On April 14, 2025, during a live broadcast of the Atlanta Braves game, FanDuel Sports Network reporter Wiley Ballard engaged in behavior that many viewers and media professionals have deemed unprofessional and inappropriate. 

Encouraged by his colleagues in the broadcast booth, Ballard asked a female fan for her phone number on-air, turning a routine sideline interview into a personal pursuit. This incident has sparked widespread criticism, highlighting concerns about professionalism and gender double standards in sports journalism.

If a woman had conducted herself similarly, she would likely face severe professional repercussions. The incident underscores ongoing issues of misogyny and unequal treatment within the industry.

Ralph Vacchiano, an NFL writer for Fox Sports, described it as a standard for harassment and blamed all the people involved in the broadcast.

Ben Baby, an ESPN reporter who covers the Cincinnati Bengals, called it a terrible look all the way around: "Feels like there were several moments in which someone could have said this wasn’t a good idea."

We urge the FanDuel Sports Network to conduct a thorough investigation into Wiley Ballard’s on-air conduct and the conduct of his studio colleagues during the April 14 broadcast.

Implement clear guidelines and training to ensure all on-air talent adhere to professional standards, preventing similar incidents in the future.