ESPN crew rolls wrong tape, altering Doris Burke’s credibility

I feel bad for ESPN sideline reporter Doris Burke. On Saturday, the crew in the production truck cued the wrong hit which aired in the pre-game of game three, Dallas at Oklahoma City.

Oh no! This is a broadcasters nightmare.

Those in television production know that multiple takes are recorded for most on-air hits before and after the game.

Even the main crew, in this case Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, tape their open before coming on air. This is done for a variety of reasons.

The number one factor is to make sure it is a clean, errorless hit from both a broadcasting and production perspective. Often times, graphics will be wrong and video is ran at the wrong time. Doing practice runs help eliminate these problems.

Additionally, networks are held to a specific schedule and they must stick to it. Taping the open ensures the elements are correct and it fits the time frame.

And finally, the open usually airs while team introductions are going on. These opens need appropriate light while the broadcasters are on camera and they show video of players warming up. Neither would be possible while introductions are going on.

Because I have been around ESPN, Big Ten Network and local productions, I truly feel bad for Doris Burke. She is a true professional that didn’t get to this level because of her looks. Burke demonstrates a clear knowledge and passion for the game. She is the top WNBA analyst and the top NBA sideline reporter.

Unfortunately, some guy in the truck ran the wrong hit, altering the image of Burke. The top two video returns when searching “Doris Burke” at YouTube bring up this bad memory…and it will last for a while. Watch below: