Viral female reporter slammed by fans for her ‘inappropriate behavior’ during Florida’s March Madness celebrations

By DANIEL MATTHEWS

ESPN reporter Talia Baia has come under fire for her reaction to the Gators’ national championship victory.

Baia, a University of Florida student who also works for ESPN Gainesville, went viral during March Madness following a post game interview with Bennett Andersen. 

Fans accused the Gators star of looking smitten during their conversation after Florida’s Sweet 16 victory over the Maryland Terrapins.

On Monday night, Andersen helped the Gators secure the national championship with a dramatic victory over Houston in San Antonio.

Baia was sitting courtside for the game and as the celebrations unfolded, she and Andersen reunited for a selfie. ‘Congratulations @BennettAnd11… what a run!!’ she wrote. 

The reporter also posted a video of the final moments of the final, showing her own reaction to the Gators’ win.

ESPN’s Talia Baia has come under fire for her reaction to Florida’s national championship win

Gators star Bennett Andersen’s love-struck interview with Baia was seen by millions on X

“No cheering in the press box” but level 1,000,000 difficulty because the team you’ve been covering all year just won the natty pic.twitter.com/MBPbfL1Trx

— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) April 8, 2025

In the clip, Baia could be seen covering her mouth with her hands and then gasping after victory was secured. 

‘”No cheering in the press box” but level 1,000,000 difficulty because the team you’ve been covering all year just won the natty,’ she wrote alongside the video.

But some basketball fans took issue with Baia’s coverage, accusing her of being more of a supporter than a reporter.

‘This is not a good look, u have MEDIA credentials to cover a game, not cheer for your team,’ one wrote.

‘How could you possibly make this about yourself,’ added another, while a third said: ‘Either you’re a serious journalist or you’re a fan – cannot be both. Clearly you’re a fan.’

Baia’s selfie with Andersen also earned her some criticism. ‘Are you dating him or covering him?’ one fan asked. ‘(You) may not want to look so buddy buddy w/people you are supposed to cover.’

But others leapt to her defense, insisting: ‘She did absolutely nothing wrong.’ 

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Viral female reporter slammed by fans for her ‘inappropriate behavior’ during Florida’s March Madness celebrations

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