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Memphis head basketball coach Penny Hardaway found himself part of an accidental “Mic’d Up” segment with ESPN on Sunday. While being interviewed in-game by the broadcast booth, he completely forgot he was on the air!
In his defense, the timing of that interview was less than ideal as it came during an intense moment in a close contest.
With his 19th-ranked Tigers trailing UAB by a point in the second half, Hardaway put his earpiece in and started the conversation. Shortly thereafter, though, his focus turned back to the game.
Dropping the interview altogether, he reverted back into coach mode, instructing his players to get into position on the floor. A missed defensive assignment led to a Blazers’ three-pointer, which only zoned Hardaway into the action more.
Memphis immediately responded with a three of its own to pull back within one point.
Seeing that they’d lost their interviewee completely, the ESPN broadcast booth just stopped asking questions. Instead of trying rein the head coach back into the chat (which likely would’ve been an unsuccessful effort!), the crew let it ride and continued calling the game!
This went on for over four minutes.
Failed ESPN segment where the crew attempted to interview Penny Hardaway during an intense conference battle on the road. Not a bright idea.
This went on for over four minutes, he likely forgot he was on, announcers just stopped asking questions and/or talking. #AAC pic.twitter.com/Hpj4xdOM4u
— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) January 28, 2024
While the segment failed in terms of providing a back-and-forth interview, it did give viewers an inside look at the sidelines in what was a highly contested American Athletic Conference game.
Memphis would go onto lose the basketball game, 97-88, falling to 4-3 in league play. Penny Hardaway’s bunch is now 15-5 on the year.