Viewers weren't happy with ESPN's decision to show an unusual incident that took place during the Duke-NC State men's basketball game on Monday night.
When certain situations happen in a sporting event, a network can make the decision whether or not to show footage of the actions. Sometimes that means cutting away from an unruly fan making their way onto the field, or going to commercial when a gruesome injury occurs.
That didn't happen with ESPN during the matchup between the Blue Devils and the Wolf Pack. The network is receiving criticism after showing an unconscious Duke student being carried out of the stands at Cameron Indoor Stadium. It was one in a slew of abnormal incidents that occurred during the game, including Duke center Khaman Maluach puking on the court.
Here's more to know on the matter.
MORE: Vanderbilt approaching $1 million in fines for court and field storming incidents
Viewers call out ESPN for showing unconscious Duke student
A scary situation occurred at Cameron Indoor Stadium Monday night, as a student appeared to fall unconscious in the stands and had to be escorted out by staff members. With 3:30 remaining in regulation, the game was paused as security guards were brought out to attend to the student.
"It looks like a young lady has passed out here. They are taking her away," ESPN play-by-play announcer Dave O'Brien said on the broadcast.
Scary scene at Duke as a student appears to have fallen unconscious and is carried out of the stands. pic.twitter.com/zorOptyLzv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 28, 2025
Instead of cutting to commercial, showing the players on the court, or giving a glimpse at other sections in the stands, the camera stayed fixated on the student who had passed out. She had to be picked up and carried away before the matchup could resume.
ESPN's Myron Medcalf reported after the game that the student was "doing OK" and left the stadium "on her own after receiving medical attention."
For those concerned about the student who appeared to pass out during the NC State-Duke game, I’m told by a school spokesperson that she’s doing OK and she walked out of the arena on her own after receiving medical attention.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) January 28, 2025
MORE: Sporting News midseason college basketball All-America team
There were plenty that took to social media to criticize the decision by ESPN, in addition to some that condemned the staff at the stadium for carrying out the individual in the matter that they did.
They shouldn’t be showing that on tv..
— Duke Fan Dot (@cdotgunter) January 28, 2025
Way to go ESPN showing a close up shot of a Duke fan completely passed out being CARRIED OUT OF THE GYM
— Sam (@Sam4Vols) January 28, 2025
What are they thinking?!
Still can't believe they showed the fan that passed out in the Duke student section on television.
— Patrick (@PatrickR0720) January 28, 2025
Do better.
Come on ESPN... There was NO need to show them carrying a girl that passed out during the broadcast of this Duke/NC State game.. Cut to commercial or something... Showing the entire thing is so poor..
— Nick (@iCuhRupt) January 28, 2025
Here is the girl being taken out. I mean what the heck? At Duke o all places. A passed out fan and you don’t give her immediate attention and then haul her out like this? Crazy. https://t.co/o0hWkdivrF
— Gary Eubanks (@GolfingGamecock) January 28, 2025
I can't believe how the girl who passed out at the Duke game was handled by staff. That felt like they were more concerned about getting her off the court so the game could continue than worrying about her condition.
— Anthony Wireman (@awireman) January 28, 2025
ESPN has not commented on the matter.
MORE: College basketball midseason catch-up