Wiley Ballard, the Braves sideline reporter, sparked controversy on Monday night during the Braves’ game against the Blue Jays.
The incident unfolded when Ballard, working for FanDuel Sports Network, engaged with two young women, Lauren and Kayla, during a segment at the Rogers Centre’s Corona Rooftop.
While chatting with the women about their support for the Braves and their visits to the rooftop lounge, Ballard ended up getting Lauren’s phone number live on air, an action that quickly drew attention and backlash.
The Back-and-Forth with Colleagues
The segment, initially lighthearted, took an unexpected turn when Ballard, after some casual conversation, mentioned that he was “gonna go to work here,” which made his colleagues laugh.
Play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin encouraged Ballard further, jokingly saying, “You’ve got four innings to get the numbers.” Ballard’s response, “I’m on it,” set the stage for what would become a viral moment.
Color commentator C.J. Nitkowski also chimed in, saying, “Get us some more Braves fans,” which led to the uncomfortable exchange.
The Phone Number Exchange
As the interaction progressed, Ballard pulled out his phone and asked Lauren for her number, saying it was part of the task his colleagues had given him.
Lauren, though initially surprised, responded by giving him her number.
The moment was caught on air, and Ballard later joked that he might use the tactic in the future.
His comment, “I should have thought of this years ago,” added to the awkwardness, though it was met with laughter from Lauren.
Outrage on Social Media
While some fans viewed the moment as playful and humorous, many women in sports media were outraged. CBS MLB editor Katie Feldman took to X to express her disbelief, calling it “one of the most insanely inappropriate things I’ve ever seen.”
Laura Albanese from Newsday added that if a woman had done something similar, her career would have been over.
Rachel Hopmayer, a CBS Detroit sports anchor, condemned the incident, stating that men often get away with such behavior in sports media, whereas women would face severe consequences.
Wider Backlash and Support for Ballard
The backlash wasn’t just from women. Sports broadcaster Jett Beachum labeled the situation “wildly unprofessional,” while Dallas Morning News writer Evan Grant pointed out the gender double standards, stating that if a female reporter had done this, she would likely be labeled and “run out of town.”
Many felt the incident highlighted inherent issues of sexism in sports media.
Ballard’s Reaction and the Aftermath
Despite the criticism, Ballard seemed unfazed. He posted a meme from the movie Good Will Hunting referencing his actions, where Matt Damon’s character taunts a rival by saying, “Do you like apples?
Well, I got her number, how do you like them apples?” The post quickly gained traction, with over 3,700 likes.
Some fans found the moment funny, with one calling it “hysterical” and another joking that it deserved an Emmy.
The Braves Win, But the Controversy Lingers
In the game itself, the Braves triumphed over the Blue Jays, winning 8-4.
However, the spotlight on Ballard’s actions overshadowed the victory, and the controversy surrounding the incident continues to stir debate about professionalism and respect in sports media.