A hot mic incident during a Sacramento Kings media day captured reporters discussing the appearance of players Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine, according to multiple outlets.
Outlets differ on some specifics of what was said. The Los Angeles Times reported reporters called Simmons "cringe" and LaVine "hella fine," while Fox News also reported the phrase "hella fine" was used to describe both players, calling them "annoying but attractive." Breitbart reported female reporters were heard saying it was "lucky he's so fine" in reference to Simmons.
According to the New York Post, LaVine's wife, Hunter, responded to the hot mic moment on social media, though the specifics of her reaction were not detailed.
The event was described by Fox News as occurring during a livestream at Kings NBA media day.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Los Angeles Times reported reporters called Simmons "cringe" and LaVine "hella fine."
“Hot mic catches Sacramento Kings reporters calling Ben Simmons ‘cringe’ and Zach LaVine ‘hella fine’” — Los Angeles Times
Center
- Yahoo Sports reported Kings reporters were caught discussing player attractiveness on a hot mic.
“Kings Reporters Caught Discussing Player Attractiveness on Hot Mic” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Breitbart reported female reporters were heard calling Simmons "lucky he's so fine."
- Fox News described the reporters as calling Simmons and LaVine "annoying but attractive" during a livestream at Kings media day.
- The New York Post reported that LaVine's wife, Hunter, reacted to the moment on social media.
“Reporters caught on hot mic gossiping about how annoying but attractive Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine are” — Fox News
Questions readers ask
What happened with the Sacramento Kings hot mic incident?
A hot mic captured reporters at a Sacramento Kings media event commenting on the physical appearance of players Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine, according to multiple outlets.
What did the reporters say about Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine?
Reports vary: the Los Angeles Times said reporters called Simmons "cringe" and LaVine "hella fine," while Breitbart reported comments calling Simmons "lucky he's so fine," and Fox News described both players as "annoying but attractive."
Did any players or their families respond?
According to the New York Post, Zach LaVine's wife, Hunter, reacted to the hot mic moment on social media, though further details were not provided.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning and center outlets focused on the hot mic moment itself and the specific comments made about Simmons and LaVine, while right-leaning outlets additionally highlighted the reaction from LaVine's wife and framed the reporters' comments as "thirsting" or "swooning."
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- Los Angeles TimesLeft-leaningHot mic catches Sacramento Kings reporters calling Ben Simmons ‘cringe’ and Zach LaVine ‘hella fine’
- Yahoo SportsCenterReporters caught on hot mic discussing Sacramento Kings’ attractiveness, personalities
- BreitbartRight-leaningHot Mic – Female Reporters Heard Swooning over Kings Guard Ben Simmons: ‘Lucky He’s So Fine’
- Fox NewsRight-leaningReporters caught on hot mic gossiping about how annoying but attractive Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine are
- New York PostRight-leaningKings reporters caught thirsting over Ben Simmons, Zach LaVine in wild hot-mic moment: ‘I like lightskins’