Sportscaster Erin Andrews faced criticism from fans and media members alike for explaining on her “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa” podcast that her profession means she misses most holidays with her family because of work.
“This is what one of my first professors said, ‘If you don’t want to make $40,000 in your first job, get out,” recalled Andrews, 47, in a clip shared via the podcast’s X account on Tuesday, November 25. “If you don’t want to be told you need a nose job, get out. If you don’t want to be divorced, get out. If you don’t want to work holidays, get out.”
She continued, “And I don’t say it like that, but I say you got to love what you do because I miss all holidays. I didn’t get married until I was in my 40s. Not that that is going to be your route, but I live out of a suitcase. I miss a lot of stuff. I missed a lot of weddings. I miss a lot of events. You have to love it to get you through the fact, ‘I’m not gonna be home for Thanksgiving next week’ or ‘Christmas is cut short.’”
Those who only heard or saw the end of Andrews’ explanation missed important context. Andrews was answering a question sent in by a follower asking about her job — she wasn’t using her platform to complain about not being home for Thanksgiving.
Erin Andrews has reached the peak of the broadcasting summit over the course of her illustrious career, but even she knows there’s no way to please everybody. “Everyone at home will say, ‘Oh, her voice sucks. That report was stupid,’” Andrews, 47, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her partnership with the Glade® Pumpkin Debate. […]
“That’s literally what they pay you for,” former ESPN personality Trey Wingo wrote via X.
“It sure is Trey,” Andrews replied. “And I’m sure you went back and saw that I wasn’t complaining about working. I’m sure you saw it was a segment where we answer questions from people.”
Andrews continued, “Young woman asking abt being a sideline reporter. What to know about it. What you miss. My whole point its not just abt wanting to be on camera and hanging with athletes. You have to work and love it. And deal with overreactions to click bait.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine was also critical. Though Laine was careful to note she was not singling out Andrews, she urged readers to maintain perspective.
Charissa Thompson has clarified the “elephant in the room” regarding her comments about embellishing NFL sideline reports. “I have a responsibility to myself and my employers to clarify what is being reported,” Thompson, 41, wrote in an Instagram Story statement on Friday, November 17. “When on a podcast this week, I said I would make […]
“I appreciate what she’s trying to say, but let’s consider the folks working 2-3 jobs in retail, in warehouses and in the service industry right now, just trying to make ends meet,” she wrote via X. “They’re not getting time with their families either. This would be a dream for them. Some people have lost jobs and are living out of their cars as we speak, or they don’t know how they’re going to keep the lights on or put food on the table. Their kids won’t get anything for Christmas. I mean, we actually get FED on the job. I appreciate her hustle and that of my peers. But let’s have some perspective.”
Andrews responded, “Hey Jenna. Go back and watch the clip. The question was geared toward being a sideline reporter and what it takes to do the job. “What you miss and what you don’t. I was answering the question. It’s part of a segment we do where people write in. I wasn’t complaining I was talking about what it the job consists of. Not just about wearing sequin tops and hoping to get on camera! You know what I mean!”
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NFL reporter Albert Breer chimed in, adding that because games are usually played at night, reporters need to work when others are usually at home.
“If you think you can do it 9-5, you’ll never make it,” he wrote via X.
Andrews replied, “And we love it so much bc it’s the best job in the world!!!.
