Zach" aesthetically. The slang term "hella," used to describe LaVine, suggests the speaker may be a local reporter familiar with California vernacular.

The players have not publicly responded to the comments, and the identities of the reporters remain unconfirmed. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with hot microphones at press conferences, which can sometimes be connected to live feeds.

This is not the first time media personnel have been caught making off-the-record remarks. A year prior, reporters discussing Toronto Raptors player Scottie Barnes were captured on a hot mic, with one calling another Raptors player "so dumb." More famously, in 2000, then-presidential candidate George W. Bush and vice-presidential candidate Dick Cheney were overheard criticizing a New York Times reporter.

Ben Simmons, who missed the previous NBA season, addressed speculation about his dedication to the game on Monday. "All these people talk about me not loving the game, that's bulls***," Simmons stated. "People just want to get their podcast off. I love the game. That's why I took a year off to focus on myself and get back to where I'm at. Now the old Ben has woken up. I want to dominate every time I step on the floor."

The Sacramento Kings are returning a similar roster from last season. Beyond Simmons, whose rotation spot is uncertain, the team's most significant addition is former Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., drafted this year. Coach Doug Christie led the team to a 22-60 record last season.