While ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” enjoyed a historic night, the same can’t be said for sideline reporter Sergio Dipp.
The MNF matchup featured the first time two black rookie coaches met each other in their debuts — Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers and Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos.
The game was also a first for women. Beth Mowins became the first female to call MNF and the first to announce any NFL game since Gayle Sierens in 1987.
Despite all the historical significance, it was little-known Dipp who stole the show — unintentionally.
Dipp, who is an anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter” in Latin America, was making his first appearance on MNF as a sideline reporter. Understandably nervous, Dipp didn’t exactly nail his first report. See for yourself:
As peripheral things often do at big events, Dipp’s awkward moment took on greater significance than the game itself. Twitterverse pounced:
Sergio Dipp on the sidelines talking as if he is being held hostage and being made to make a video announcement. #LACvsDEN
— 🤘🏾tcal_03 🤘🏾 (@tcal_03) September 12, 2017
Me: wow Rex Ryan might be the worst announcer I've ever heard.
— Panzer (@DCDribble) September 12, 2017
Sergio Dipp: hold my beer.
Ken Bone needs to give his red sweater to Sergio Dipp. We have a new king.
— chaps (@UncleChaps) September 12, 2017
@cjzero pic.twitter.com/4dx0SIpMIW
— Tuv(s/z/n) (@Tuvs248) September 12, 2017
Dipp took it in stride, though, with some self-deprecating humor of his own.
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
After having a few hours to reflect on his performance, Dipp went back to his hotel room in Denver and posted a heartfelt video about his night of infamy. Dipp talked about growing up as a minority and related his experience to the two coaches he had just covered. Dipp said he hopes to have another chance. “For sure, I’ll make the most of it,” he said. Let’s hope so.
Thank you...
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
And God bless America.🇺🇸✔️ pic.twitter.com/mYXwBNFB6g
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