ESPN host Monica McNutt makes explosive live TV mistake mixing up Barry Sanders jersey with Shedeur Sanders on First Take | NFL News
ESPN anchor Monica McNutt erred rather clearly while live on the program on Friday, August 15, 2025. First take on Co-host Stephen A. Smith and McNutt greeted comedic actor Druski to the set. Druski walked in wearing a blue jersey of Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders. But Monica McNutt, who normally covers basketball, confidently told him the jersey was connected to Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The live mix-up quickly became awkward and caught the attention of sports fans everywhere.
Monica McNutt confuses Barry Sanders with Shedeur Sanders during First Take
The awkward moment happened live on ESPN when Monica McNutt said to Druski, “The jersey. Let’s get into it because this obviously ties to one Shedeur Sanders.” Druski politely corrected her, replying, “No, no, no. This is Barry Sanders.”The fault of the announcers was clear to any viewer, as Barry Sanders was a member of the Detroit Lions, and he is often regarded as among the top running backs in NFL history. The colors of his team were blue and white, whereas the orange, brown, and white of Cleveland constitute the colors of Browns jerseys. Monica McNutt issued an on-air apology, but the clip was published online and spread quickly.Stephen A. Smith seemed aware of the error, staying composed as the exchange unfolded. On Saturday, August 16, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy shared his reaction on X, writing: “This is next level stupid here.” Fans quickly joined the conversation, with many calling the incident one of the most awkward live TV moments of the week.Also Read: “Largely Because Of Taylor Swift”: Clark Hunt Recalls Rare Moment Travis Kelce’s Girlfriend Refused VIP Treatment
Monica McNutt faces past criticism over Caitlin Clark comments
Monica McNutt has come under public attack before now. McNutt discussed WNBA star Caitlin Clark and why he thought she had gotten so much notice in an interview with BBC host Katty Kay in March 2024.McNutt suggested that Caitlin Clark’s race and Midwestern roots played a big role in her popularity. She said, “Caitlin represented, and again, some of this to me probably is not fair to her… she was a white girl from the middle of America. And so she represented a whole lot to a lot of people, whether that is truly what she prescribed to or not.”Her remarks caused backlash. Sports writer Bobby Burack, from Fox-owned Outkick.com, called McNutt a “fool” and questioned whether she was deliberately stirring racial debates or simply unaware. Opinions on Caitlin Clark’s celebrity keep dividing the country from liberal and conservative viewpoints. Monica McNutt’s recent misidentification of Shedeur Sanders with Barry Sanders has thrust her once again into the public eye, demonstrating how rapidly live television events may go viral and draw national interest.
