Every sportsperson is all too aware of the dangers of the early celebration.
And, once again, there was plenty of lessons on show from a recent live report on Florida’s WMBBTV News 13.
Young reporter Anna Hoffman was covering the National Collegiate Athletic Association‘s annual event – known as March Madness in the US – when she attempted to shoot a basketball hoop during her live cross.
As you’ll see below, despite the jubilant celebrations, it was all a bit premature and in vain.
That’s March Madness for you folks… don’t ever celebrate too soon #livetv #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/hYHqoBiFXI
— Anna Hoffman (@AnnaHoffmanTV) March 20, 2021
As these things do, Hoffman’s blunder fast became a social media smash and has now had over five million views on Twitter.
Not that it was Hoffman copping all the roasting, but rather her unnamed, purple shirted companion who, although knowingly, went along with the ruse.
Check out some of the reactions below:
Fellow journalist and colleague Grant Paulsen responded by asking Hoffman: “When did you find out you hadn’t made it?”
Hoffman replied: “Not until I heard the anchor say ‘great job Anna you almost made that shot’ so basically wayyyy after my celebration.”
In another post, Hoffman added: “We knew back in college basketball wasn’t my thing… I guess I still had some hope.”
Worse for Hoffman, rival station WD39 in Houston picked-up the footage and managed to extend her embarrassment by turning it into a news segment of its own.
Fun video to start your week. Check out a reporter at our sister station @WMBBTV who has gone viral, after she celebrated a little too early.
I totally can relate to this @AnnaHoffmanTV!
For more –>https://t.co/CH3lW2sgzn#CW39 #Houston #viralvideo #NCAA #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/QbjNnrnigN
— CW39 Houston Maggie Flecknoe (@maggiesworld) March 22, 2021