Maria Taylor, the ESPN sideline reporter who interviewed Kentucky coach John Calipari at halftime Tuesday night, posted a video on Twitter on Wednesday to talk about what some described as an awkward interview.
The exchange generated some reactions on Twitter and began generating stories on the internet on Wednesday. Some noted in light of the increased awareness of sexual harassment in recent months that Calipari's contact seemed unnecessary and inappropriate.
Taylor, who has been an ESPN and SEC Network analyst, host and sideline reporter since 2014, said in her video that she felt she had to explain the situation after a number of outlets had written about it.
"Hey, everyone," Taylor began. "So, I see that this whole Coach Cal grabbing my arm thing is taking off on the internet, but I just wanted to address it and say that I've known him since 2012. I love interviewing him. I love his passion. I love his passion for the game. I love the way that he coaches his teams. And I was not offended at all by him grabbing my arm. It was not an awkward moment.
"We laughed about it and went on about our business. So, I hope you can, too. But if you can't and you're writing a story I am not 'the ESPN reporter.' My name is Maria Taylor. Let's go ahead and get it straight."
"Hey, everyone," Taylor began. "So, I see that this whole Coach Cal grabbing my arm thing is taking off on the internet, but I just wanted to address it and say that I've known him since 2012. I love interviewing him. I love his passion. I love his passion for the game. I love the way that he coaches his teams. And I was not offended at all by him grabbing my arm. It was not an awkward moment.
"We laughed about it and went on about our business. So, I hope you can, too. But if you can't and you're writing a story I am not 'the ESPN reporter.' My name is Maria Taylor. Let's go ahead and get it straight."
