SEC Network Announcer Criticized for Insensitive Comment About Kentucky Player
Kentucky’s win over Eastern Kentucky earned attention for a reason other than the on-field action Saturday after an SEC Network announcer used a poor choice of words while discussing Wildcats running back Ray Davis.
The moment occurred midway through the fourth quarter after Davis, a once-coveted senior transfer from Vanderbilt, scored a 24-yard receiving touchdown to put Kentucky ahead by a deciding 28-17 margin. With the camera set on Davis after the score, SECN play-by-play commentator Peter Sousa began overviewing the tailback’s stats before suddenly referencing his difficult upbringing.
Said Sousa, “Nine months ago, when he jumped in the portal, everybody wanted him. Eleven years ago, as a foster kid, really nobody wanted him. And, now, here he is. Found some love, found football, and he has had an amazing journey.”
This was an INSANE thing to say in the broadcast:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 10, 2023
"9 months ago when he jumped in the portal, everybody wanted him."
"11 years ago, as a foster kid, really nobody wanted him."
What??
(???? @TSV__1)pic.twitter.com/08CHuP8Lp2
Sousa’s unfortunate comment made reference to Davis’s inspiring road to becoming a college athlete, which saw the 23-year-old bounce in and out of the foster care system from ages 8 to 15 and spend two months in a homeless shelter when he was 12.
As a clip of the remark made the rounds online, Sousa, who posted about his support for Davis and his story prior to kickoff, drew ire from observers who didn’t take kindly to his .
As of Saturday night, Sousa has not issued any comments about his call or the reactions.
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) September 10, 2023
@SECNetwork where did you find this guy
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) September 10, 2023
ain’t no way.. https://t.co/Wu2kT9CFHj
— Margaux Gill (@margauxgill) September 10, 2023
As someone well versed in the taste of his own shoe leather....damn, dude... https://t.co/5NWQMjQYER
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) September 9, 2023
Regardless of intent or how funny he thought that line would play, as a former foster kid, there is nothing funny about this. Making a joke about no one wanting a kid is scum of the earth material. Also, an example of why players don’t like sharing their stories with media. https://t.co/0BLBwccXwr
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) September 10, 2023
Watching the game live, and as a foster parent myself, this was CRINGE and horrible.
— John Mark Lawrence (@johnmark276) September 9, 2023
What were they thinking???? https://t.co/QNm56DBGCi
— Renee Larson (@iamreneejai) September 10, 2023