Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore recently sent shockwaves across the NFL after it was confirmed he had died. The player most likely committed suicide due to mental health issues which could have been due to the misfortunes in his career.
Many across the NFL are paying their tributes for the fallen star. However, a new controversy has stemmed from this issue with many fans angry at the disrespect to a dead player.
ESPN blunders during Rondale Moore tribute segment
Moore is said to have died at the young age of 25 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by New Albany Police Department investigators. They are conducting an investigation with an autopsy scheduled, but it looks like a suicide until now with no other facts emerging.
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The player was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and had a promising career. However, he was constantly injured missing the last two seasons due to sustaining serious injuries. He recorded 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns during his time with the Cardinals, and never got to play for the Atlanta Falcons where he traded to in 2024, and the Minnesota Vikings where he joined as a free agent before last season.
Just hours after his passing, ESPN’s SportsCenter was reporting on his death. Host Scott Van Pelt aired the tribute segment, but instead of Moore’s pictures, they displayed photos of Vikings teammate and wide receiver Myles Price instead. Price also wears the same #4 for the Vikings, which could be why they made the mistake.
Fans instantly noticed the mistake and criticized the network for such a disrespectful blunder. A lot of them slammed ESPN on social media platforms, and asked them to apologize.
Fans show no mercy to ESPN for Rondale Moore tribute blunder
Many NFL fans came to social media to voice their anger at ESPN for such a disrespectful mistake.
One user wrote, “ESPN couldn’t even get the right photo for a dead man’s tribute segment. Rondale Moore deserved better than being misidentified on national television hours after his death. Absolutely disgraceful editorial failure from a billion dollar network.”
A second user said, “The disrespect is real. This is what happens when you rush trying to push a news and fail epically.”
A third user commented, “Tragic loss at 25, and then this careless visual error compounds the disrespect. ESPN (and others) owe better research in moments like these. Thoughts with Moore’s loved ones.”
Another added, “What else do you expect from ESPN?? LMAO. Have you read any other articles or fact checked any reporting? The website and its “journalists” are full of errors. It’s incredible to see how far “the worldwide leader in sports” has fallen.”
A fifth remarked, “The very least you can do is get a correct photo. ESPN is truly a scourge”.
A sixth user replied, “Man killed himself over a game so they could remember his name, and espn doesn’t even get his picture right. So sad. RIP legend. Miss you plying for the cards.”
Rondale Moore’s death has the NFL community in tears, and ESPN’s mistake has only made it worse.