ESPN Reporter Apologizes To Jeff Riger -- Sort Of
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) When an ESPN reporter angrily called 97.1 The Ticket's Jeff Riger a "*ouche" during the Derek Jeter press conference at Comerica Park, it turned into the "d-word" heard around the world.
The #JeffisnotaDB hashtag started trending on Twitter, and hundreds of people called out Marly Rivera for inappropriate behavior, and language, at a press event. Detroiters weren't having it, and Rivera was lashed by many, many people for her actions.
She finally responded Wednesday afternoon, and apologized to Riger -- sort of. Then she apologized for her apology, but not really.
Mr. @riger1984 I didn't see the terrible attacks on Twitter until now. I apologize for using that word. (continues)
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) August 27, 2014
.@riger1984 and no one feels more embarrassed about making a mistake like that than me; you behaved poorly, and I made a terrible mistake.
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) August 27, 2014
In the end, I shouldn't add a caveat. So I am sorry for saying that. @riger1984
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) August 27, 2014
She appeared to be mostly upset that she was called out over and over for what many considered the worst moment of the press conference -- When she asked Jeter about breaking his ankle in Detroit (note: that didn't happen.)
@MarlyRiveraESPN Do you want a shovel to dig yourself a deeper hole? #jeffisnotadb
— Mike O'Keefe- 8/19 lincoln lodge in chicago (@themikeokeefe) August 27, 2014
@971theticketxyt The #JeffisnotaDB campaign shows two things. Power of social media, and awesomeness of #detroit sports fans.
— Ameya (@Ameyapil) August 27, 2014
Jeff inexplicably wanted to apologize to her, perhaps for breathing in the same room she occupied, because that's the kind of guy he is. Coworkers were urging him to stay strong.
They'll meet up again tonight at the Tigers game. Until then, Rivera called into the Karsch and Anderson show to, again, sort of apologize, and tell "her side" of the story. Oddly it sounded exactly like Riger's side of the story. Should he apologize for anything? Let us know in comments below.