WATCH: ESPN commentators egregiously mistake Auburn tribute for Rod Bramblett
In a disappointing sequence of events during a promotional read on Saturday on the Auburn game against Tulane, ESPN broadcasters mistakenly took a tribute to a late Auburn broadcaster as an honor for current ESPN broadcaster Rod Gilmore.
Long-time Auburn broadcaster Rod Bramblett was killed in a car wreck alongside his wife in May. In the Tigers’ game against Tulane, several fans wore painted letters with the message “Ride for Rod,” in reference to Bramblett.
Bramblett, a 1988 Auburn graduate, who was the baseball broadcaster since 1993, had been the Tigers’ play-by-play announcer for football and basketball since 2003.
Beloved by Auburn fans, Bramblett was a three-time Alabama Sportscaster of the Year. He’s most remembered for the “Kick Six” play in the 2013 Iron Bowl as he said, “There goes Davis,” on the radio call as Chris Davis’ 109-yard touchdown return helped Auburn win the game and advance to SEC title game.
There have been several tributes to Bramblett since May, including one from ESPN’s “College GameDay.” But ESPN broadcasters Jason Benetti and Rod Gilmore must’ve missed that.
“They’re spelling Rod by the way,” Jason Benetti said. “that’s very nice. It’s for Rod Gilmore. They’re spelling your name. They’ve got a heart for you. I mean that’s just for you.”
Added Gilmore, “Oh, for me? Beautiful.”
Update: The broadcasters apologized after the first commercial break in the second half.
Yiiiikes this is egregious pic.twitter.com/1OCu8MEEsn
— Drunk Aubie (@DrunkAubie) September 8, 2019