How Did TNT’s Controversial Blunder Unfold on Live TV? A Series of Confusing Events Involving Millionaire Doc Rivers, CNN and NBA Legends

It was a pretty wild night for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently without a head coach. But there was more drama in TNT’s Studio J where the NBA on TNT team attempted to share an update before it had even happened. After the Bucks sacked Adrian Griffin, reports emerged of them being in talks with Doc Rivers for the coaching position.

While the deal has not been finalized yet, Adam Lefkoe accidentally broke an unconfirmed report after last night’s Lakers –  Clippers game. With Shaquille O’Neal, Candace Parker and Jamal Crawford in attendance, Lefkoe began, “Are we ready for breaking news?“

“We have news coming in from CNN.” This prompted Crawford to ask, “From CNN?” After all, the network is known more for its political coverage than sports. Nonetheless, Lefkoe continued, “A report from CNN Sports that Doc Rivers has accepted the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching position.” Shaq, who played for Rivers with the 2011 Celtics excitedly sang – “He’s back!”

Even before the other candidates were revealed, NBA on TNT decided to break the news that the Bucks hired Doc Rivers as their head coach. Unfortunately, their excitement would be for nothing. Adam Lefkoe shared that the information was from CNN but there was no information yet on CNN’s website about Rivers. So, what really happened?

Front Office Sports’ AJ Perez shared a scoop later. He revealed that Lefkoe’s claim was indeed true. CNN had vetted the report that was shared with the TNT team. But it was likely that CNN would cover the story after their coverage of the GOP primary in New Hampshire. Rightly enough, a few hours later, CNN also broke the news that Doc Rivers had accepted the position.

Doc Rivers joined broadcasting after his exit from coaching. It has been nearly eight months at ESPN and it is highly like that he will take over as the head coach in Milwaukee. The lack of defense has lost the Bucks a lot of games this season. Although they are up the table with an impressive 30-13 record, the front office did not want to risk another post-season. Rivers will be a perfect candidate, considering his defensive brilliance. However, his signing remains unconfirmed.

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Interestingly, a few hours after the above tweet, TNT’s in-house news breaker shared a new update stating, “Doc Rivers continues to work towards a deal.”

NBA on TNT’s famous insider refutes claim made by his own network

Chris Haynes has been a part of TNT for more than four years. He is one of the most trustable sources in the league and a famous insider as well. TNT’s breaking news is almost always from Haynes. However, this time, the live update from Adam Lefkoe might have missed the mark. To set things straight, Haynes confirmed that there is no actual deal yet and that Rivers is still in talks. 

Haynes tweeted, “Milwaukee Bucks and Doc Rivers continue to work towards a deal that will make him the franchise’s next head coach, but there is no agreement in place as of now, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.” 

Well, we don’t know yet what this blunder has cost TNT. As of now, there is no official statement from the network and no confirmation on Doc Rivers’ coaching future. What are your thoughts on the above ‘breaking news’ from TNT? Share your take in the comments below. 

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