Scott Van Pelt, the esteemed host of ESPN’s SportsCenter, nearly faced a significant blunder as the New Year rang in, but he managed to navigate the situation with surprising agility. Van Pelt, who has been at the helm of the late-night SportsCenter since 2015, found himself in a precarious position as the clock ticked past midnight on New Year’s Eve.
While accommodating coverage from ABC, ESPN’s parent company, for the iconic Times Square ball drop, Van Pelt initially appeared unfazed as he commented on the festivities. However, the celebration veered into unexpected territory when the broadcast captured a moment between two men kissing, leading to an instinctive reaction from the experienced anchor.
In a quick but comical pivot, he acknowledged the on-screen moment with a light-hearted, “Oh… what are we, what do we got? We’ve got love in the air. We’ve got makeouts. Who’s having a good time? Happy New Year everybody!” His recovery provided viewers with comedic relief, and those watching live noted how close he had come to stepping into potentially controversial territory.
Social media quickly lit up with users commenting on his near-miss, with many highlighting the split-second decision that saved the situation from becoming a major uproar. Comments flowed in with sentiments like, “He was about to say ‘What are we DOING?!’ but caught himself,” showcasing how his response resonated with audiences.
While this moment could have easily spiraled into a cancellation narrative, it ultimately showcased Van Pelt’s quick thinking and adaptability, reinforcing his reputation as a seasoned sports broadcaster capable of handling unexpected moments. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance hosts maintain when on live television, especially during events filled with diverse expressions of joy and celebration.